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Elegant Profile

Designed in Japan under the direction of Shiro Nakamura, Etherea is more coupé than hatchback in inspiration, with many Infiniti flourishes first seen on the Essence concept supercar.

However, Etherea's elegant profile is not at the expense of practicality. Despite appearances, Etherea boasts a large lift-up tailgate.

Utilizing an in-house platform developed for use by Infiniti, the long wheelbase and minimal overhangs guarantee characteristic Infiniti visual poise and sporting appeal. The hood may not be as long as that of rear-drive Infinitis, but the proportions are just as finely judged and the overall look just as balanced, with the unique crescent C-pillar offering a dynamic, and very distinctive, Infiniti signature.

The spacious four-seat cabin offers all the luxury that Infiniti owners expect plus unrivalled ease of access and egress, boosted by an H-point, which is higher than that of the average compact luxury car. Four wide-opening doors, rear-hinged at the back, and an absence of B-pillar offer an unprecedented feeling of openness.

Familiar Infiniti design language has evolved to meet the challenge of the concept car. The headlights, for example, define the Infiniti "face" more clearly than ever. With a subtly curving shape, the lamps incorporate daytime running lights formed out of a crescent of LEDs. Going forward, the new lights are destined to become a familiar Infiniti characteristic.

"Other elements of exterior design and interior craftsmanship are set to have an important influence on future production models," said Shiro Nakamura.

Craftsmanship

"Hamon" is the Japanese word for the dashboard dials. It refers to the ripples on a pond that radiate outward when a pebble is thrown into the water. In the same way, the dials radiate outward from the central tachometer. It is an elegant, as well as highly ergonomic, solution.

Harmonious design and materials are central to Etherea's interior, just as they are to any Infiniti. Features making their debut on Etherea include Kumihimo, the kimono-inspired piping on the seats, and Inuyarai, the striking vertical strips on the inside of the doors. Etherea also debuts Infiniti's newest trim, a version of the parchment paper-style finish known in Japanese as Washi. The new finish is called Kasane-Washi and introduces a new way of layering the paper, enhancing its texture. The craftsmanship in Etherea is inspired by Japanese culture and re-interpreted through leading-edge technologies.

Conclusion

As an exploration of a future entry-level Infiniti production model, Etherea breaks free of existing market segments, while showing that Infiniti, with the help of its Alliance partners, is serious about competing in both the compact luxury class and in Europe.

Francois Bancon said: "Etherea represents a redefinition, not a revolution - a car for buyers whose idea of luxury is very different from the stereotypes. Etherea is not a stereotype. It is a little bit borderline. It is an expression of identity and personality. It adds new values, as well as conveying existing ones."

Infiniti Etherea Concept: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications