It’s a prototype for now, but it might not always be that way.
Japanese carmaker Infiniti has unveiled a new prototype based on its Q60 sports car. Dubbed the Project Black S, it’s the second use of that moniker by the brand after it debuted last year. Now though it’s more of a prototype rather than a concept car outright, and now sports an updated and uprated powertrain that’s rather drool-inducing.
The Project Black S, as a product, is meant to show how Formula 1 technology can influence roadcars, even manic ones like these. The Project Black S packs a 3.0-litre V6 engine that features an F1-style kinetic energy regeneration system (KERS), which means that total power output is 420kW. Without the KERS system, the V6 biturbo unit makes about 298kW on its own.
As a result, expect to see 100km/h hit in less than 4-seconds.
Under the skin you’ll find three motor generator units, or MGUs. An MGU-Kinetic unit is what picks up all that kinetic energy usually lost during braking, while two electric turbochargers see the fitment of MGU-Heat units to harvest the heat. As a result this car generates electricity from braking and from accelerating, better than most other petrol-electric hybrid powertrains.
To maximise that powertrain, the exterior of the Q60 Project Black S has required joint development with the Renault Sport Formula 1 team, to give it greater aerodynamics and downforce at speed. The highlight is the ‘Monza’ wing at the rear that features a similar aerodynamic profile as the wing on Renault’s F1 car, with the whole thing made of carbon-fibre.
Wheel arch extensions were made necessary due to wider 21-inch alloy wheels, which are linked by deeper side skirts that help smoothen air down the flanks. The rear, beneath tat wing, sits a massive diffuser and enormous twin tailpipes in the middle, which are made of titanium.
While the Project Black S is very much a flight of fancy, it does demonstrate how Formula 1 technology can be brought to the road. Dial it all back down a bit and this writer can see the motor-generator units utilised in more pedestrian vehicles, allowing them to be more efficient in their mobility. Of course the crucible of motorsports will always push things to the extreme, but if they can do it on the track, they can definitely do it on the school run.
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