Geneva 2011: Etherea Concept Hints at Infiniti's BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 Rival

No question, the most significant presence at Infiniti's Geneva Motor Show booth is the brand-new Etherea concept study that provides a first glimpse at an upcoming entry-level model will allow the Japanese brand to compete with the Audi A3 and BMW 1-Series. A production version inspired by the Etherea is expected to hit the market by 2014.

The Etherea concept study was designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura who incorporated the design language of the 2009 Essence sports car concept into a five-door body style. According to Infiniti, the Etherea is "part elegant coupé, part spacious sedan, part practical hatchback and even part tall crossover".

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Infiniti Etherea Hybrid Concept Previews New Compact Hatchback

This five-door hatchback model is the Infiniti Etherea concept, and it's set to be unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March. The Etherea previews the Japanese brand's foray into the compact luxury segment, with the production model scheduled to enter the market within the next two to three years.

Designed under the supervision of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, the 4.4 meter long concept is said to blend elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover models "in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form". The Etherea also incorporates styling cues from the Japanese firm's well received Essence sports car study from 2009 including the...blurry-shaped C-pillar and front grille design.

While Infiniti did not publish any information on the Etherea's mechanical hardware, the logo on the front fenders tells us that it gets a hybrid powertrain. We'll have more on the Etherea concept after its presentation at the Geneva Salon.

Geneva Preshow: Infiniti Outlines New Concept for Entry-Level Model

A pair of black and white sketches outlining the shape of what appears to be a hatchback model and a statement from Infiniti's Vice President, Andy Palmer, in 2010 saying that the brand is exploring the development of a new entry-level vehicle, is all we get about the Japanese luxury brand's new concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

However, we'll remind you during the September 2010 announcement, Mr. Palmer had shown a more revealing teaser rendering of an all-electric model capable of seating up to five passengers, which he said would enter production in 2013.

There have been unconfirmed reports that Infiniti will show a new hatchback model powered by Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder engines as part of the Daimler and Renault-Nissan deal signed in April 2010, but given the reference to Mr. Palmer's statement at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London, an EV hatchback concept sounds more likely.

On a side note, even though Infiniti did not give us a name for the Geneva Salon concept, the images were saved as "Eftheria", which could be the name of the study.

We will follow the story and bring you any new information as soon as we get it.

Infiniti Press Release:

“Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G Line. Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” So said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President for Infiniti, at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London during September 2010.

Fast forward to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show where at 12:15 CET on March 1, 2011, Infiniti will present its next Inspired Performance: a concept car that will take the Japanese performance brand down a new road, to a new future.

Infiniti Releases Essence Concept Teaser Photo

Following an earlier announcement, Infiniti went ahead today and issued the first teaser photograph of its Geneva Show-bound concept car that will be called 'Essence'. The Japanese firm has not revealed any particular details on the car other than it has been produced in collaboration with Louis Vuitton and that it will be 'one dramatic concept' previewing 'an exploration into the brand's future'.

The image appears to illustrate the car's swoopy C-pillar and pronounced rear-wheel arch, leading us to believe that the Essence could be previewing a proposal for a high-end sports coupe. If that's the case, then it wouldn't be too farfetched to say that there's a good possibility that it could be based on the underpinnings of the Nissan GT-R. But better wait for more information to come in before we make any more speculations.

Infiniti to Introduce New Performance Concept Car in Geneva

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Nissan's premium brand Infiniti, will perform the world debut of a new performance concept car at next month's Geneva Motor Show. The Japanese automaker did not reveal many details other than that "the dramatic concept car will be an inspiring exploration into the brand's future," and that it will come equipped with a bespoke set of luggage created in collaboration with the famous French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton.

We have no idea what kind of concept car Infiniti is readying (for the record, the photo above shows the firm's design boss Shiro Nakamura inside a FX50s),but feel free to speculate in our comment section below.