Named after one of the greatest corners in modern racing, the Q50 Eau Rouge concept is a combination of Infiniti->ke36 luxury and Red Bull F1 aggression. It previews what Infiniti thinks would be possible if they were given a blank check to create an outrageous sports sedan.

Based on the Q50 sports sedan, the Eau Rouge is a visual overhaul that features materials and design insight from the current F1 World Championship team of Infiniti Red Bull Racing. Much of the exterior design of the Eau Rouge features bespoke components with very few of the body panels shared with its tamer sibling.

Infiniti has stated that they would consider putting an engine with a power output of more than 500 ponies if a car like the Eau Rouge would be put in production. Ladies and Gentleman what you see here is a preview to a GT-R powered Infiniti.

Updated 03/04/2014: Geneva is here and Infiniti has finally lifted the veil from the beast beneath the hood of the Q50 Eau Rouge. Unsurprisingly, it is the same 3.8-liter V-6 found in the GT-R. See more after the jump.

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2014 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 560
  • Transmission: Seven-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Update History

Updated 12/24/2013: Infiniti unveiled a new video for the upcoming Q50 Eau Rouge concept set to be unveiled in January 2014. Enjoy!

Updated 01/02/2014: After a teaser image and a video, Infiniti has finally released the first official image (above) of the new Q50 Eau Rouge concept, and it surely looks crazy. As you can see the concept will be lower and wider than the production version Q50 and will include a very aggressive carbon-fiber body kit. This will include front splitter, rear diffuser and side-sill skirts. Also included is a new roof and mirror casings made from carbon fiber. The concept rides on 21-inch, lightweight, alloy wheels and the rear features a dual-exit sports exhaust system below an integrated rear spoiler.

Updated 1/13/2014: Infiniti has revealed the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge.

Updated 02/20/2014: Infiniti will also bring the new Q50 Eau Rouge at the Geneva Motor Show, and this time we will also learn what engine will power the new concept. A first teaser video of the engine sound, suggest it may be a turbo V-6 engine, but we will find out in two weeks time.

Exterior

The exterior features the most obvious changes over the normal Q50 sedan. With large amounts of carbon fiber and more aggressive aerodynamics, the Eau Rouge exudes a sense of extreme power and performance.

-Bespoke carbon-fiber front bumper with lower air splitter and brake ducts.

-Bespoke steel hood with aluminum cooling vents

-Bespoke fenders on all four corners that are 10mm wider

-Bespoke carbon-fiber roof

-Bespoke carbon-fiber mirror caps

-Bespoke carbon-fiber side skirts

-Bespoke one-piece carbon-fiber rear bumper with integrated diffuser

-Rear bumper features LED brake light from the RB9 Formula One car

-Bespoke dual-exhaust system

Despite the incredible collection of one-off parts for the Eau Rouge, the most striking visual feature is the paint. This unique custom red paint color features a red-infused clear coat to give it that extra deep color. It is easily one of the most stunning factory colors we have ever seen.

Interior

The interior of the Eau Rouge concept receives a healthy visual update as well. The entire interior is created with a red and black color scheme that matches the exterior of the Eau Rouge.

The steering wheel is a sports design wheel that features a custom suede-like material in red and black with contrast stitching and aluminum accents. Mounted directly behind the wheel are a pair of magnesium alloy shift paddles for control over the transmission when in manual mode.

Much of the trim is body-color matched with a carbon fiber weave design. Black chrome accents also adorn the cabin. Otherwise, the Eau Rouge is the same as a normal Q50 complete with advanced infotainment and telematics systems.

Drivetrain

Now that Geneva has arrived Infiniti has stopped beating around the bush and announced the powertrain of the Eau Rouge. Just as expected, it is a 3.8-liter V-6 with a pair of huge turbochargers strapped to it. We contacted Nissan to do a little research and they did confirm that a large portion of this engine is pulled straight from the GT-R.

It is not a direct swap though. Certain parts and parameters have been altered to make the engine respond in a way that is more Infiniti, and a little less race car. That means a bit less brutality off the line and a more linear acceleration curve, but it will still be a 560-horsepower monster.

Top speed of the engine has also been cut from the GT-R, albeit only slightly. Godzilla is nearly capable of 200 mph, while the Eau Rouge is limited to 180. The wicked-fast dual clutch transmission is also being swapped for Infiniti’s smoother shifting 7-speed unit. This should also help with fuel economy, if you can keep your foot out of the accelerator.

What hasn’t been ditched however is the AWD system. When this sedan hits the market, it is going to but a performance upset on quite a lot of the super sedans already on the market.

Type

3.8-liter V-6 gasoline engine

Horsepower

560 HP @ TBA

Torque

TBA

Top Speed

~180 mph

0 to 60 mph

< 4 seconds


Competitors

If the Eau Rouge goes into production with a version of the GT-R powertrain it will be facing stiff competition from Germany.

BMW M5->ke2922

No talk of high-end performance sedans can be had without bringing up the Bavarians and their benchmark M cars. With a 560 horsepower twin-turbo V-8, the M5 has the power to keep up with the theoretical Eau Rouge, and if history is any indication, Infiniti will have its work cut out for it when it comes to out-handling the BMW.

Mercedes E63 AMG

Like the M5, the E63 Mercedes uses a V8 with a pair of turbos. Power output is 550 brutal horses. The AMG is known for favoring brute strength over finesse, so the Eau Rouge could hold an edge in comfort and overall handling performance.

Conclusion

The Eau Rouge may be a concept in name, but Infiniti will be using it to gauge what kind of interest a high-luxury GT-R can generate. If Nissan and Infiniti green-light this project, the Eau Rouge could be a groundbreaking upset in the super-sedan market. We can't wait.