Infiniti reveals first image of Q50 Eau Rouge concept

With the 2014 North American International Motor Show in Detroit just round the corner, manufacturers are rushing their teasers out before the show. Nissan’s luxury arm, Infiniti, has revealed the first image of the Q50 Eau Rouge concept.

Based on the Infiniti Q50 sports sedan, the Q50 Eau Rouge draws inspiration for aerodynamic design from the technical collaboration between Infiniti and four-time Formula One World Champions, Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

Major bodywork components have been redesigned with aerodynamics in mind and manufactured from carbon fibre. Q50 Eau Rouge is lower and wider – only the roof and door profiles remain unchanged from the production Q50.

Highlights include deep and detailed carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and side sill skirts. The high-performance concept’s roof and door mirror casings are also made from carbon fibre. At the back, a dual-exit sports exhaust system is found below a large integrated rear spoiler. It rolls on 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels.

The Infiniti design team, led by Executive Design Director Alfonso Albaisa, was influenced by the aerodynamic styling approach taken by their colleagues at Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

“From our shared passion for performance with Infiniti Red Bull Racing grew a collective desire to produce a vision of what a high-performance Infiniti Q50 could look like,” said Albaisa.

“The design has a number of distinctive Formula One inspired touches. In particular, the sculpted front wing assembly and the rear aerodynamic packaging take their cues from the RB9 race car,” added Albaisa.

Infiniti is also empowering social fans to unveil the all-new Q50 Eau Rouge concept car ahead of the official launch at the Detroit Motor Show on January 13.

Starting from today, online advocates can drive the reveal of Infiniti’s latest concept car. By sharing their views and comments through social media channels like Twitter (hashtag #F1Q50), Facebook and Weibo, fans will build the image of the concept in a virtual garage. Each “share” will help build individual Q50 components, and as more fans share, the quicker the car will be “built.” Progress can be viewed on unveil.infiniti.com.

More details to come.