The Infiniti Prototype 10 Previews An Engagingly Electrified Future
Do you remember the Infiniti Prototype 9? It's a high performance EV infused with the retro style of Grand Prix race cars from the 1930s. While we weren't particularly swooning for the wire spoke wheels and tight cockpit, Infiniti will once again rattle the cages of automotive engineering and design with their new concept car. Feast your eyes on the INFINITI Prototype 10.
The Prototype 10 will be unveiled at the 2018 Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach. Where the previous concept harks back to the past, the Prototype 10 is all about the Jetsons. This electrified single-seat speedster will serve as the Halo car of the brand. If you haven't heard, Infiniti is set to electrify all their production cars from 2021 onwards.
"The Infiniti Prototype 10 echoes the layout and design of some of the most evocative car designs of all time, where power was celebrated through high-powered single-seat competition cars," Karim Habib, Executive Design Director at Infiniti, said of the show car. "Our new concept speaks of an electrified future, something which is reflected in its form and details. It is appropriate that we found inspiration in an optimistic bygone era in which cars were characterized by the simple love of driving."
There is no denying it: electric vehicles are perceived to be the future of motoring. Yet with all those electrons and complex autonomous systems in modern cars, the driving experience is arguably taking a backseat. The Infiniti Prototype 10 is set to bring back the mojo: it is envisioned to deliver the same driving pleasure and thrilling performance of a gasoline car to an electrified powertrain.
It all sounds exciting, but have we heard this before? Oh yes, the new Tesla Roadster is slated to do just that. But the Prototype 10 is different. It certainly looks like it belongs in a proper racetrack. It will be heretical to drive this car without a helmet and eye goggles. The ridiculously long hood and single-seat configuration speaks highly on the intent of the Prototype 10. Want to drive this car daily to the office or grocery store? Not without a roof and trunk you won't. And besides, that's what the Nissan Leaf is for.
What we particularly like about the Prototype 10 is the new Infiniti hood ornament. It previously adorned the Prototype 9, and we're glad it made a comeback in the Prototype 10. It's not as elegant as the Spirit of Ecstasy (nor does it have an evocative name), but we bet you'll be seeing a lot more of this new hood badge on future Infiniti vehicles. We also like the gorgeous alloy wheels and the ridiculously slim windshield.
No word yet on horsepower figures and powertrain options, or if Infiniti is planning to put an actual door in the Prototype 10. One thing is for sure, though: the moneyed folk will be all giggly when they lay eyes on this futuristic concept. Want to get in on the action? You can ogle at the Infiniti Prototype 10 at the 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 23.