Merc's upcoming compact models

This post may seem a bit bizarre to many of you, but the compact car segment is a vital one for all manufacturers and especially for luxury brands, since they need strong sales in order to develop their bigger models. So, since I got a copy of the latest Auto Motor und Sport issue yesterday, which has some interesting renderings of Mercedes' new models, I thought it would be nice to share some photos with you.

Lexus has already introduced the CT (earlier post) and I spotted one today. I have to admit that I wasn't really impressed. There is nothing exciting about it at all...

Infiniti on the other hand is more promising with the ETHEREA concept (earlier post) and I believe their new compact model will stand out from the crown, although it won't be easy "stealing" customers from the top three German makes. 

Although the other two German luxury brands are preparing also their rivals, I consider the new Mercs being of a greater interest, since there is a completely new approach and 5 models (A-Class, B-Class, GLC, CLC and CLC Shooting Brake) will be introduced in total. I have to admit that Mercedes had a disappointing lineup for around 10 years, but this has started to change and I am really impressed with the new CLS, E-Class Coupe and SLK.

BMW will introduce the new 1-Series later this year and it will be slightly bigger than the current generation and in terms of design, expect to see an evolution of the current one. Although the new "1er" will certainly be a very nice car to drive, it will look similar to the previous one, plus BMW's interiors have ended up being boring since the same theme is applied over and over again...

In terms of the new Audi A3... don't expect anything great in terms of exterior design. I am big Audi fan, but all the latest models look the same.... A4, A5, A8 (A4 on steroids) etc. Even the new Q3 looks almost identical to the Q5. Nice LEDs though...

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept revealed at Geneva!

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept (earlier post) has made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show and it re-imagines the compact luxury car for a discerning new generation of younger buyers.

"Etherea is about a new type of luxury," said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit.

"It is for younger buyers who do not want a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car. It is for people who want a car that defines who they are, not who their parents were."

More photos after the jump!

Infiniti ETHEREA Concept previews new compact model

We knew that Infiniti will reveal a concept at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show previewing its new compact model (earlier post) and rumours suggested also that it will be powered by a Mercedes engine (earlier post). Well, now Infiniti released the first images showing the actual concept car, named ETHEREA, and I have to admit that it looks awesome!!! If you take a close look at the images, you will notice also that it carries the "hybrid" badge.

The really nice thing about ETHEREA is the fact that it's a total fresh approach. Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, ETHEREA blends elements of coupé, sedan, hatchback and even crossover in one highly sculptural, near-mono volume form.

At 4.4m it is highly compact but at the same time it is space efficient and practical thanks to a new mechanical layout and innovative access arrangements. Among its surprises are high-tech new interpretations of traditional Japanese materials and finishes, and several design cues set to make their mark on future production models – including the highly distinctive crescent-shaped C-pillar first seen on the Essence concept.

Now, did I mention that I am really excited about ETHEREA?!

Infiniti confirms reveal of concept previewing new compact model

It's now also official. A concept previewing the new baby Infiniti (earlier post) is indeed going to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show (March 01).

“Infiniti is currently examining concepts for a luxury performance car that will fit below the current G Line. Like every Infiniti, it will be completely different to anything currently offered by our rivals.” So said Andy Palmer, Senior Vice President for Infiniti, at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London during September 2010.

Baby Infiniti, powered by Mercedes, coming to Geneva Motor Show

A concept previewing the new baby Infiniti (earlier post) is going to be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March. According to Autocar's sources in Japan, the new model is going to be a coupe-like three-door hatchback and it is likely to use the platform of the next-gen Megane. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged MB four-cylinder engine, which is likely going to be the 1.8L CGI (DE18LA) one.

Infiniti EV sedan coming in 2013

Infiniti is already working on a compact model (earlier post) and also, on an EV sedan. The latter is sceduled to go on sale in 2013. 

According to managing director Shiro Nakamura, the sketch shown above is a very good indication of what to expect to see on the streets. The final design is going to be decided in the middle of 2011.

[Source: Response]

Infiniti working on compact model

According to Autocar, Infiniti's compact car project is well under way and it will previewed as a concept at the upcoming Geneva motor show. The car could then be revealed in production form next autumn, at either the Frankfurt or Tokyo motor show.

It’s likely to be based on a front-drive platform sourced from the next-gen A-class as part of a tie-up between Daimler and the Renault-Nissan alliance. A model like that is essential for Infiniti's lineup in order to boost sales in Europe.

Infiniti will also get a fully electric model based on the Nissan Leaf. The car will be launched in 2013 and it will come to the U.S. market.