Image: Infiniti
Compact personal luxury cars are all the rage among manufacturers these days. Audi has spent a considerable amount of time and money promoting the A1 to European buyers. Lexus is doing the same with the Ct 200h, and Mini seems to be introducing a new variant on their Cooper about once per quarter. Even such “pedestrian” manufacturers as Hyundai are offering amenities such as nav systems, leather interiors and heated front and rear seats on their compact offerings, so where is Infiniti in all this confusion?
Image: Infiniti
I’m glad you asked, because Infiniti is set to show a coupe sedan hatchback crossover at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show. Called the Etherea, Infiniti calls it a “highly sculptural, near-mono volume form”, and if anyone can translate that marketing speak into words that actually have meaning, feel free to hit me up. Here’s what we do know about Etherea: it’s about fourteen and a half feet long, it’s ‘space efficient’, it introduces design cues we’ll see on future models (such as the crescent shaped C-pillar) and it’s supposed to represent a new type of luxury for younger buyers.
Image: Infiniti
I’ll admit to being intrigued by the concept of a mult-functional vehicle that isn’t an SUV, and I can’t wait to see pictures of the Etherea in the flesh. Infiniti isn’t saying what’s under the hood, which doesn’t bode well for the Etherea ever seeing production. Unless, of course, the public demands it, so let’s hear your opinion.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
Source: Infiniti
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
