Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge gets the heart of a GT-R [w/video]

Tue, 04 Mar 2014

There has been ongoing talk of an Infiniti using the Nissan GT-R powertrain practically since the moment the Nissan's flagship sports coupe hit the road. While the rumors have gone back and forth over the years, they have never completely gone away. It seems Infiniti is finally turning an ear to the screams of its most vocal enthusiasts with an updated version of the Q50 Eau Rouge concept boasting a modified version of Godzilla's engine and all-wheel drive system debuting at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. It's even taking things a step further and granting it a new, seven-speed transmission to replace the Nissan's six-speed.

The latest evolution of the Eau Rouge packs the same 3.8-liter, twin turbocharged V6 found in the GT-R but with a unique tune of 560 horsepower and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque. That makes it 15 hp more powerful than the standard 2015 GT-R but gives up 20 lb-ft of torque. Power gets to the ground through the GT-R's all-wheel-drive system. Infiniti predicts that the Eau Rouge would sprint to 60 miles per hour in less than 4 seconds and on to a top speed of 180 mph.

According to Infiniti Communications Senior Manager Kyle Bazemore in an email to Autoblog, the modded GT-R powertrain was not the only choice for the Eau Rouge. It also considered "developing a high-power sports diesel" and hybrid versions with an electric supercharger. However, "this was the clear solution for this concept car," Bazemore said. Other than the drivetrain, the Eau Rouge in Switzerland is identical to the one shown in Detroit. Sadly, it is not confirmed for production; so we might not be getting the fabled Infiniti GT-R sedan any time soon. Still, we can hope.

In addition to the Eau Rouge, Infiniti is also adding a new entry-level Q50 that is launching first in Europe and China. It is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, petrol four-cylinder with 211 hp and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque and a seven-speed automatic. There is a chance the powerplant could also arrive in US models later as a less expensive, more economical option to the car's standard V6. Scroll down to read the full press release on both models and listen to the Eau Rouge start up.

Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge roars into life – 560-hp engine revealed

Twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine, 7-speed gearbox, all-wheel drive Power output of 560 hp and 600 Nm of torque
Q50 sports sedan to receive 2.0-liter turbo charged gasoline engine in Europe

Geneva / Hong Kong – Infiniti has boosted excitement in the high-performance premium sports sedan segment at the 2014 Geneva International Motor Show by revealing a powerful engine for the Q50 Eau Rouge concept. The beating heart of the Eau Rouge – a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V6 gasoline engine – was revealed on the Infiniti show stand today.

The Q50 Eau Rouge – a high-performance concept car based on the premium manufacturer's award-winning Q50 sport sedan – was first revealed at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show in January as a Formula One inspired, carbon fiber aero- enhanced concept. Q50 Eau Rouge now tells a compelling power story with a full 560 hp and 600 Nm of torque on demand.

"Building on the extremely positive feedback on the Q50 Eau Rouge at its recent Detroit Auto Show launch, we decided to further whet the appetite of performance sports sedan fans by engineering this powerful heart into our blood-red beast," said Johan de Nysschen, president of Infiniti Motor Company Limited.

"A car with such pronounced styling treatments demands the very best in terms of high-performance powertrains, which is why we installed this V6 twin- turbocharged, 7-speed combination as an example of what a potential powertrain for the Q50 Eau Rouge may look and sound like."

The 3799cc V6, 24-valve, twin-turbocharged gasoline engine partners a full- time, all-wheel drive system with 50/50 front-to-rear torque split. Predicted acceleration of 0-60 mph in less than four seconds and a top speed close to 180 mph would put the Q50 Eau Rouge firmly into the premier league of super- sports sedans.

The most powerful and exhilarating gasoline-powered Infiniti model has not been confirmed for production, but the unveiling of the latest iteration of the Q50 Eau Rouge in Geneva underlines the company's determination to create engaging performance cars for a premium segment.

The Q50 Eau Rouge engine soundtrack can be heard here.

Q50 sports sedan to receive 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine
Expanding the Q50 powertrain range, and also on display in Geneva, was a new turbocharged 4-cylinder, powerful yet highly efficient gasoline engine that displaces 1991cc and develops 211 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission, the engine comes to China in the spring and Europe in autumn before rolling out to other of Infiniti's global markets before the end of the year.

About Infiniti
Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio.

As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Infiniti has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as Infiniti's Director of Performance.

More information about Infiniti, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on Infiniti, visit InfinitiNews.com, "like" Infiniti on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @InfinitiUSA. For interesting content on Infiniti in Formula One visit: www.infiniti- gp.com, www.youtube.com/InfinitiGP or follow on Twitter @InfinitiGP.

By Chris Bruce