Red Bull and Infiniti plan joint performance road car project
Infiniti and Red Bull Racing are exploring the development of a high-performance road car, aiming to build on their Formula One partnership with a model that would require substantial reengineering.
Infiniti is considering a move into the high-performance road car segment through a new collaboration with Red Bull Racing, building on their existing Formula One partnership. The project could see a current Infiniti model reworked with input from Red Bull’s motorsport engineers, according to comments from Nissan’s global motorsport executive Simon Sproule.
Sproule indicated that the relationship between Infiniti and Red Bull Racing was still in its early stages, but both parties are looking to deepen their technical cooperation. One avenue under review is the joint development of a road car that goes beyond the current Infiniti Performance Line, with engineering changes substantial enough to require the car to be re-homologated for sale.
Aiming beyond Infiniti Performance Line
Infiniti’s current performance offering, the Performance Line, consists of upgraded versions of standard models but does not match the level of engineering seen in specialist sports or supercars. The proposed collaboration would involve a more thorough overhaul, with Red Bull’s expertise in aerodynamics and chassis dynamics expected to play a central role.
No specific model has been named as the base for the project, and the companies have not confirmed a timeline or production targets. The arrangement recalls Renault’s earlier collaboration with Williams for the Clio Williams, though in that case Williams was not directly involved in the engineering. By contrast, Red Bull’s technical input is expected to be significant if the project goes ahead.
Formula One partnership as foundation
The initiative builds on the marketing and technical relationship established between Infiniti and Red Bull Racing in Formula One. Since joining forces in 2011, Infiniti has sought to leverage Red Bull’s motorsport pedigree to enhance its brand image and product development. A road-going performance car would mark a new phase in that collaboration, though both parties are still in the exploratory stage.
