Infiniti Q50 BTCC ready to race
Sat, Jan 10 2015
Like the rest of the BTCC field, the Q50 racer is based on the series Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) regulations. That means it's based on the production model, and not on a control chassis (like the one you'd find in NASCAR) done up to look like the showroom version. It also means a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine driving upwards of 300 horsepower through an Xtrac six-speed sequential gearbox with AP Racing clutch, throttle by wire and the manufacturer's choice of front- or rear-wheel drive, the latter of which we assume Infiniti has chosen for its touring car.
Two examples of the Q50 BTCC will be fielded by Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing, a non-profit venture with proceeds (assuming there are any) going towards the British paratroopers' charity. The team is being run by Derek Palmer Sr, whose son Derek Jr will drive one, with the other piloted by Richard Hawken, and injured paratroopers filling out the pit crew and support staff. The Infiniti Q50 BTCC will be showcased on the Dunlop stand at the Autosport International show in Birmingham this weekend.
NEW Q50 BTCC LIVERY AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL SHOW
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
The recently announced 'Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing' team, which will contest the Dunlop British Touring Car Championship this season, will unveil a new livery for its two NGTC Infiniti Q50 race cars at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham later this week.
The new livery on the Q50, being displayed on the Dunlop stand, has been designed by Infiniti's own design team in Paddington London, further enhancing the ongoing partnership of Infiniti with the Mallory Park-based team, which will employ injured ex-Paratroopers to prepare both race cars.
Simon Cox, Infiniti Design Director from Infiniti Design London, said "The new Q50 race car livery was developed to contrast against the traditional branding schemes normally associated with the BTCC grid. However, it still retains a high level of visibility, reflecting both the dynamic qualities of the Infiniti Brand along with the performance and striking contours of the Q50 road car. The look is intended to illustrate the provocative nature of the Infiniti brand, combining dynamic light pulses which form on contact with cars sculptural surfaces."
Building from its launch outside London's Guildhall 10 weeks ago, the not-for-profit team will help raise awareness of, and funds for, Support Our Paras, the newly-formed official charity for The Parachute Regiment. 100% of its profits will go towards the 'Support Our Paras' charity
"We're at a very advanced stage in the build programme of both car cars and the amount of work which has been going on behind the scenes is impressive," team principal Derek Palmer Snr explained.
Drivers Derek Palmer Jnr and Richard Hawken will pilot the two Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing NGTC Infiniti Q50s.
The four-day Autosport International Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, opening on Thursday, January 8, and closing on Sunday, January 11, 2015.
Wednesday, 7 January 2015
The recently announced 'Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing' team, which will contest the Dunlop British Touring Car Championship this season, will unveil a new livery for its two NGTC Infiniti Q50 race cars at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham later this week.
The new livery on the Q50, being displayed on the Dunlop stand, has been designed by Infiniti's own design team in Paddington London, further enhancing the ongoing partnership of Infiniti with the Mallory Park-based team, which will employ injured ex-Paratroopers to prepare both race cars.
Simon Cox, Infiniti Design Director from Infiniti Design London, said "The new Q50 race car livery was developed to contrast against the traditional branding schemes normally associated with the BTCC grid. However, it still retains a high level of visibility, reflecting both the dynamic qualities of the Infiniti Brand along with the performance and striking contours of the Q50 road car. The look is intended to illustrate the provocative nature of the Infiniti brand, combining dynamic light pulses which form on contact with cars sculptural surfaces."
Building from its launch outside London's Guildhall 10 weeks ago, the not-for-profit team will help raise awareness of, and funds for, Support Our Paras, the newly-formed official charity for The Parachute Regiment. 100% of its profits will go towards the 'Support Our Paras' charity
"We're at a very advanced stage in the build programme of both car cars and the amount of work which has been going on behind the scenes is impressive," team principal Derek Palmer Snr explained.
Drivers Derek Palmer Jnr and Richard Hawken will pilot the two Infiniti Support Our Paras Racing NGTC Infiniti Q50s.
The four-day Autosport International Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham, opening on Thursday, January 8, and closing on Sunday, January 11, 2015.
By Noah Joseph
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