Geneva show: Infiniti EV to be mid-engined

INFINITI has produced another teaser for its forthcoming hybrid sportscar – which will debut at the Geneva motor show in early March – including a new video that reveals more of the car’s sleek shape than the few still images the company has released.

The Nissan-owned company has confirmed that the sleek sportscar is mid-engined, with a 1.3-litre engine local between the cabin and the rear axle acting as a range-extender for the electric powertrain.

Infiniti claims the range-extender hybrid format provides the car with high performance (and low emissions) on the open road while still providing zero emissions running in the city.

Background information is provided in the video by company’s product planning boss, Francois Bancon – including news that the engine will be a 1.3-litre – but even more interesting are the slow-moving images of the smooth bodywork.

An earlier video issued less than two months ago featured Infiniti general manager Andy Palmer and what appeared to be static computer-generated or clay renderings of the car.

This week, the company said the as yet unnamed car will minimise the traditional compromise between performance and sustainable mobility.



“The sportscar concept will be the first Infiniti to have not only a range-extender drivetrain but also one mounted in a mid-ship package for optimal weight distribution and therefore handling,” the company said in a statement.



“Infiniti already enjoys a lead in high-performance, low-emission technologies with its Infiniti M Hybrid.



“The purpose of the Geneva concept is to explore what might be the next stage in how to deliver a vivid, engaging and sophisticated driving experience from an electrically propelled vehicle.



“The mid-ship mechanical layout could be a vital ingredient.



“Its style, content and mid-ship package are all new to Infiniti, although the character of this striking sportscar concept remain absolutely true to the brand, as does the direction of its innovative electric vehicle engineering, which is to combine extreme, low-emission open-road performance with zero-emission operation in urban situations.”Infiniti will be relaunched in Australia around September this year, initially with a three-model line-up comprising the FX mid-size crossover (BMW X5 size), the M executive sedan (5 Series size) and G sedan, coupe and convertible (3 Series size).