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Infiniti unveiled a sports car prototype using dual hybrid technology developed in conjunction with the Renault Formula One team.
The company, a luxury branch of Nissan, says the new hybrid system is a first for a production car, harnessing energy in both braking and acceleration.
Most hybrids use regenerative braking to generate extra power, but the Infiniti prototype recovers heat from both turbochargers in the car to increase efficiency.
The results are spectacular. The power of the twin-turbocharged V6 went from conventional kWh 298 kW to 420 kW, which allowed the prototype, dubbed Project Black S, to launch from 0 to 100 km / h in less than four seconds.
The prototype, revealed on the eve of the Paris Motor Show this week, is based on the company's Q60 performance coupe. This is a development of the concept car of the same name unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year.
In addition to the engine changes, the new car is lighter and has an extra body to improve aerodynamic performance.
Infiniti President Roland Krueger said the project was a new step in the electrification of the brand.
Infiniti announced that every vehicle launched from 2021 would benefit from a form of electrification.
"The Black S project represents the peak of electrification in the Alliance's portfolio and is another example of Infiniti's entrepreneurial spirit in its electrification process starting in 2021.
"The Black S project utilizes intelligent power and energy management from advanced powertrains, exhilarating dynamic on-road and on-track capability, and a performance-based aesthetic," he said. .
The collaboration with the Renault F1 team has been "a test bed for new ideas and technologies," he said.
The prototype points to a potential new model for Infiniti, over its current Red Sport Q60.
The company said that improving engine performance would be complemented by chassis and suspension improvements, as well as improvements in terms of aerodynamics and style.
The obvious targets of the new range would be the BMW M division and the Mercedes-Benz AMG group.
Renault F1 General Manager Cyril Abiteboul said the project would allow the team to jump from circuit to circuit.
"Infiniti's experience with certified hybrid transmission technology has been instrumental in the joint development of our dual hybrid system," he said.
The system has three generators – one for braking and two for turbochargers that provide power to a lithium-ion battery pack. The energy is then re-injected into the turbochargers to reduce the delay and in the rear wheels to increase power.
The car also has the latest electric braking technology to give the driver a more reassuring pedal feel when using the track.
Infiniti says the next phase of prototype development will go from digital and dynamometric testing to work tracking and possibly validation on public roads.
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