In the past, when the phrases “400 horsepower”, “mid engine” and “sports car” have been brought together, the phrase “environmentally friendly” is usually always left out of the picture. It appears like that might soon change as Infiniti has set about to combined those together in order to create the Emerg-E. Making its debut at the upcoming 2012 Geneva Motor Show will be the brand’s next halo car and the star of its line of Inspired Performance future vehicles. The car may still be in concept form, but it does give a glimpse into what the next few years hold and another fighter in the battle for sports car supremacy.
“Imagine a superfast, near silent sports car, cruising the neon-lit streets of an after-dark London. This is the compelling image that gave birth to INFINITI EMERG-E, and this concept is its realization,” said Infiniti. Designed entirely in Europe, the Emerg-E Concept holds numerous firsts for Nissan’s premium brand namesake. Not only is it the first Infiniti developed outside of Japan and the U.S., it will also be their first mid engine vehicle. Taking a cue from the hot rod Hybrids such as the M35h, the Emerg-E will be powered by a gasoline engine assisted by a high-torque battery pack. Developed by Lotus, the ultra light 1.2 liter three cylinder puts out just 47 horsepower, but that isn’t what can get the car to 60 mph from a standstill in just four seconds. What is responsible for that kind of acceleration is a pair of 201 horsepower EVO ELECTRIC motors which puts total output over the 400 mark. Putting its power to the ground via a single speed transmission and the rear wheels, the 3,523 lb sports car will be doing 130 mph in just 3o seconds. Impressive as its straight line performance may be, the Emerg-E will be able to do all of this while producing no more than 55g/km of C02 emissions. Total combined driving range with the 1.2 liter “range extender” in play is expected to be about 300 miles. Over 30 of those will be able to happen as a completely zero emissions vehicle.
Design wise, the Emerg-E takes a lot of aesthetic cues from the Essence and ETHEREA concepts and pushes the fluid brand vision even further. The body lines were pieced together to give the appearance of being unbroken and it may look long, but its 175.7 inch length reveals it to be rather compact and strictly a two-seater sports car. Putting futuristic flow together with old, organic muscle, the swooping fenders simply stop when they reach the flat but strong front and rear bumpers. Short overhangs give plenty of room of technology inside while the bulbous cockpit draws attention to the vehicle’s main “headquarters”. The overall idea set by Infiniti was to show what silk wrapped over wheels would look like. With the Emerg-E, they might have done just that.
Source: Infiniti
