What's all this about?
Remember last year's Geneva Motor Show? There was a rather meaty-looking Infiniti Q60 on display there, which used an energy recovery system (ERS) to deliver up to 506hp. A Japanese BMW M4, if you will. Well, it was called the Project Black S. And now it's back, new and improved for the Paris Motor Show 2018.
And what has changed in the last 18 months or so?
The Project Black S is still a development prototype, but it now uses the dual-hybrid powertrain technology that has been cooked up by Renault Sport's Formula One team. Infiniti says the 2018 version of its ultimate Q60 now has less weight, a motorsport-inspired interior, an 'aero-effective and purposeful bodywork update' and significant powertrain advancements. Speaking of which, under the bonnet is a 400hp VR30 twin-turbo V6, coupled up to the ERS. This recuperates heat and kinetic energy, both when the car is braking... and also when it is accelerating. That's because it has both MGU-H and MGU-K energy harvesting systems, which are basically motor generator units, one for heat (acceleration) and one for kinetic (deceleration). In terms of the body, there's more downforce generated now by the Infiniti's restyled exterior.
Will Infiniti actually put the Project Black S into production?
Who knows? But Roland Krueger has this to say about the Paris show car: "Infiniti has reached another milestone on its road to electrification. Building on the strength and success of the electric vehicle expertise of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, Infiniti is showing the Project Black S, a high-performance prototype with F1 technology resulting from collaboration within the alliance. The Project Black S represents the very top end of electrification in the alliance portfolio, and is another example of Infiniti's entrepreneurial spirit on its journey to electrification from 2021 onward. Project Black S utilises high power and smart energy management from advanced powertrains, a thrilling dynamic capability on road and track, and a performance-oriented aesthetic. A collaborative venture between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One Team, the Project Black S prototype is a test-bed for new ideas and technologies, demonstrating how our alliance partnerships could make our ambitious visions a reality."
I'm sorry, I'm none the wiser after that statement.
No, us neither.
Matt Robinson - 1 Oct 2018