The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge is the specific model that featured the same engine as the Nissan GT-R. This high-performance concept car showcased a powerplant directly derived from the legendary Godzilla.
The Heart of the Beast: GT-R's Engine in an Infiniti
The Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge, unveiled as a concept, was designed to be a super-saloon, marrying luxury with extreme performance. Its most significant feature was the engine sourced directly from the Nissan GT-R.
- Engine Type: It utilizes the same hand-built 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine found in the Nissan GT-R. This engine, known for its formidable power and advanced engineering, was a key component in the Eau Rouge's design.
- Performance Tuning: While the core engine was the same, the Q50 Eau Rouge featured an 'Infiniti Performance ECU' (Engine Control Unit), indicating some brand-specific tuning for its application.
- Powertrain Differences: It's important to note that while the engine was shared, the Q50 Eau Rouge did not employ the GT-R's unique four-wheel-drive system. Instead, it used an Infiniti 4WD system, similar to those found in other Infiniti models like the FX, designed to deliver a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels.
Engine Specifications Comparison
Here's a quick look at the core engine details as applied to the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge:
| Feature | Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge | Nissan GT-R (Source Engine) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | VR38DETT 3.8-litre Twin-Turbo V6 | VR38DETT 3.8-litre Twin-Turbo V6 |
| Construction | Hand-built | Hand-built |
| Engine Control | Infiniti Performance ECU | Nissan GT-R specific ECU |
| Drivetrain | Infiniti 4WD system (e.g., FX-derived, 50:50 split) | Advanced ATTESA ET-S AWD system |
| Power Output | Concept (around 560hp) | Varies by year/trim (e.g., 565-600hp for recent models) |
The Q50 Eau Rouge was a compelling demonstration of Infiniti's potential to integrate high-performance components from its Nissan parent company, offering a glimpse into what a truly performance-oriented Infiniti sedan could be. Although the Eau Rouge remained a concept, it undeniably showcased the potent combination of luxury and the GT-R's revered engine.
