Infiniti just released a few details about its first luxury electric vehicle, including a sketch, and to us it looks like a Honda.
Actually, our first reaction was that the Infiniti EV will look like the cab-forward design of the Honda Clarity hydrogen vehicle or CR-Z (shown as a concept at right). After studying it a bit, we'll go with just a generic Honda, or maybe the new Hyundai Sonata.
In either case, the front end has that stretched-back look. And the best news is it doesn't look like Nissan initial electric car effort, the Leaf. That car, believe us, isn't going to sell based on breathtaking good looks.
Infiniti says the new EV will launch in 2013 in the U.S., a good long while after Leaf arrives in dealerships in December. The launch could add some zip to the luxury brand:
"This future EV will play a major part of Infiniti's 'eco performance' strategy that will see a greater focus on hybrid and EV technology," said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. "We are committed to applying the world's best technologies to reduce emissions without sacrificing driving excitement or engagement."
Infiniti will take a half-step toward its EV by unveiling the M35h, its first gas-electric hybrid, at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. It will be based on the M sedan and "promises V-8 performance with four-cylinder fuel economy." We'll reserve judgement on that claim, but Nissan says the V-6 engine will develop 302 horsepower, yet be able to cruise up to 50 miles per hour on electric power alone. It comes to dealers next spring.
