Infiniti prepares new sporty hybrid concept ahead of electrification push

TOKYO -- Infiniti, the Japanese premium brand planning to electrify its lineup from 2021, will roll out a new sporty hybrid concept car ahead of the Paris auto show next week.The Project Black S prototype builds off a Q60 coupe with what Infiniti calls a Formula One dual-hybrid electrified powertrain. The system boosts the overall output to 563 hp, from the 400 horses generated by the car's conventional 3.0-liter V-6 twin-turbo engine. That's good enough to make 0 to 62 mph in under four seconds, Infiniti says.Infiniti is not officially exhibiting at the Paris show. But the brand will present the Project Black S concept in an off-site unveiling Monday, ahead of the show's press days Tuesday and Wednesday. The concept will not be on display at the show.Nissan Motor Co.'s premium marque teased the car in a news release Friday, saying the dual-hybrid system differs from traditional hybrids in the way it recoups lost energy.Most hybrids use regenerative braking to recharge their electric batteries. The Project Black S does that, but it also harvests the heat energy of exhaust gases from the engine's twin turbochargers. As a result, the Project Black S has three motor generator units, compared with the standard hybrid's one. The technology is an outgrowth of a collaboration between Infiniti and the Renault Sport Formula One Team, Infiniti said."The Project Black S prototype features a world's first dual-hybrid powertrain technology and represents the latest development initiative by Infiniti to electrify its cars," Infiniti said. "This enables the powertrain to generate electrical power under both braking and acceleration."Infiniti's experimentation with the unique setup comes as the brand prepares to electrify its entire lineup starting in 2021. Infiniti doesn't offer a hybrid version of the Q60, but it does manufacture gasoline-electric variants of the Q50 and Q70 sedans and QX60 crossover. "This project is about exploring the application of high-performance technology from motorsport to homologated vehicles," spokesman Trevor Hale said. "This experience is invaluable and will contribute to the learnings and experience that go into engineering and producing electric vehicles."Among other technologies imported from the Renault side of the Renault-Nissan partnership is the Project Black S' prominent rear spoiler, according to Infiniti. It takes its aerodynamic profile from the wing on Renault's Formula One car and improves traction while cornering.

Infiniti prepares new sporty hybrid concept ahead of electrification push

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