Frankfurt show: Eterniti reveals first Hemera SUV pic

BRITAIN’S mysterious new luxury brand Eterniti has revealed the first image and key details of its inaugural model, the Hemera, ahead of the all-new luxury SUV’s world debut in prototype form at the Frankfurt motor show next week, before production begins in 2012.

Claimed to be “the world’s first super SUV” by the London-based, self-styled “independent boutique British luxury car-maker”, the Hemera promises to provide “new levels of luxury, space and performance in an SUV to create a new niche”.

The Hemera – which is likely to beat similar vehicles from Bentley and Aston Martin/Lagonda to market – borrows from unspecified existing underpinnings, claimed to be “the latest generation of the best large SUV platform available”.

The platform is subject to a “chassis-up rebuild” and carries lightweight carbon-composite body panels plus “an all-new, repackaged interior”.

Inside the Hemera’s claimed compact dimensions is a limousine-like rear passenger area with twin reclining seats, iPads and drinks cooler, which Eternity says results in “the option of being chauffeured as well as driving”.

The company also says the vehicle remains practical and appealing to drive thanks to its “4x4 ruggedness and dynamic performance” as well as “additional performance” over its donor vehicle. The asking price is expected to be around £150,000 ($A229,400).

Left: Eterniti Hemera teaser sketch.

A London showroom – due to open later this year – is in the process of being established and will incorporate the service centre and production facility, where the cars will be hand-built on-site by “British craftsmen and technicians”.

Further showrooms will be rolled out in “key international cities” from next year.

Eterniti, which is backed by a group of international investors and claims to have been founded by “people who have a passion for cars”, has British motoring luminaries on board in the shape of engineering ace Alastair Macqueen and ex-F1 and Le Mans driver Johnny Herbert.

Heading up Eterniti’s engineering team, Mr Macqueen’s CV includes responsibility for developing the 1990s Jaguar XJ220 supercar and being the engineering brains behind the success of both Jaguar and Bentley at Le Mans.

Herbert will also be involved in vehicle development, while acting as brand ambassador.

Given Mr Macqueen’s past links with Jaguar, the Hemera could potentially ride on a platform from sister brand Land Rover.

In addition to motorsport, the Eterniti team is said to have “extensive experience” in retailing European luxury and performance cars and the development and manufacture of high-end components.

As GoAuto has reported, British magazine Autocar says Eterniti also plans a range of other future models, including a supercar designed completely in-house.