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Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge racing toward Detroit with Red Bull in its veins

There are several ways an automaker can get into Formula One racing. It can start its own team from scratch (like Toyota did in 2002), it can buy an existing team (like BMW did with Sauber in 2005) or it can supply engines to other teams (as so many manufacturers have done over the years). Infiniti chose another direction and opted to sponsor the world-champion Red Bull Racing team.
Infiniti has undoubtedly poured millions into its partnership with Red Bull since it started in 2011, but aside from the Sebastian Vettel edition FX (which technically emerged from the company's sponsorship of the driver as separate from the team), the tie-in has yet to translate into a Red Bull-tuned (or at least -inspired) Infiniti for the road. But that's just what Nissan's premium brand has in store for us at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in January.
Well, almost, because the concept just announced is still a step or two away from reaching your local Infiniti dealership, but here it is just the same. It's called the Q50 Eau Rouge, and it's based on the company's latest tech-laden sports sedan. It takes its name, of course, from the famous uphill section of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit where Sebastian Vettel won the Belgian Grand Prix earlier this year, but Infiniti isn't telling us much more than that.

Andy Palmer leaves Renault-Nissan to serve as CEO of Aston Martin

Aston Martin has been without a helmsman since Ulrich Bez stepped down from the chief executive office at the end of last year, stepping back to serve as non-executive chairman in a semi-retired ambassadorial capacity. The British automaker, now on the cusp of a new era, has been running without a CEO since, but has now named Bez's replacement in Andy Palmer.
If you don't recognize the name, you should: Palmer has worked under the Renault-Nissan Alliance for decades now, rising through the ranks to become one of the top executives under Carlos Ghosn. Most recently he was serving as executive vice president of the entire group and chairman of the Infiniti brand, but like Carlos Tavares, who recently left Renault to run Peugeot, Palmer is now embarking on a new mission as CEO of Aston Martin.
Once the transition period is complete at the start of October, Palmer's role as Chief Planning Officer at Renault-Nissan will be assumed by Philippe Klein, who steps up from his current role as executive vice president of product planning for Renault. Read the statements from both companies below.

Infiniti Q60 Concept paints a pretty picture of the brand's future

Infiniti's final teaser for the Q60 Concept may have given away the shape of the curvy coupe ahead of its debut at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show, but that's not necessarily such a tragedy for this model because the design has so many subtle touches. The more you look at it, the more cool details and ornate lines you notice. What initially looks fairly simple up front belies a multitude of fascinating details, including the F1-inspired lower air dam and the subtle fin at the tip of the hood. The design around the C-pillar may be complicated but is also attractive thanks to the confluence of design from the rear fender arch, beltline and crescent-shaped cutout in the window. The concept's interior also takes a minimalist approach. It's predominantly covered in cream leather and features sports seats in quilted leather. A mix of Alcantara and carbon fiber trim are able to show off the concept's performance intentions, though. Meanwhile the glass roof makes sitting behind the wheel feel airy and inviting. Underneath, the Q60 Concept's arching hood is the company's conceptual 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 and a seven-speed automatic. Infiniti promises the production of the mill is coming in the next two years. The big question is whether the mix of sharp edges and flowing lines on the Q60 Concept really see production without too much alternation. Infiniti plans to unveil the production version next year. Until then, check out how the model appears now on the floor of the Detroit show. Related Gallery Infiniti Q60 Concept: Detroit 2015 View 28 Photos Related Gallery Infiniti Q60 Concept View 28 Photos Related Gallery Infiniti Q60 Concept: Detroit 2015 View 14 Photos News Source: InfinitiImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2015 Drew Phillips / AOL Design/Style Detroit Auto Show Infiniti Coupe Performance 2015 Detroit Auto Show infiniti q60 infiniti q60 concept