Formula One-inspired Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept (pictures)

DETROIT -- This is the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge concept, named after a high-speed corner of the Spa-Francorchamps race circuit in Belgium. The exotic-sounding name may ring a bell for F1 fans, but it seems to have gone over the heads of enough of the automotive press that the automaker deemed it necessary to publish a second press release explaining why they chose to name it so.

As the name indicates, the Eau Rouge is based on the Q50 sport sedan. It features unique bodywork formed from carbon fiber and sits lower and wider than the stock vehicle.

The sedan's track has been increased by 20 millimeters and its fenders have also been widened to accommodate the wider stance.

An integrated rear spoiler and carbon fiber diffuser are claimed to create positive downforce at speed.

Infiniti was inspired by its Red Bull Formula One team when choosing the modifications made to the Eau Rouge, as well as designing its aerodynamics.

A pair of vents on the hood would indicate that something special is happening in the engine room.

According to Infiniti, the company's president states, "If we built this car I would expect it to feature over 500 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque." This would presumably be made possible by adding forced induction to the Q50's 3.7-liter VQ-series engine. Fortunately for Infiniti's people, they don't have to back up such a claim on a concept car.

Lightweight 21-inch forged-alloy wheels fill the wells and are wrapped around upgraded brakes.

Dual exhaust tips and a center rear foglight complete the Eau Rouge's rear end.

The sedan's almost sinister appearance is completed with dark chrome and black trim in the place of the standard Q50's chrome brightwork.

The Eau Rouge appears to be equipped with a manual transmission, although the Formula One cars that it is inspired by all use semiautomatic sequential gearboxes.

Inside, the sedan gets a materials upgrade to bring the cabin in line with the sporty exterior, but the Q50's dual-screen dashboard tech all appears to be present and accounted for.

Alcantara trim is contrasted with red-tinted carbon fiber and contrast stitching that's color-matched to the custom exterior red paint.

The odds that Infiniti will build a 500-horsepower sport sedan is slim, but I wouldn't be too surprised to see some of the styling cues and bolt-on upgrades surface on future Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) accessories.