FRANCORCHAMPS, Stavelot, Belgium – The INFINITI high-performance prototype super-sedan – the Q50 Eau Rouge – has finally come face to face with Eau Rouge, the signature high-speed corner of the famed Spa-Francorchamps race circuit in Belgium, from which the car takes its name.
Sebastian Vettel, INFINITI's Director of Performance and four-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion for INFINITI Red Bull Racing, had the honor of putting the car through its paces as part of a social media powered race against U.S. professional race driver Parker Kligerman and Nine-Ball World Champion snooker player Pan Xiaoting of China.
Spa's notoriously fickle weather was true to form with heavy rain dousing the track throughout Vettel's test run in the Q50 Eau Rouge.
Vettel has been involved in the ongoing development of the Q50 Eau Rouge prototype, which was first revealed as a design concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January this year. The prototype was subsequently shown at the Beijing Auto Show in April.
"Even though it was difficult to get a proper feel for the car's performance due to the wet track, the engineering team have made definite improvements to the car in the areas of steering and suspension since I first drove it earlier in the year," said Vettel. "There is definitely no shortage of power from the Q50 Eau Rouge. All in all it was an interesting day and we had fun. It was a privilege to be given the task of driving the Q50 Eau Rouge on one of the most demanding corners in the world."
The base engine inside the Q50 Eau Rouge is an aluminum and magnesium twin-turbo, 24-valve, 3.8-liter V6 powerhouse that is already an icon among sports car fans. For the Eau Rouge, with bespoke INFINITI engine mapping, air intake and exhaust, and F1-inspired aerodynamic bodywork, peak engine power is up to an exhilarating 560 horsepower.
Originally a design concept of what a high-performance variant of the INFINITI Q50 premium sports sedan could look like, the Q50 Eau Rouge lives on as a dynamic development vehicle. The decision to take the INFINITI Q50 Eau Rouge into production is currently under evaluation.
Vettel now turns his attention to the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend on August 24. He's won there twice previously.
About INFINITI
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in approximately 50 countries. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and Europe will start soon along with the expansion of the brand's portfolio.
As the Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing, INFINITI has a far-reaching technical collaboration with the Formula One team, and Sebastian Vettel, its four-time World Champion driver, serves as INFINITI's Director of Performance.
More information about INFINITI, its Total Ownership Experience® and its industry leading technologies can be found at www.infiniti.com. For the latest news on INFINITI, visit INFINITINews.com, "like" INFINITI on Facebook or follow the brand on Twitter @INFINITIUSA. For interesting content on INFINITI in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
About INFINITI in Formula One
INFINITI, the premium automotive brand, starts the 2013 season as Title Partner and Vehicle Performance Partner of INFINITI Red Bull Racing. With a deepened technical collaboration across people, process and technologies, an 'open door' approach is enabling both sides to access a pool of innovation, new technologies and R&D resources in the shared pursuit of precision and performance.
Since the partnership's inception in 2011 it has already seen the launch of the INFINITI FX Vettel Edition and product development input from Sebastian Vettel and test driver Sebastien Buemi for the all-new INFINITI Q50 premium sports saloon. INFINITI continues to be the most visible automotive brand in Formula One, and the deepened partnership will ensure closer alignment on an increasing number of future team collaborations.
For interesting content on INFINITI in Formula One visit: www.infiniti-gp.com, www.youtube.com/INFINITIGP or follow on Twitter @INFINITIGP.
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