Infiniti’s teasing game of its Pebble Beach-bound concept continues, and the latest tease finally gives us a good look at the car in all its entirety. Not surprisingly, the new concept, called the Prototype 10, looks nothing like the Prototype 9, the retro stylized concept vehicle Infiniti unveiled at last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Prototype 10 is a modern, maybe even futuristic, interpretation of an electric, track-spec speedster that may or may not end up in production.
Ok, the Prototype 10 concept probably isn’t going to production anytime soon. By the looks of it, this is going to be a show car that’s being rolled out to give us a glimpse of what possibilities are out there for Infiniti. The automaker said as much in describing the Prototype 10 as a “daring electrified speedster that provides a window into the brand’s desire to deliver driving pleasure and thrilling performance from electrified powertrains.”
The interesting thing about that statement is that Infiniti’s pushing forward with its plans to create a full-scale electrified lineup of models. The Prototype 10 is an example of what that future could look like, though not exactly a preview of what’s to come from Nissan’s luxury brand. And, if you want to turn heads in telling the world your plans for electrification, showing it through the prism of an evocative, single-seat, track-focused race car is one way to do it.
The Prototype 10 Concept looks nothing like the Prototype 9 Concept from last year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. That’s a good thing because if Infiniti wants people to relate with its electrification plans, it needs to package it with a concept that a lot of people can appreciate and relate to. The single-seat cockpit of the Prototype 10 is a nod to its track-spec identity. The aggressive design of the body also fits into what you’d expect out of a track car. The long hood, short windscreen, thin headlamps, and futuristic-looking wheels are all aggressive concept indicators. Even the triangular fin elements and the can’t-miss aerodynamic side skirts are hard to ignore. Notice too the massive shoulders at the back? That’s as good a sign as any that Infiniti was going for all-out aggression in designing this concept.
Powertrain details are still being kept in the dark, but it this is a concept that’s meant to preview Infiniti’s electrified future, it should be carrying an electric powertrain. For those who remember, last year’s Prototype 9 featured a lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that combined to produce 148 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Prototype 10 could have a similar set-up but expect its power output to be much higher, reflecting that of what an electric track-day sports car should have.
Further reading
Read more Infiniti news.
Read our full review on the 2017 Infiniti Prototype 9.
Read our full review on the 2018 Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept.
Read more Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance news.