A 1940s racer for modern day? How about one with an all-electric driveline and single-seater cabin?
The perfect fit for the world’s most prestigious concours: Pebble Beach.
Infiniti just whipped the silk capes off their Prototype 9. And boy will it stop you in your tracks.
Even the ‘endless road’ Infiniti badge is expressed artfully. It now stands proud atop the hood edge like a radiator cap. The waterfall front grille is slightly tacky on first glance but does make sense. When viewed directly head-on, the shape of this sunken grille matches the wide jawline of the Q60 sports coupe, among other production cars.
Infiniti’s goal with this concept was of course design-led, and we celebrate that. They also focused on the construction techniques from the pre-war period. The bodyword, for example, is reinforced with boxed steel patterns like an aircraft. The hand-honed panels are smooth as glass — with evocative slashes and aero shaping that is advanced for the time. Using what we know now, the streamliner aero teardrop is even more effective than it was in its era.
This concept runs a modest electric powertrain that delivers a 0-60 in around 5.5 seconds — also period optimistic. This much power in such a light frame — with these tall tires — ensures a lively handling experience from behind the wheel.
You can be sure all the Pebble Beach 2017 concours guests will dream of snapping on a helmet and goggles for a go!
2017 INFINITI Prototype 9
2017 INFINITI Prototype 9 – Technical specifications
| Body and chassis | ||
| Layout | Single-seater race car with steel ladder frame and handmade steel body panels | |
| Powertrain | ||
| Layout | Lithium-ion battery with electric motor | |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion | |
| Max power (motor) | 120 kW (148 hp) | |
| Max torque | 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) | |
| Transmission | Single-speed | |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | |
| Suspension and steering | ||
| Front | Leading-arm rigid axle with transverse leaf spring | |
| Rear | De Dion axle with transverse leaf spring | |
| Steering | Non-power assisted | |
| Dampers | Hydraulic rotary type | |
| Wheels, tires and brakes | ||
| Wheels | Front | Center-locking wire spokes, 19-inch |
| Rear | Center-locking wire spokes, 19-inch | |
| Tires | Front | 450-19 |
| Rear | 650-19 | |
| Brakes | Front | 252 mm ventilated discs without booster |
| Rear | 252 mm solid discs without booster | |
| Dimensions, mm (inches) | ||
| Length | 4,330 (170.5) | |
| Width | 1,820 (71.7) | |
| Height | 910 (35.8) | |
| Ground clearance | 65 (2.5) | |
| Wheelbase | 2700 (106.3) | |
| Track | Front | 1,550 (61.0) |
| Rear | 1,570 (61.8) | |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | ||
| Vehicle weight | 890 (1,962) | |
| Weight distribution, fr/rr | 43 / 57 | |
| Performance | ||
| Top speed, kph (mph) | 170 (105.6) | |
| Acceleration, 0-100 kph | 5.5 secs | |
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.