Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept unveiled.

The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept, a "high-performance" styling exercise, will make its debut at the 2014 Detroit motor show.

Infiniti says the car exhibits its design vision for future high-performance models, with its design being inspired by "muscularity, refinement, and understated performance intent".

The car also features heavily revised aerodynamics, which "draw inspiration" from the collaboration between Infiniti and the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 team.

Much of the exterior has been redesigned in order to optimise the car's aerodynamics. The Q50 Eau Rouge is lower and wider, and features a carbonfibre front splitter, rear diffuser and side skirts.

The manufacturer claims that, as a result, only the roof and door profiles remain unchanged from the conventional production version of the Infiniti Q50.

Other upgrades include 21-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels and a dual-exit sports exhaust system, further hinting at the Q50's performance-orientated intentions. Both the roof and door mirrors are also formed from carbonfibre, reducing weight.

Infiniti's executive design director, Alfonso Albaisa, said: “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.”

No technical details have been announced but, in America, the standard rear-drive Q50 is offered with a 329bhp 3.7-litre V6 coupled to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The manufacturer claims 0-60mph in 5.3sec in this specification.

Buyers can also specify a 360bhp hybrid version. It is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and a 50kW electric motor, and is capable of dispatching the 0-60mph sprint in 4.9sec.

Source:Autocar.co.uk