PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Infiniti Project Black S upgraded to 420kW

When the Infiniti Project Black S concept was revealed at the 2017 Geneva motor show, it was hailed as an innovative creation developed in collaboration with the Renault Sport F1 Team.

Today the Infiniti Project Black S prototype is back with new bodywork, a different interior, a little less weight and "significant powertrain advancements", says the luxury Japanese brand.

Infiniti says the Project Black S, which is based on the Infiniti Q60 Coupe, will continue to undergo "feasibility and performance testing" throughout 2019.

As we’ve previously reported, if it gets the green light a production version of the high-performance coupe – which would rival the BMW M4 and Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe – may break cover as soon as 2020 with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 twinned with a world-first dual-hybrid set-up.

Now Infiniti has revealed it could deliver as much power as 420kW, as evidenced by the upgraded Project Black S. No torque figure has been provided, but the engine itself – as seen in the Q60 Red Sport – delivers 298kW of power and, over a broad 1600-5200rpm range, 475Nm of torque.

Fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission, Infiniti says the 1700kg-plus concept car can accelerate to 100km/h in less than four seconds, in part thanks to electrically-assisted turbochargers that also reduce turbo lag.

The dual-hybrid system comprises a unique energy recovery system (ERS) that harvests thermal and kinetic energy from the turbo and brake systems.

Up to 120kW of this energy can be stored in a 400-volt lithium-ion polymer battery pack and then fed to the rear wheels to increase performance.

Infiniti has stated it will electrify every model in its range by 2021 – meaning all of its vehicles will be hybrid or fully electric -- but it will need to get its skates on.

The company has still not perfected the technology for production cars, however, this upgrade of the Project Black concept car suggests the Nissan-owned brand is closer to making it a reality.

Infiniti has been without a high-performance hero model virtually since its inception in 1989 and a car like the Project Black S is now more important than ever.

The company’s latest performance concept (after the now-axed Nissan GT-R powered Q50 Eau Rouge super-sedan) could lead to a halo model to rival the most popular sports coupes from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, as well as showcase the brand's hybrid inventions.

"Infiniti has reached another milestone on its road to electrification," said Infiniti president Roland Krueger.

"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.

"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," he said.