The Infiniti Prototype 9 is a single-seater, open-wheel race car
Infiniti Prototype 9 Uses Modern Tech in Retro Car
Every once in a blue moon, an automaker releases a concept that makes everyone stop and take notice. This time, it’s Infiniti, which recently revealed the Prototype 9. This dramatic vehicle takes a turn you might not expect from Infiniti, making it all the more fascinating.
Then there’s the mixture of classic design, combined with an electric powertrain.
To ensure everything was classy, Infiniti used the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for its reveal. You can’t get much classier than that. Instead of being a stretch, the car matched the event’s ambiance perfectly.
Misplaced Heritage
In case you don’t know, Infiniti has only been around since 1989. You’d expect a concept like the Prototype 9 from Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, or some other automaker with a long, storied past. Understandably, some people in the industry have been scratching their heads.
For its part, Infiniti says the Prototype 9 imagines what a 1940s grand prix race car made by the company would’ve looked like. You can choose to ask more questions, or just go with the design exercise for a moment.
If that still bothers you, just know that the Prince R380 served as inspiration. The Japanese racecar set a number of land speed records back in 1965. Then, in 1966, it claimed an overall win for the Japanese Grand Prix, which was held at Fuji Speedway.
The connection, Infiniti claims, is that Prince Motor Company was Japan’s original premium automaker. That mantle passed to Infiniti, even though some would argue Lexus fills that role more fully.
Personal Sacrifices
If you like the Infiniti Prototype 9 for nothing else, you have to respect the story behind it at least. The car came about with great personal sacrifice and passion. Sadly, you can’t say the same thing about every vehicle on the road.
Infiniti employees wanted to see the initial sketch come to life so badly that they worked on the car after hours. That’s love right there. Too often, cars these days are designed in environments where passion seems a little disconnected, at least to an extent. When you look at the Prototype 9, that visceral side of a person’s connection to a machine beckons.
You don’t really see open-wheel concepts these days. Infiniti really swung for the fences with the Prototype 9.
Signaling the Future
As the Prototype 9 started to take shape, word spread throughout Nissan Motor Corporation. Some powertrain engineers came up with a novel idea to match the retro design: throw a next-gen EV powertrain in the thing.
In a way, the Infiniti Prototype 9 is like a steampunk car. It melds cutting-edge tech with vintage sensibilities.
Thanks to this proposal, the concept is the first Infiniti or Nissan car to use the prototype electric motor. Feeding it is a new 30 kWh high-voltage battery. That setup makes 148 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, which goes to the rear wheels via a one-speed transmission.
While it looks plenty fast, the Prototype 9 is more like an old school car. Top speed is 105.6 mph. An Altima can beat that. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph takes 5.5 seconds, which is far more impressive.
If you want to really flog the Prototype 9, don’t expect it to stay charged for long. Infiniti says when driven hard on a track, the battery depletes completely after about 20 minutes.
Throwback Elements
Despite using a cutting-edge powertrain, enough throwback designs make the Prototype 9 look and feel old. For starters, it has a steel ladder frame. Each steel body panel is handmade, adding to the craftsmanship of its production.
It shouldn’t have a forgiving ride quality. The front suspension is a leading-arm rigid axle. In the rear, Infiniti uses a De Dion axle. Transverse leaf springs in the front and rear complete the setup.
Forget about power steering, because you’re going to have to muscle this car through turns. That could be a little bit of a chore, considering the Prototype 9 weighs just shy of 2,000 pounds. The 19-inch tires feature wire spokes. At least you get four-wheel disc brakes, which are ventilated in the front.
What Now?
Now that Infiniti has made the Prototype 9, you might be wondering what’s next. The car gives engineers a chance to do some initial field tests with the prototype motor. Infiniti will be able to take it to shows and turn some heads. But honestly, that’s probably about it.
Don’t think for two seconds the Prototype 9 signals a future production vehicle. Those sorts of fantasies are just that, fantasies. It’s a single-seater, open-wheel racecar. Coupes have hard enough of a time moving off dealer lots these days. Then there’s the issue of modern safety standards. The Prototype 9 is more like an art project on wheels. Sure, it’s great to look at, but that’s all most of us will ever do with it.
