Inifiniti has officially named its compact luxury concept which will be unveiled during the 81st edition Geneva Motor Show.
Based on the previous teasers released by the Japanese automaker, we speculated the car will be called the Etheria, as that was the naming of the image files. We don’t know if the automaker change its mind or it was some kind of mistake, but the actual name is Infiniti ETHEREA.
The Infiniti ETHEREA represents an evolution in the company’s identity, and hints at an entry-level model which air towards youn buyers looking for a ‘new type of luxury’.
The Infiniti ETHEREA combines styling elements of a coupe, sedan, hatchback and crossover, measures 4.4 m in length, and will make use of ‘high-tech interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes’.
We’ll have full details and photos with the Infiniti ETHEREA Concept on March 1st so stay tuned.
Infiniti press release :
ROLLE, Switzerland (February 14, 2011) – Infiniti today releases the first images of its concept car for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Called ETHEREA, it is a compact luxury model that previews how a future entry-level Infiniti could look.
The pictures show an evolving Infiniti identity along with a profile distinctly different from anything currently available in the premium compact class.
“ETHEREA is about a new type of luxury for younger buyers,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit. “It is not just a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car.”
Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, ETHEREA blends elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form.
At 4.4m it is highly compact but at the same time it is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements.
Among its surprises are high-tech new interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes, and several design cues set to make their mark on future production models – including the highly distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept.
The ETHEREA makes its world debut on the Infiniti stand (Hall 1, Booth 1030) at 12:15 CET on Tuesday 1 March 2011.
