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    INFINITI Project Black S concept delivers F1 technology to the road.

    INFINITI’s Project Black S is seriously one of the best looking cars that’s ever been created. Revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the car is different than any other car on the road.

    The car takes the bones of the INFINITI Q60 coupe and adds F1-technology and aerodynamic design to create a stand-out, new design. Under the hood, it uses a performance hybrid powertrain developed in conjunction with the Renault Sport Formula One Team. That powertrain is driven by a new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine.

    Carbon fibre

    The Project Black S also leverages the experience with advanced composite materials to create the carbon fibre bodywork elements of the Project Black S, making it light, while being strong, just don’t expect it to come cheap.

    The use of carbon fibre has allowed INFINITI to sculpt thin, blade-like design forms that would not be possible with traditional materials, such as metal or fibreglass. While the Q60’s organic and artistic design aesthetic remains, the use of carbon fibre has added a more technical element. Not only is the composite more adaptable; it is also incredibly strong, and carbon fibre components could be used to balance aerodynamic efficiency with high downforce.

    Large front splitter, rear diffuser, fenders and side skirts are all constructed out of carbon fibre to minimise weight and enhance downforce, while ultra-thin aero ‘blades’ in the side sills ahead of the rear wheels channel air around the lower body of the car. A large fixed rear wing – also made of carbon fibre – stands proud of the trunk lid, increasing downforce at speed.

    Energy recovery sytem

    Project Black S uses an ‘energy recovery system’ (ERS) to harvest energy, which will be familiar to those fans of F1. The recovered electric power is used to boost power and torque (est. 25% increase in power), resulting instant, lag-free acceleration. This would be the first time the technology would arrive in a current road car.

    In its Formula One application, the technology employs two types of motor generator unit (MGU) and a battery pack to gather, store and recycle electrical energy. The Renault Sport Formula One ERS system features an MGU-K unit to harvest kinetic energy from braking, and an MGU-H unit – fitted to the turbocharger – to harvest heat energy from exhaust gases.

    The energy harvested by each of the MGUs is stored in high-rate discharge lithium-ion batteries, with the recovered electric power deployed to rotate the crankshaft and turbocharger turbine blades more quickly.

    Project Black S explores how MGU technology, paired with high-rate discharge batteries, could be adapted for road use. A production car with Formula One-inspired performance hybrid technology would benefit from greater power and torque, and instant, lag-free acceleration. INFINITI powertrain engineers have calculated that a performance hybrid ERS could contribute to an approximate 25% improvement in maximum power output.

    Enlarged air intakes at the front of the car are more effective at channeling cooling air into the engine bay and brakes, and new hood vents help evacuate heat. At the rear, the body is shaped to allow circulating air to escape as quickly and efficiently as possible, aided by vertical aero foils and the large rear wing for maximum downforce and high-speed stability.

    Forged 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels – highlighted by wheel arch extensions – are larger, wider and lighter than those on the standard Q60, adding to the performance image of the concept while also reducing unsprung mass and rotational inertia at each corner.

    Make sure you let the company know you love it and we’ll take this beauty from concept to reality.

     

    Jason Cartwright
    Jason Cartwrighthttps://techau.com.au/author/jason/
    Creator of techAU, Jason has spent the dozen+ years covering technology in Australia and around the world. Bringing a background in multimedia and passion for technology to the job, Cartwright delivers detailed product reviews, event coverage and industry news on a daily basis. Disclaimer: Tesla Shareholder from 20/01/2021

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