As some of you migh know, just six months after the idea first surfaced, the Infiniti FX designed for reigning Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel was unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
While the FX Sebastian Vettel Version is based on the 2012 Infiniti FX50, it features changes to the engine, suspension and body, with key aerodynamic enhancements implemented with input from Red Bull Racing.
Even if the most obvious change is the addition of a carbon rear wing, carbon is used for the splitter, sills, front grille, mirror covers and rear diffuser, trimming the weight of what is already one of the lighter SUVs in its size class.
The manufacturer fitted this car with 21-inch alloys wheels with black multispoke with silver rims. They don’t just look the part but also save weight over the standard 21-inch FX50 wheel. At 2049kg, the FX Sebastian Vettel version weighs 46kg less than a standard FX50S Premium.
Considering that the 2011 Infiniti FX50 is powered by an all-new 5.0 liter V8 mated to a new seven-speed automatic transmission, relatively little needed to be done to enable the world’s most special FX to hit Sebastian Vettel’s maximum speed target of 300km/h.
According to the manufacturer, the first job was to free the car of its speed limiter which electronically restricts all other FXs to 250km/h. Hoever, no radical engine reworking was necessary to gain the extra 30PS that takes the FX Vettel concept’s power output to 420PS.
In addition to this power comes a new exhaust system which liberates some of the extra horsepower while a reprogrammed engine ECU takes care of the rest, with no discernible difference to the V8’s response or efficiency. And it sounds better than ever.
With this power Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Version can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, two tenths of a second ahead of the standard car.
The interior features tailored panels of black carbon – real, not appliqué – on the doors and centre console. Highlights that would normally be silver chrome are treated to a special black chrome finish, while in true F1 style, Alcantara is used on the steering wheel and gearshift paddles. Special seats, with extra support, are covered in black quilted suede cloth finished with purple stitching and special “SV” logos. The material also features on the pillars, roof lining and sun visors.
Finally, a metal plate on the centre console featuring the World Champion’s signature provides the unique finishing touch.
Photos Source: MotorAuthority
