Pebble Beach: Infiniti stuns with retro F1 concept
Reimagined 1940s F1 car dubbed Prototype 9 borrows powertrain from next LEAF; range isn't a strongpointInfiniti has revealed a new concept for a pure-electric race car that's said to be inspired by a 1940s Formula 1 racer.
Look closer and the previously-teased open-wheel, exposed cockpit racer is also claimed to include modern Infiniti design cues, like the double-arch grille.
Called the Prototype 9, the new concept comes equipped with the new 108kW/320Nm electric motor from the next-generation Nissan LEAF.
Combined with a 30kWh lithium ion-battery, the lightweight Prototype 9 is claimed to hit 100km/h in 5.5 seconds before eventually topping out at more than 170km/h.
Unfortunately, the one-off race car concept is unlikely to be a hit with track-day fans because Infiniti admits the Prototype 9 will deplete its battery after just 20 minutes of hard use.
Featuring an exposed cockpit that includes a single handmade leather seat with the Japanese flag etched into the head restraint, the little Prototype 9 gets a neat fixed-hub steering wheel that includes a small instrument panel.
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