Detroit show: All-electric Infiniti SUV takes shape

INFINITI is plotting an all-electric SUV that will be previewed by a concept debuting at next month’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

 

Also serving as the forerunner to the Japanese luxury brand’s electric vehicle (EV) design language, only a single shadowy teaser image has been revealed of the as-yet-unnamed crossover.

 

However, what can be glimpsed is sleek styling with ultra-slim side mirrors, subtle wheelarch cladding, slender headlights and a light-up grille and front Infiniti logo.

 

Infiniti executive design director Karim Habib said the upcoming show car will point the way forward for the premium car-maker.

 

“The concept car we will show in Detroit is the beginning of a new era for Infiniti and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand,” he said.

 

“Electrification and other new technologies have given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy.”

 

As for the powertrain, Infiniti could borrow from parent-company Nissan’s catalogue and take the second-generation Leaf’s 110kW/320Nm system paired with either a 40kWh or 60kWh battery.

 

Driving range in the Leaf on the new Worldwide harmonising Light vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) is rated at 270 kilometres.

 

If it makes it to production, Infiniti’s new SUV will be part of its plans to have half of all its sales by 2025 to be EVs.

 

In addition to emissions-free models, Infiniti will also use Nissan’s e-Power technology that pairs a small petrol engine with an electric motor, with the former charging the latter.

 

Infiniti chairman and global president Roland Krueger said electrification is key to the brand’s future ambitions.

 

“The industry is at a technological inflection point,” he said. “As such, Infiniti has a compelling vision as a luxury challenger brand to bring a full portfolio of beautifully designed electric vehicles to customers around the world.

 

“We will focus on developing the full portfolio of e-power and EVs.”

 

In Australia, Infiniti is still yet to find its footing since launching in 2012, clocking just 604 sales in the first 11 months of this year, which is down 18.3 per cent year on year.

 

Next year, sales should get a shot in the arm due to the long-waited launch of the QX50 in the crucial premium mid-size SUV segment.

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