A 1940s racer for modern day? How about one with an all-electric driveline and single-seater cabin?
The perfect fit for the world’s most prestigious concours: Pebble Beach.
Infiniti just whipped the silk capes off their Prototype 9. And boy will it stop you in your tracks.
Even the ‘endless road’ Infiniti badge is expressed artfully. It now stands proud atop the hood edge like a radiator cap. The waterfall front grille is slightly tacky on first glance but does make sense. When viewed directly head-on, the shape of this sunken grille matches the wide jawline of the Q60 sports coupe, among other production cars.
Infiniti’s goal with this concept was of course design-led, and we celebrate that. They also focused on the construction techniques from the pre-war period. The bodyword, for example, is reinforced with boxed steel patterns like an aircraft. The hand-honed panels are smooth as glass — with evocative slashes and aero shaping that is advanced for the time. Using what we know now, the streamliner aero teardrop is even more effective than it was in its era.
This concept runs a modest electric powertrain that delivers a 0-60 in around 5.5 seconds — also period optimistic. This much power in such a light frame — with these tall tires — ensures a lively handling experience from behind the wheel.
You can be sure all the Pebble Beach 2017 concours guests will dream of snapping on a helmet and goggles for a go!
2017 INFINITI Prototype 9
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
At the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, INFINITI will unveil a heritage-inspired prototype vehicle that captures the ingenuity and adventure of early motorsports with the brand’s contemporary “Powerful Elegance” design language. The new prototype not only celebrates INFINITI’s passion for design, but also the great roots of the company’s pioneer spirit and innovation mindset.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
Single-seater race car with steel ladder frame and handmade steel body panels
Powertrain
Layout
Lithium-ion battery with electric motor
Battery type
Lithium-ion
Max power (motor)
120 kW (148 hp)
Max torque
320 Nm (236 lb-ft)
Transmission
Single-speed
Drivetrain
Rear-wheel drive
Suspension and steering
Front
Leading-arm rigid axle with transverse leaf spring
Rear
De Dion axle with transverse leaf spring
Steering
Non-power assisted
Dampers
Hydraulic rotary type
Wheels, tires and brakes
Wheels
Front
Center-locking wire spokes, 19-inch
Rear
Center-locking wire spokes, 19-inch
Tires
Front
450-19
Rear
650-19
Brakes
Front
252 mm ventilated discs without booster
Rear
252 mm solid discs without booster
Dimensions, mm (inches)
Length
4,330 (170.5)
Width
1,820 (71.7)
Height
910 (35.8)
Ground clearance
65 (2.5)
Wheelbase
2700 (106.3)
Track
Front
1,550 (61.0)
Rear
1,570 (61.8)
Weight, kg (lbs)
Vehicle weight
890 (1,962)
Weight distribution, fr/rr
43 / 57
Performance
Top speed, kph (mph)
170 (105.6)
Acceleration, 0-100 kph
5.5 secs
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
The INFINITI Prototype 9 is a celebration of Nissan Motor and INFINITI’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honored production techniques employed to realize its retro design.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.
