Infiniti to present Ethera Concept, Infiniti JX at 2012 Canadian International Auto Show
- Canadian debut provides sneak-peak at what’s in store for future Infiniti models -
Infiniti Canada announced the Canadian debut of the Infiniti ETHEREA concept vehicle at the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto, this February. A compact luxury model that previews how a future entry-level Infiniti could look, the ETHEREA concept is an exciting, segment redefining blend of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form. Joining ETHEREA on the stand will be the latest addition to Infiniti’s lineup, the 2013 Infiniti JX luxury crossover as well as the championship-winning, RB7 Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car.
“ETHEREA was designed to project both an evolving Infiniti identity and a profile that is distinctly different from any current vehicle available on the market,” said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. “ETHEREA’s segment-busting style exhibits the inspiration behind all Infiniti products and is a sign of new and exciting things to come from Infiniti.”
A supercharged 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine developing 245 horsepower, provides quick response and strong acceleration throughout the performance range thanks to a continuously variable transmission. Boosting the engine’s power when needed, and providing silent, emission-free driving at low speeds, is an electric motor. An independent suspension, regenerative braking and advanced drive-by-wire electric/hydraulic steering further enhance performance.
The spacious four-seat ETHEREA 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.
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.
The all-new Infiniti JX will be presented as a regional debut in Toronto with a competitive starting MSRP of $44,900, the Infiniti JX is a bold new option in the luxury crossover segment and is designed to excel in the areas that luxury crossover buyers desire most – interior flexibility and roominess, safety and advanced hospitality features.
Loaded with world’s first technologies, the Infiniti JX adds a new feature, Backup Collision Intervention (BCI), to the currently available Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) system. The addition of BCI is the latest of nine technologies that comprise the “All-around Safety Shield” of the new JX. Other available technology includes both Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems.
The RB7 Formula 1 car, representing the global partnership established last year between Red Bull Racing and Infiniti will also be proudly on display at CIAS. The RB7 F1 car will give the public an up-close-and-personal glimpse into the World Champion Red Bull team and the domain Infiniti’s global brand ambassador, two-time World Champion driver, Sebastian Vettel.