Is the Infiniti Emerg-E the future of the brand?

News and notes from Infiniti, courtesy of Edmunds Inside Line

Nissan and Infiniti design chief Shiro Nakamura told Inside Line in a recent interview that a production Emerg-E could be built in small volumes in Britain. The Emerg-E concept was built in part to widen the marque’s understanding of range-extended hybrids and to trial new suppliers via a U.K. government-funded technology grant scheme, besides exploring new design themes for Infiniti with its more elegant lines.

The Emerg-E, a striking departure for Infiniti with its overtly sporty midengine setup, debuted at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show. The Emerg-E is closely based on the experimental Lotus Evora 414E hybrid and could be built in low volumes, potentially by Lotus, he suggested.

Nakamura also confirmed that the 2014 Infiniti G sedan and a new small hatchback will be more like the Emerg-E in terms of styling. The next G sedan debuts in 2013. The hatchback, which was previewed by the Infiniti Etherea concept, arrives in 2014. The Etherea concept, a four-door hatchback, debuted at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show. It will be priced below the Infiniti G.

“Today’s G looks a bit fat, but the new G has really nice proportions, and it’s much sportier,” he said. “The compact hatchback is very expressive, but not like the (Infiniti) FX. I’m very content with them.”

He added: “We’ll gradually introduce this new character.”

Leaner, down-sized engines are on the way too, but the brand’s signature SUV range will not be changing so much. “The bodies will be a little bit skinnier, but they still need presence,” says Nakamura, adding that “this is quite an exciting time for Infiniti.”

Don’t want to wait for the Emerg-E? Join Infiniti of Mission Viejo now through July 31 for the Infiniti Limited Engagement Summer Event and drive away with a new 2012 Infiniti!