Just the Facts:
- The Infiniti Emerg-E is still in the running to become the new flagship model for the Nissan luxury brand, as the automaker considers production possibilities for the supercar.
- Nissan and Infiniti design chief Shiro Nakamura told Inside Line in a recent interview that a production Emerg-E could be built in small volumes in Britain.
- Nakamura also confirmed that the 2014 Infiniti G sedan and a new small hatchback will be more like the Emerg-E in terms of styling — and that much of the Infiniti lineup is set to go on a diet.
LONDON — The Infiniti Emerg-E is still in the running to become the new flagship model for the Nissan luxury brand, as the automaker considers production possibilities for the supercar.
The Emerg-E is one of several proposals for a new flagship Infiniti model, an SUV and a sedan being other contenders.
Nissan and Infiniti design chief Shiro Nakamura told Inside Line in a recent interview that a production Emerg-E could be built in small volumes in Britain. The Emerg-E concept was built in part to widen the marque's understanding of range-extended hybrids and to trial new suppliers via a U.K. government-funded technology grant scheme, besides exploring new design themes for Infiniti with its more elegant lines.
The Emerg-E, a striking departure for Infiniti with its overtly sporty midengine setup, debuted at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show. The Emerg-E is closely based on the experimental Lotus Evora 414E hybrid and could be built in low volumes, potentially by Lotus, he suggested.
Nakamura also confirmed that the 2014 Infiniti G sedan and a new small hatchback will be more like the Emerg-E in terms of styling. The next G sedan debuts in 2013. The hatchback, which was previewed by the Infiniti Etherea concept, arrives in 2014. The Etherea concept, a four-door hatchback, debuted at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. It will be priced below the Infiniti G.
"Today's G looks a bit fat, but the new G has really nice proportions, and it's much sportier," he said. "The compact hatchback is very expressive, but not like the (Infiniti) FX. I'm very content with them."
He added: "We'll gradually introduce this new character."
Leaner, down-sized engines are on the way too, but the brand's signature SUV range will not be changing so much. "The bodies will be a little bit skinnier, but they still need presence," says Nakamura, adding that "this is quite an exciting time for Infiniti."
Inside Line says: A flagship Infiniti based on the Emerg-E would give the brand a more dramatic presence. But is it the right way to go?
http://www.insideline.com/infiniti/...-supercar-skinnier-2014-infiniti-g-sedan.html
