With the US economy being as volatile and unpredictable as ever, one can often wonder what steps are being taken by luxury automakers to help consumers “stop the bleeding” so to speak. Infiniti however, seems to be one brand that is ahead of the curve, as there are rumored to be plans for a luxury hybrid model. Joel Arellano from automotive.com has the scoop:
More than a few consumers and auto journalists were disappointed when General Motors announced that, at least for now, it was putting its Cadillac Converj program on hold. The Converj would have been the luxurious sibling to the upcoming Chevy Volt and its range-extender engine. Nissan Motors recently released pricing details of its Leaf electric vehicle. The Leaf is considered a rival to the Volt despite their differing engines and transmissions. Now Nissan plans to release a version for its Infiniti luxury brand.
Sources who saw the original concept drawing for the Infiniti EV claimed the car simply looked like a Leaf with an Infiniti logo on it. However, Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti’s North American business unit, says that problem has been corrected with the car’s most recent design sketches.
“I was in Japan last week and saw the final three or four designs for the car,” Poore told Automotive News. “I can tell you without a doubt that we’re going to have a uniquely Infiniti product.”
Apart from the unique exterior look, Infiniti’s EV will use vastly different materials (i.e. leather seating, wood trim, etc.) to ensure it is in line with the luxury brand’s standards. Still, that may not be enough. Larry Dominique, vice president for Nissan and Infiniti’s North American product planning, says the two electric cars also need to differ in terms of driving dynamics.
“We think it needs to be very unique, not only in exterior design but in interior materials and in terms of its driving performance,” said Dominique. “It has to accelerate like an Infiniti. It has to be an Infiniti from the standpoint of dynamic performance. The Leaf will be a great vehicle, but it’s very clearly a Nissan. The Infiniti version will have to be purely Infiniti.”
Infiniti has not given a specific time frame for when its electric offering will launch. Considering the amount of engineering required to restyle and engineer the platform to Infiniti’s standards, a launch date is still at least two years away. The Leaf, however, will reach select markets in the U.S. later this year.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Is infiniti working on a hybrid.. Great idea
Is infiniti working on a hybrid.. He-he-he
Is infiniti working on a hybrid.. Dandy