Infiniti ETHEREA Could Be Built in the UK

Infiniti received a lot of attention with its revolutionary new ETHEREA concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. But the vehicles' crossover platform might prove a bit to revolutionary, as Autocar reports that its front-wheel drive platform, which is rumored to be related to the next Mercedes B-Klasse, can't be built in Japan.

The company’s factories there are designed to build rear-drive models like the G and M saloons and the EX and FX SUVs, so the ETHEREA could be built in Sunderland instead.

“It’s not impossible for the Etherea to be built at Sunderland, but it’s not decided yet,” said Jim Wright, boss of Infiniti Europe, who added that front-wheel drive poses “many production questions,” but “it doesn’t necessarily need to be built in Japan.”

The concept version of the ETHEREA is powered by a hybrid powertrain, consisting of a supercharged 2.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine developing 245 hp and an electric motor. It also boasts the innovative one electric motor/twin clutch system used in the Infiniti M35h. The concept offers independent suspension, regenerative braking and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering.

"ETHEREA is completely different from current luxury compact cars," said Senior Vice President of Design, Shiro Nakamura. "That is appropriate for a new generation of drivers who think of themselves as different. "As an exploration into what a future entry-level Infiniti may be like, ETHEREA is highly significant and a breakthrough in what Infiniti thinks about itself."

"We think the market – and buyers of compact cars – is ready for a car like this, especially in Europe. As a vehicle to single out its owner as progressive, self confident and a little off the beaten path, ETHEREA fits very well with what Infiniti is all about," explained Francois Bancon, General Manager of Exploratory and Advanced Product.