Infiniti Etherea Hybrid Concept Previews New Compact Hatchback

This five-door hatchback model is the Infiniti Etherea concept, and it's set to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Etherea previews the Japanese brand's foray into the compact luxury segment, with the production model scheduled to enter the market within the next two to three years.

Designed under the supervision of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, the 4.4 meter long concept is said to blend elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover models "in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form". The Etherea also incorporates styling cues from the Japanese firm's well received Essence sports car study from 2009 including the...blurry-shaped C-pillar and front grille design.

While Infiniti did not publish any information on the Etherea's mechanical hardware, the logo on the front fenders tells us that it gets a hybrid powertrain. We'll have more on the Etherea concept after its presentation at the Geneva Salon.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Geneva Preshow: Infiniti Outlines New Concept for Entry-Level Model

A pair of black and white sketches outlining the shape of what appears to be a hatchback model and a statement from Infiniti's Vice President, Andy Palmer, in 2010 saying that the brand is exploring the development of a new entry-level vehicle, is all we get about the Japanese luxury brand's new concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

However, we'll remind you during the September 2010 announcement, Mr. Palmer had shown a more revealing teaser rendering of an all-electric model capable of seating up to five passengers, which he said would enter production in 2013.

There have been unconfirmed reports that Infiniti will show a new hatchback model powered by Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder engines as part of the Daimler and Renault-Nissan deal signed in April 2010, but given the reference to Mr. Palmer's statement at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London, an EV hatchback concept sounds more likely.

On a side note, even though Infiniti did not give us a name for the Geneva Salon concept, the images were saved as "Eftheria", which could be the name of the study.

We will follow the story and bring you any new information as soon as we get it.

Infiniti Press Release:

“Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G Line. Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” So said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President for Infiniti, at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London during September 2010.

Fast forward to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show where at 12:15 CET on March 1, 2011, Infiniti will present its next Inspired Performance: a concept car that will take the Japanese performance brand down a new road, to a new future.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Infiniti Essence GT Concept becomes a $300 Limited Edition Sculpture with its own Louis Vuitton Case

The well-received Infiniti Essence GT may not have become a reality -at least not yet- but it's getting its own artwork in the form of a collector's edition sculpture, penned by the car's original designer under the supervision of Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura. The "Essence Sculpture" is made from solid resin and production will be strictly limited to 300 individually numbered units worldwide.

Continuing its cooperation with the famed fashion house Louis Vuitton, Infiniti also ordered a bespoke carrying case that was handcrafted in Louis Vuitton's workshop in Asnieres, France.

The "Essence Sculpture" with Louis Vuitton case will get its world debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this week and go on sale through the Infiniti merchandise website at infinitilifestyle.com beginning in December. The price for the sculpture alone has been set at US$300 plus shipping. If you want the personalized Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite case, you'll have to order and buy it separately, so forget about getting the sculpture and giving the case to your 'amore' as a Christmas gift...

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________