As other automakers elbow in, Tesla isn't commanding as much of the EV market as it was over the past few years—but it's clobbering full-line luxury brands. An issue with the gasoline engine in some hybrid models from Kia and Hyundai has triggered a recall—and in some cases, a warranty extension.
Those who aren't seriously considering an EV might be more easily convinced if they could skip heavy charge cables and plugging in. Ford looks to AR to educate its F Lightning reservation-holders. Volvo's CO2-footprint deep dive on its latest EV shows some takeaways for anyone going electric.
And Kia shows a boxy electric SUV in its future. Kia has teased the Concept EV9, an Volvo is among a few automakers publishing CO2-footprint analyses for its vehicles, but it underscores some advantages that all EVs pose as the energy mix becomes cleaner and more renewable. With an augmented-reality experience, Ford aims to get F Lightning electric pickup customers ready by showing them around features, from home charging to the frunk.
Infiniti Essence concept. Contribute: Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor. Share This Article:. Follow Us Today:. Green Car Reports Newsletter Sign up to get the latest green car and environmental news, delivered to your inbox daily! Sign Up Today! China's Geely reveals Homtruck: Big-data rival to Tesla Semi due in A Geely brand plans to roll out the sustainability-themed, data-focused electric semi to global markets beginning in Stephen Edelstein November 11, Cooler means quicker: How EV fast-charging stops might get shorter without bulkier cables A cooling method being explored by Ford and Purdue University is considering using coolant phase changes instead of just circulating liquid; that could introduce packaging advantages and make the system more efficient.
Brian Wong November 11, Acceleration is seamless and fast, while the big Pirellis squirm under the onslaught. It's not exactly silent, either, with a fair bit of tire roar, wind buffeting and the creak of carbon-fiber panels.
Turn in to corners is fast, especially considering the lb curb weight. The battery's mass acts as a center pivot as the car turns, which adds speed and positivity and the body scarcely rolls. The fronts slide first, but the handling has a first-rate balance, with sensitive, well-weighted steering, which allows you to accurately place the car.
On a test track, the ride is hard to judge, but on lightweight wishbone-based suspension and wide tires, the primary ride handles the bigger bumps smoothly. The brakes need work, though, with a gap between the deployment of friction and regeneration braking which feels disconcerting. Will they make it? We understand that Nissan is keen to find a home for its bhp, twin-turbocharged V-6 and four-wheel-drive transaxle from the GTR, and Emerg-E could just swallow that driveline. That would be a shame, however, as the Emerg-e's hybrid driveline, if it could be sourced economically, might appeal to a new generation of younger more environmentally savvy buyers.
Don't hold your breath, but this might just what Infiniti needs to make a difference to its fortunes in Europe. Join Now. To further boost its emotional appeal, it features details that bring a very modern take to some very old Japanese traditions. The result is highly sculptural yet also very delicate.
Essence speaks of power but not intimidation. The bonnet is, as you would expect of an Infiniti, long, and the rear deck short.
But there is nothing retro about Essence. The side window graphics bring a particularly innovative and distinctive edge to the styling. The window appears to be resting on a ledge, its razor sharp line in contrast to the concave sweep of the upper body just below it. Imagine juxtaposing flowing water with the stark outline of a canyon landscape. Outlined by a wide flourish of stainless steel, it adds instant movement to the car even when it is standing still.
One of the most distinctive details is the trim around the side air vents. Other lines and details are inspired by the wide brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. Essence represents a successful merging of iconic cultural cues with automotive aesthetics.
There is an illuminated Infiniti badge at its heart. Rounded corners effectively hide the front overhang and make this 4. At the front as over the rest of the car, Essence eschews superfluous body embellishments that could interrupt the graceful strength of the whole. The door handles are slithers of push buttons flush with the body while even rear-view mirrors must make way for minuscule cameras teased out of the A-pillars.
More familiar Infiniti cues include the lights. At the front the signature L-shaped modules taper back on to the bulging guards, picked out at their top edge by a row of LEDs. Slender fillets of red light curve around the car at the back, overlapping with the boot opening and framing the vestigial spoiler. Edged by more stainless steel, the spoiler appears to have been pushed out from within the car.
On design, Essence is simple and amazingly complex, classical and totally dynamic all at the same time. Once seen, never forgotten. And yet all this driver focus goes hand in hand with a passenger area dominated by comfort, calm and elegance to offer the kind of hospitality that is so important to the Japanese people, and also to Essence. The asymmetrical cabin is divided into two areas separated by a large curving console between the seats that sweeps around to merge with the centre of the dashboard.
The result is two very distinct cocoons. A flat-bottomed steering wheel and chronometer-style dials announce to the driver this is a serious performance machine. There are no gimmicks or sci-fi solutions here, just single-minded dedication to driving. Witness the technical nature of the displays, the short, alloy-topped gear selector and, just in front of it another finger-flick away, the bright red engine start button.
The car wraps itself around the driver who can quickly relax with the Infiniti trademarks of supportive seat and perfect driving position. There are more Infiniti cues such as the big gearchange paddle shifters behind the wheel and the analogue clock in the centre of the dash. Infiniti designers believe the best functionality works behind the scenes, appearing only when needed. By not baffling drivers with buttons or overburdening them with information, Essence offers a sense of well-being to everyone, allowing them to focus entirely on enjoying the energizing driving experience.
With the materials used — leather, Alcantara, hand-painted wood inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware — the cabin exudes a rich and inviting warmth.
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