2018 Infiniti Q60 Project Black S Prototype

Using world first dual hybrid technology from the Renault Sport Formula 1 team, the Infiniti Project Black S captures energy from two sources heat and kinetic, generating electric power to boost performance. The prototype is the next step in the journey of the Infiniti Black S after the original concept car was revealed in 2016.

The powertrain consists of a 3.0L VR30 twin turbocharged V6 assisted by a couple of motor-generator units. The first is the MGU-H (Heat) that harvests the heat generated from the twin turbochargers, the second is the MGU-K (Kinetic) which recovers energy from the braking system. These two store the captured energy in a lithium-ion battery pack. The extra power takes the engine from an output of 405 PS (298 kW) to a combined peak of 571 PS (420 kW). This propels the 1,787 kilogram Black S prototype from 0-100 km/h in under 4 seconds.

The Infiniti Project Black S is functioning as a working testbed for the company as they add on significant advances in aero-effective bodywork, reduced weight, drivetrain advances and of course the energy recovery system. Infiniti plan to keep progressing with the evolution of the Black S, hoping to adapt the Formula 1 cars technology even more in the future. Production is yet to be confirmed, with the possibility this concept may stay a concept as the technology developed here filters down into the Infiniti range.