Norbert Aepli, Switzerland (User:Noebu)

The Infiniti brand may not be terribly familiar to UK motorists, but its parent company Nissan has big plans for the marque.

Just as Toyota set up luxury brand Lexus in 1989 (targeting US customers) so too did Nissan with the Infiniti – in the same year. Here in Europe we may not see Infinitis as regularly as we see Lexuses, but the former is looking to change all that.

However, the Infiniti is not gunning for Lexus. The Japanese-owned (but Hong Kong based) brand has German rivals in its sights.

But should the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes be worried?

Given initial reports of the Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge, perhaps they should.

The amped-up version of the Q50 takes styling cues from the Red Bull F1 car (which Infiniti sponsors), as well as delivering power/torque of around 552bhp / 443lb per foot. It can also hit 62mph from standstill in 4 seconds and reach 180mph.

And these stats are just for the early prototype version – they could get even more eye-popping. So when the Eau Rouge's development reaches a point where it can actually go to production – which is still a very long way off – then those three German car brands might have something to worry about.

If the prototype went into production as it is, the UK's vehicle recovery providers might have a serious breakdown epidemic on its hands. But the Eau Rouge’s issues will be ironed out soon enough.

Key rivals for the Eau Rouge are likely to be the Audi RS4, the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63. While the price tag of around £58,000 will put the Eau Rouge in the same cost-bracket as these fine Teutonic motors, the Eau Rouge may well offer pacier performance.

But will the cashed-up buyers in this segment go for German finesse or Japanese muscle? Time will tell.