B4D-455 is Infiniti's new hypercar project developed by Omar El Houdna aimed at the future of Gran Turismo, the racing simulator. As a Japanese brand, the major influences were the film "Ghost in the Shell" and the Mitsubishi F-15J, a Japanese jet fighter. It will then be a single-seater race vehicle with a hybrid engine that is focused on-track performance. The current transition toward more sustainable powertrains is also reflected in games. It is equally important since it educates new generations who begin playing the game at a young age.

The B4D-455's powertrain is made up of nuclear turbines at the back of the cabin and electric engines behind the wheels. The combination of these two results in the optimal amount of thrust in acceleration (electric engine) and maximum speed (nuclear turbines), as well as being overall sustainable. "Artificial Soul" is the major subject that emerged from the picture board.

The aesthetic essence and subject of the automobile were inspired by the Japanese kimonos worn by the robotic geishas (a class of female Japanese performers and entertainers educated in traditional Japanese performing arts methods) in the film "Ghost in the Shell." The inspiration image's robot-geisha appear pristine and clean on the exterior (the white shell), yet their heart is strong and mechanical. The mechanical inner core with nuclear turbines is buried behind the external shell, evoking the same sense. These adhere to the dual essence of the Infiniti DNA.

B4D-455: Design

In conjunction with the bold graphic, the side view development attempts to form a teardrop silhouette. Even if it's a virtual automobile, it has to be realistic and genuine. The side aspect, particularly the cabin, was heavily influenced by aerodynamics. The front aspect is characterised by strong fillets that run from the bonnet to the air intakes, as well as broader, softer radiuses surrounding the roof and A-pillars.

Even with powerful visuals, this technique emphasises the brand DNA's duality. The logo was also utilised to indicate the air intake in the front perspective. The Infiniti logo represents "new horizons," with the upside-down "V" represented by the two lines on the insignia reaching into the distance. These features defined the vehicle's facia with a strong horizontal sense crossed by vertical lines.

The back of the automobile has a light vibe to emphasise the "floating" cabin that houses the turbines. Behind the wheels lies a secret electric power plant. The difficult aspect was figuring out how to connect the two primary components of the vehicle, the cabin and the support/floor. From the top, the support forms an 'X' shape, which is inspired by the geisha's belt, which holds the kimono.

The "X" form emphasises Infiniti's robust but romantic appearance. The diver's helmet has also been built in the style of jet fighter helmets, as fighter aircraft are one of the vehicle's key influences. The helmet is equipped with 'Flight G-suit integration' (hoses for oxygen supply and cables specifically fitted for unrestricted pilot mobility) since the automobile is built for high speed and intense G-force racing. The helmet similarly adheres to the same design language as the outside.

About Designer

The designer Omar El Houdna just graduated with honours from the Automotive Design Master's programme at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. During the same year, he interned at SAIC Advanced in London. Having worked in various disciplines (yacht, mobility, jewellery, and heavy equipment design), he understood how to take inspiration from various sources before embarking on a project.