Infiniti offers a hint of the plug-in hybrid it is developing.
Having confirmed plans to add its first battery-electric vehicle for 2014, Infiniti has now revealed its goal of launching a new plug-in hybrid, as well.
The luxury brands second battery car, which it describes as a “range-extending electric sports car,” will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March.
It will enter a rapidly expanding segment for battery-based luxury vehicles. General Motors’ Cadillac division is preparing a high-line version of the Chevrolet Volt, to be dubbed the Cadillac ELR, while BMW is readying both the plug-in i8 and battery-electric i3 models for a new sub-brand focusing exclusively on green powertrain technology.
The two teaser shots released by Infiniti – the luxury arm of Nissan Motor Co. – suggest the plug-in will be inspired by the 2-seat Nissan ESFLOW concept vehicle. While Infiniti isn’t offering any specifics the ESFLOW was a pure battery-electric vehicle, or BEV, with a stated range of 150 miles and sports car performance that Nissan estimated would yield 0 to 60 times in less than 5 seconds.
Infiniti hints it will put more of an emphasis on performance than just fuel economy.
Not all battery-electric proponents put the emphasis on the technology’s environmentally friendly features. Battery drivelines can alternatively be tuned to deliver solid performance due to the high levels of torque produced by their electric motors.
The newly redesigned Lexus GS450h, is being billed as the performance model in the Toyota luxury division’s GS series.
The upcoming Infiniti battery-electric vehicle will share its underlying driveline and chassis with the mainstream Nissan Leaf. But there will be some key differences, Infiniti General Manager Andy Palmer noted during an interview at the recent L.A. Auto Show. It will not only shift to a sedan-style body but offer significantly better range and acceleration, the executive said, stressing that, “Obviously, you would expect a little better performance from a luxury brand.”
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With the plug-in, the maker suggests it extends the potential for high performance, low emission electric cars.”
Infiniti has yet to reveal when it will bring the new plug-in to market, though it would likely follow the battery-electric luxury sedan by a year or two, meaning sometime in mid-decade.