No related posts.

No related posts.

Infiniti is clearly interested in expanding its model line into the compact segment, a fact evidenced by the Etherea Concept that it is currently showing off at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The most far-out styling feature of the Etherea is no doubt the crescent-shaped C-pillar, though opinions seem to vary on its effectiveness on such a compact car.

In any case, all the hallmarks of a modern-day concept car are present and accounted for, including a hybrid powertrain that features a 245-horsepower supercharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a twin-clutch system that links the electric motor to the engine. All those ponies are routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission to the front wheels.

As far as the styling goes, Infiniti has this to say about the Etherea Concept: “As an exploration of a future entry-level Infiniti production model, Etherea can be summed up as a four-door coupe with five-door practicality – a hatchback that doesn’t look like a hatchback.” We’ll let you decide how true that may be…

Feel free to read the complete press release after the break, and be sure to check out our high-res gallery of live photos below.

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Continue reading Geneva 2011: Infiniti Etherea Concept tries not to look like a hatchback

Geneva 2011: Infiniti Etherea Concept tries not to look like a hatchback originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 04:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

It looks like Saab is planning a party for this year’s Geneva Motor Show. The Scandinavian automaker has just rolled out its invitations to the shindig, and the cards feature a whopping total of four cars covered by sheets. According to the company, the public at large will get its first look an all-new concept car from the automaker, and judging by the inset image below, it looks like it could be a return-to-form hatchback that presages the next 9-3. In addition to the show car, there will likely be special edition versions of the 9-3 and 9-3 Cabriolet. Of course, the 9-4X crossover will be on the show stand, and the freshly teased 9-5 SportCombi is also set to make an appearance.

According to enthusiast site Saabs United, both the tweaked 9-3 and 9-3 Cabriolet are said to be getting a pre-Geneva unveil on February 23. Expect to see full photos and greater detail on what those models will have to offer as we get closer to that date.

Hopefully, these new models will help drum up some interest in Saab. Last year, the Swedish automaker struggled to find traction after being released from General Motors’ shackles, selling a mere 5,445 units in the States. Officials have earmarked a goal of triple that figure for 2011.

[Sources: Saabs United, Saab]

Saab hatchback concept teased ahead of Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.

Sprinkled around Cobo Hall this morning in the wee hours of the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, we discovered a number of promotional images from Toyota teasing the big Prius announcement that’s coming later this afternoon. We don’t know with 100 percent certainty, but in addition to the Prius MPV we already knew about, the ad sure makes it look like the secret Prius concept to be unveiled later today will be, ta da!, a smaller Prius hatchback.

From what we can gather, the diminutive hatch will officially be unveiled in a few hours, but we thought the new Prius family line-up – featuring (from left) the Prius Plug In, the Prius MPV, the standard Prius and the new hatchback – was worth sharing. Stay tuned for live pics and the full details once we’re back form the Toyota press conference. Until then, discuss if you’d like to go for a spin in the smallest version of the world’s best-selling hybrid.

Detroit 2011: Toyota Prius family will grow with a smaller hatchback? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 07:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments
Autoblog

No related posts.