Infiniti has released images of a small concept that seems to defy categorization. The concept will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.
Infiniti’s ETHEREA concept is fairly small – just barely longer than a Nissan Versa – and has elements of a sedan, hatchback and crossover. The automaker says its profile is “distinctly different from anything else in the premium compact class.” Actually, there’s nothing on the road period with a shape like the ETHEREA.
“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.”
Infiniti's ETHEREA concept previews what a new entry-level Infiniti might look like.
The ETHEREA features sweeping, sculpted character lines that are reminiscent of the Hyundai Sonata. But its most distinctive feature is its S-shaped C-pillar.
While the automaker doesn’t offer any details, it says that the ETHEREA will have “a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements.”
One of the ETHEREA's most interesting features is the S-shaped C-pillar.
The concept was designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura.
The ETHEREA looks like it could be made production ready with just a few tweaks. Small bumps where one would expect mirrors suggests the concept could have cameras instead of mirrors, but the ETHEREA isn’t the first concept to make do without mirrors.
The small luxury car market seems ready to explode as car buyers seek greater fuel economy, but still want luxury features and styling.