The
first complaint about current mainstream electric vehicle options is that they
don't offer enough range. The second is that they only come in small and, some
might say, unattractive packages like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-Miev.
Infiniti may not have solved the former problem, but it's done its best to
solve the latter with the LE concept.
The concept gives the Nissan Leaf a
sportier, more upscale brother.Infiniti has shown us a few takes on sporty
green cars in the Essence and E-Merge, but it is a lot more serious about this
one. In debuting the model at this week's New York Auto Show, Infiniti said
that this is a "production intent" concept and will be on the market
within two years. The company also said its "near similar form" to
the production model,
so it's clear this isn't just a fanciful EV concept
designed to attract show goers to Infiniti's booth.In designing the LE,
Infiniti set out to make an Infiniti that was electric, not an electric car
with an Infiniti label. Key toward that goal was showing that "zero
emission does not have to mean small." Rather than a small hatchback,
Infiniti made a proper, fastback-style sedan that's about the same length as
its current G Sedan. From that basic principle, Infiniti added signature design
cues like the double-arch grille and crescent-cut rear pillar. It sculpted a
defined belt line that provides a sense of speed and power. The LE may not be
nearly as dramatic as the Essence or E-merge, but it's definitely lighter on
the eyes than a Leaf.
While
it hasn't solved the limited range dilemma, Infiniti has done its best to get
every mile by keeping the LE as aerodynamic as possible. Specific equipment
used for the goal includes the high rear deck, aero-treated wheels, aero rear
diffuser, aero fin front spoiler and aero side fin spoilers. The car's drag
coefficient is 0.25.
Infiniti
hasn't given all the details on the car's powertrain, but it's most certainly
adapted from the Nissan Leaf. The electric motor puts out 240 lb-ft of torque
and provides "impressive EV acceleration." The 24 kWh lithium-ion
battery can be recharged by way of standard outlet, DC fast charging and
Nissan's upcoming wireless charging pad.
Inside,
the next-generation Infiniti Connection system keeps drivers in touch with the
outside world. The system is controlled by way of twin-screen display, which
delivers driver-centric information like navigation and points-of-interest
search. The system also helps the driver in finding charging stations, syncing
his calendar and pre-heating or pre-cooling the vehicle.
The battery pack is located under the
passenger compartment floor, opening up the interior for comfort. Soft
"Infiniti EV Blue" LED lighting flows from front to back. The
leather-trimmed seats have sued and mesh fabric.
We're
guessing the production version will lose the icy, space-age-y silver paint job
and gratuitous blue LED lighting, but Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben
Poore said that it will maintain the "zero emission powertrain, advanced
telematics, cutting-edge design, advanced connected services and premium
appointments" of the concept. It should be a nice addition to the EV
market.
View orginal artical here- Infiniti
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