Geneva Preshow: Infiniti Outlines New Concept for Entry-Level Model

A pair of black and white sketches outlining the shape of what appears to be a hatchback model and a statement from Infiniti's Vice President, Andy Palmer, in 2010 saying that the brand is exploring the development of a new entry-level vehicle, is all we get about the Japanese luxury brand's new concept car that will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March.

However, we'll remind you during the September 2010 announcement, Mr. Palmer had shown a more revealing teaser rendering of an all-electric model capable of seating up to five passengers, which he said would enter production in 2013.

There have been unconfirmed reports that Infiniti will show a new hatchback model powered by Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder engines as part of the Daimler and Renault-Nissan deal signed in April 2010, but given the reference to Mr. Palmer's statement at the opening of the Infiniti Centre Piccadilly in London, an EV hatchback concept sounds more likely.

On a side note, even though Infiniti did not give us a name for the Geneva Salon concept, the images were saved as "Eftheria", which could be the name of the study.

We will follow the story and bring you any new information as soon as we get it.

Infiniti Press Release:

“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.

Fast forward to the 81st Geneva International Motor Show where at 12:15 CET on March 1, 2011, Infiniti will present its next Inspired Performance: a concept car that will take the Japanese performance brand down a new road, to a new future.

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First Photos of New SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

On Wednesday, February 23, SAAB will host a special party at its Trollhättan plant in Sweden to celebrate what it describes as "the first anniversary of Saab’s rebirth as an independent carmaker".

I'd argue if Saab is really independent given that the company heavily relies on GM for its current portfolio (one example is the new 9-4X which is based on the Cadillac SRX and is built at the Detroit automaker's Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico) and is actively seeking help to develop its future models having already sealed a deal with BMW for the supply of 4-cylinder engines, but that's another story for another time.

Case in point is that at the birthday party, the Swedes plan to debut a commemorative edition model based on the 9-3 Convertible, the first pictures of which were spilled on the internet today. According to Saabsunited, the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition will be built in a limited run of 366 units, apparently one for each day that passed since Spyker Cars took over the company from GM.

The special edition model gets a 220HP 2.0T Biopower engine and will boast several unique features such as the bespoke Sunset Red color, new 18-inch alloy wheels, gray leather seats with a center strip and piping in orange, numerous Hirsch interior appointments and an orange-colored turbo instrument needle.

READ MORE - First Photos of New SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

MINI to Debut...Mini Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Carscoop has learned that Mini will lift the covers off a brand new concept model at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The three-door design study is said to hark back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions while keeping up with the times in terms of safety requirements and occupant space.

The concept will measure a little over 3.4 meters in length, essentially splitting the difference between the current three-door hatchback (3,723 mm) and the original 1959 Mini (3,050 mm).

We also learned that Mini's study will sport a 3+1 seat configuration similar to that of the Toyota iQ and that its design and tech features, including a variety of weight saving tricks and components, will be applied to the next generation of Mini models.

It remains to be seen if the BMW Group bosses give the green light for a production version of the small city car concept from Mini.

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Lamborghini LP700-4: Two-Minute Long Video Looks Completely Official

With the Geneva show just around the corner, it seems that Lamborghini has secretly released a new video of its Murcielago supercar replacement, which is expected to be called Aventador or Jota LP700-4 and will bow at the Geneva Salon next March. Although we didn’t find any official information on the footage, the quality of the clip and the fact that it contains interior shots gives it a distinctly legitimate aura.

The 700-horsepower supercar is still camouflaged, but it’s evident that it has sharper edges and sleeker lines, while new features are also revealed, includings the shape of the rear view mirrors, steering wheel and center console, richly clad in what appears to be aluminum or chromed trim. Enjoy the video right after the break.

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Bertone's Baby-Jaguar B99 Concept Looks Surprisingly Good

[Updated with high-res pictures] After the teaser image we showed you earlier today, the first three images of Bertone's design study for a compact Jaguar, hit the web. Dubbed B99 (for the 99th anniversary of Bertone) the eye-catching concept car has a sleek coupe profile, even though it's a four-door sedan. The suicide doors give it a distinctive appearance, but if Jaguar were to build a production model, it's unlikely that they would remain.

While it might look like a long limousine, the Italian design house's B99 concept is just 4.5 meters long. Combine this with the very low height (1.35 meters) and the pretty wide body (1.95 meters) and you have a small sedan looking like a much bigger and more luxurious model, whose profile brings to mind the classic Jaguar XJ.

The very thin A-pillars, the narrow windows and the short front overhang give the car a dynamic yet classy look, while the front and the rear mirror each other, with very thin headlights/taillights and an oval grille whose form is replicated in the back. Inside, the B99 appears to offer a classy environment, mixing brushed aluminium with leather and polished African walnut trim.

Under the hood, the concept sports sedan is said to feature a newly developed full-hybrid drive, but further details remain unknown.

READ MORE - Bertone's Baby-Jaguar B99 Concept Looks Surprisingly Good

Nissan Launches Super Clean Micra DIG-S Turbo with CO2 Emissions of just 95 g/km

With CO2 emissions of only 95 g/km, Nissan’s all-new Micra DIG-S has one of the cleanest petrol engines in the world. To achieve this, the Japanese firm's engineers used a 1.2-liter three-cylinder unit fitted with a supercharger and direct injection, which can be coupled either to a manual transmission or a CVT automatic gearbox.

The powerplant uses the Miller cycle and with a peak output of 98HP and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque, it’s said to be on par with a conventional 1.5-liter four-cylinder unit. Other technical highlights include the 13:1 compression ratio that increases combustion efficiency, the reduced heat, friction and pumping losses thanks to fewer moving parts, and advanced engine management systems with Start/Stop feature and energy regeneration capabilities.

When equipped with a manual transmission, the entry-level trim grade of the Micra DIG-S can hit a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph), while returning estimated fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.4 US mpg) on the combined cycle with 95 g/km of CO2.

Manual variants with higher trim levels (Acenta and Tekna) emit 99 g/km due to the added equipment. The CVT version is the least efficient of the pack, but with CO2 emissions of 115 g/km is still a proper tree hugger’s car.

Depending on market, the Micra DIG-S is also exempt from road tax and/or congestion charges and customers can benefit from further tax breaks and governmental incentives.

Nissan will showcase the DIG-S at the Geneva Motor Show in March with European sales set to debut this summer. It will be only available in a five-door body style and with three trim levels. Besides the supercharged engine, the Japanese automaker is offering an 80HP 1.2-liter naturally aspirated variant as well.

READ MORE - Nissan Launches Super Clean Micra DIG-S Turbo with CO2 Emissions of just 95 g/km