[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/infiniti-prototype-9\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/infiniti-prototype-9\/","headline":"Prototype 9 is Infiniti\u2019s would-be 1940s race car","name":"Prototype 9 is Infiniti\u2019s would-be 1940s race car","description":"Nissan\u2019s premium offshoot Infiniti wasn\u2019t around in the 1940s; it only came into being in 1989. However, the newly unveiled Prototype 9 gives a strong hint at what a grand prix race car from the brand would\u2019ve looked like if they did exist pre-WWII. Revealed at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance, Prototype 9 is a sleek, open-wheeled electric retro-roadster that represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car and incorporates time-honoured production techniques to realise its retro design, such […]","datePublished":"2017-08-14","dateModified":"2017-08-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/INFINITI-Prototype-9-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/INFINITI-Prototype-9-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/infiniti-prototype-9\/","about":["CLASSIC CARS","LATEST CAR NEWS","MOTORSPORT"],"wordCount":407,"keywords":["infiniti","INFINITI Prototype 9","motorsport","nissan","race car"],"articleBody":"Nissan\u2019s premium offshoot Infiniti wasn\u2019t around in the 1940s; it only came into being in 1989.However, the newly unveiled Prototype 9 gives a strong hint at what a grand prix race car from the brand would\u2019ve looked like if they did exist pre-WWII.Revealed at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d\u2019Elegance, Prototype 9 is a sleek, open-wheeled electric retro-roadster that represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car and incorporates time-honoured production techniques to realise its retro design, such as hand-beaten panels from Nissan Motor Corporation\u2019s Takumi master craftspeople.Less retro is the race car\u2019s powertrain, which features an electric motor and battery from Nissan\u2019s Advanced Powertrain Department – a nod to the future that intentionally contrasts with the car\u2019s traditional materials and techniques.This powertrain links a 30 kWh high-voltage battery with a prototype electric motor, which hasn\u2019t appeared on a production vehicle before. It produces 120 kW (the equivalent of 146bhp) and 320 Nm (or 236 lb ft) of torque to drive the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.In short, this means Prototype 9 has a top speed of 105.6mph and can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 5.5 seconds.Typically, the lithium-ion batteries used in EVs don\u2019t last for too long when performance is tested and as such, the car will only last for 20 minutes under heavy track use.Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti\u2019s senior vice president for global design, said they had to produce a prototype because the sketches for the race car were stunning and the idea was so compelling.\u201cAs other departments became aware of this, they volunteered their time to create a working vehicle,\u201d he added.The car\u2019s stunning bodywork is made from steel body panels, hammered into shape by the Takumi, and wrapped around a steel ladder frame.Its cabin features no distractions from the road ahead with minimal switchgear, while the steering wheel rotates around a fixed central hub, housing the driver\u2019s instrument gauges.Prototype 9 required countless hours of careful construction, all of which were contributed voluntarily by Infiniti staff.Mr Albaisa concluded by saying: \u201cThe beautiful execution of Prototype 9 represents a combination of artistry, craftsmanship and commitment to a romantic notion of our heritage.\u201cIt inspired our people to work on Prototype 9 in their own time \u2013 as they were completely invested in the project and the details and features originated with them. Prototype 9 has been a labour of love for many of us.\u201d"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Prototype 9 is Infiniti\u2019s would-be 1940s race car","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/infiniti-prototype-9\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]