Infiniti’s Prototype 9, a retro open-wheeled roadster concept, went on display at Car Classic 2017 at the ArtCenter College of Design.

The Japanese automaker first introduced this concept at Pebble Beach earlier this year, where it wowed the crowds with its minimalist exterior, exposed wheels and wire-mesh design.

“What if Infiniti had created a race car in the 1940s? If one were to imagine an open-wheeled Infiniti racer on the famous circuits of the era, such as Japan’s Tamagawa Speedway, what would that look like?” said its designer Alfonso Albaisa.

“The sketches were stunning and the idea so compelling that we had to produce a prototype.”

This project moved forward after several other departments at Nissan became aware of what Albaisa had in mind, volunteering their time to create the first Infiniti to be powered by a new EV powertrain.

Inspired by Japanese motorsports from the 1940s, the Prototype 9 stays true to its designated time period, although that front grille design does make it look more modern.

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