Infiniti and beyond… Prototype’10 inspired by early Californian speedsters.
Infiniti confused and delighted In equal measure at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance with its Prototype 9 – a sleek, hand-built and cigar-shaped roadster inspired by 1930s racing cars. This year’s offering Is more conventional, with a speedster body, but continues a push towards electrified vehicles. Infiniti design director Karim Habib suggests the firm is keen to look at ‘lighter, leaner’ vehicles and modular technology.
1 INSPIRATION
Overseen by Infiniti’s Japanese design centre, penned in the United Kingdom and produced in physical form In San Diego. USA, the Prototype 10 takes its visual cues from ‘early Californian speedsters’ – and offers an enticing indication of the design themes we may see on future production Infinitis.
2 PERFORMANCE
Infiniti has chosen not to describe the details of the Prototype 10’s electric drivetrain. We expect It’s powered by nothing more exotic than a development of the Nissan Leaf’s set-up. just like Prototype 9. That would mean a single electric motor with around 148bhp and 236lb ft of torque.
3 DESIGN
Less contrived than the 1930s Grand Prix-inspired Prototype 9, Prototype 10 is also less recognisable as an Infiniti. lacking the firm’s signature grille. The monoposto layout is asymmetric, with a fin behind the driver’s seat and sharp geometric detailing, referencing the ‘shock of sudden [electric] acceleration’.
4 PURPOSE
With no production plans. Prototype 10 is instead designed to raise awareness of Infinlti’s intentions to move towards electrified propulsion – all new Infinitis will feature either full electric, range-extended hybrid or parallel hybrid technology from 2021 – with a focus on strong acceleration performance.
