Infiniti reveals Prototype 9 at 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Nissan Motor Corporation and premium automotive brand Infiniti have unveiled a sleek, open-wheeled electric retro-roadster prototype at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the U.S.A. The car, called Prototype 9, is a celebration of Nissan and Infiniti's ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. It represents a reimagining of a 1940s race car with time-honoured production techniques employed to realise its retro design.

The Prototype 9 is emblematic of Infiniti's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for stunning design. From humble beginnings as a sketch, to the dynamic example presented at Pebble Beach, the Prototype 9 has been brought to life as an after-hours endeavour by a passionate and enterprising team of employees from across the Nissan Motor Corporation.

The Prototype 9 is the first Infiniti to be powered by a new electric vehicle powertrain - a 30kWh high-voltage battery paired with a prototype electric motor - one not yet seen on a production vehicle. The motor produces 120kW (148bhp) and 320Nm of torque and drives the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission.

The Prototype 9 has a top speed of 170km/h, and sprints from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds, with a maximum EV range of 20 minutes under heavy track use. This nod to the future contrasts with the traditional materials and techniques applied for the Prototype 9's manufacture, including panels hand-beaten by a team of Takumi - Nissan Motor Corporation's master craftspeople.