Nissan will show its new Infiniti concept at Geneva

The images illustrate an evolving Infiniti identity along with a profile distinctly different from anything currently offered in the premium compact class.

“Etherea is about a new type of luxury for younger buyers,” said Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President and Leader of the Global Infiniti Business Unit. “It is not just a smaller version of a typically conservative and traditional luxury car.”

Designed under the direction of Senior Vice President of Design Shiro Nakamura, Etherea blends elements of coupe, 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.

It surprises with the 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.

The Etherea makes its world debut on the Infiniti stand on Tuesday, 1 March 2011.