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".

“ETHEREA is about a new type of luxury,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit. “It is for younger buyers who do not want a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car. It is for people who want a car that defines who they are, not who their parents were.”

Infiniti pointed out that many of the styling cues seen on the Etherea such as the tail lamp and headlight designs "are destined to become a familiar Infiniti characteristic" in the firm's next generation of models.

The Etherea's B-pillar-less design and opposing doors open up to a four-seat cabin with a minimalistic styling highlighted by the abundant use of premium materials and trims.

The 4.4m long concept is said to be based on a new platform designed to accept a hybrid powertrain. The Etherea in particular uses a gasoline-electric drivetrain comprising of a 2.5-liter supercharged 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 245HP, an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that drives the front wheels.

An independent suspension, regenerative braking system and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering complete the set up.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Saab Reveals Wild PhoeniX Sports Coupe Concept at the Geneva Motor Show

The highlight of Saab's booth at the Geneva show is undoubtedly the PhoeniX concept car that previews design features and technologies that will be used by future Saab models. Based on the platform that will underpin the next-generation Saab 9-3, the PhoeniX was penned under the supervision of the firm's new design boss, Jason Castriota. According to Saab, it introduces an "aeromotional” design, which the company describes as the "the visual evocation of the aerodynamic design principles".

The sports coupe features dramatic details such as the rear-lateral winglets reminding of Saab's aeronautical roots and the jet canopy-inspired glasshouse. The front includes a new interpretation of the brand's signature three-port grille which is likely to be seen on future models, as well as the muscular hood.

The teardrop shape of the rear window echoes the design of the very first Saab, the 92001 or Ursaab, while the “sawed-off” tail is a tribute to Saab's first coupe, the Sonett.

The shape of the concept and its aerodynamic treatment enable a drag co-efficient of just 0.25. The doors open upwards, like on the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and offer access to the interior, which has a 2+2 layout. The PhoeniX features Saab's all-new IQon infotainment and communications system and a new expression of the driver-focused layout. The IQon uses Google's Android operating system and manages audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation, on-board music storage and downloading of applications.

The concept is powered by an innovative driveline, with an electrically-driven rear axle combined with a 200HP 1.6-liter gasoline turbo engine (most likely sourced from the BMW Group) that motivates the front wheels. The electric motor/generator develops 34 hp and is powered by a small battery pack, which uses regenerative braking to sustain the charge.

The eXWD hybrid all-wheel drive setup and the start-stop system allow for an average fuel consumption of only 5 liters/100 km (47 mpg) and a CO2 emissions level of 119 g/km. The eco-friendliness doesn't mean the PhoeniX is “soft”: it does 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The driver can choose between three eXWD operating modes: Eco, Sport and Traction. The first is set by default and delivers optimal fuel and CO2 efficiency, the second includes maximum power assistance with torque vectoring across the rear-axle and the third enables optimal grip in slippery conditions and at take-off.

By Dan Mihalascu

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

Geneva Show: Fiat 500 Coupé Zagato Concept

This year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show is buzzing with concept models of all sorts of sizes and shapes. The one you see pictured above is based on the popular Fiat 500 mini and is the result of the collaboration between the Fiat Group Automobiles' Centro Stile and the Zagato design house.

Showcased at the Fiat stand, the "500 Coupé Zagato" is said to have been inspired by the namesake predecessor built in the 1950 by the famous Italian bodyworker on the chassis of the original 500.

From the window line and below, the 500 concept is identical to the standard three-door hatchback model. However, the concept gets a completely new top with a sloping coupe-like roof featuring Zagato's trademark double-bubble design.

Other features include the burnished chrome exterior elements, 17-inch chrome shadow alloy wheelss with a brand new double spoked shape and synthetic inserts wrapped in 205/40 R17 tires and 4 perforated brake discs.

The concept is 3,550 mm long, 1,630 mm wide and 1,490 mm high, with a 2,300 mm wheelbase. Inside, Fiat says the 500 Coupe gets a 2+2 seating layout and a bespoke interior with sporty "diamond" seats trimmed in black and yellow two-tone leathers and other unique features.

Power for the 500 Coupé Zagato is provided by Fiat's turbocharged two-cylinder gasoline unit with 105 HP at 5,500 rpm and 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) of peak torque at 2,500 rpm, which promises reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 95 g/km.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________