Showing the world its sportiest car yet, Infiniti unveiled the Emerg-E concept at the 2012 Geneva auto show. This two-seater drives the wheels with electric motors, and uses a gas engine for extended range.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Beyond performance-oriented coupes, Infiniti has not produced a true sports car. But the Emerg-E could change Infiniti's reputation. Although only a concept, this design trades on supercar performance and modern, eco-friendly electric power.
A two-seater, the Emerg-E concept uses a midengine design, which balances weight between the front and back of the car. As its driveline consists of two electric motors, a lithium ion battery pack, and a three-cylinder range extender engine, the layout would not be typical of a midengine car.
Infiniti says the two electric motors combine to produce 402 horsepower, getting the Emerg-E to 60 mph in 4 seconds. The car hits 130 mph in 30 seconds.
Electric range is only 30 miles in the Emerg-E, and that number is most likely achieved while being gentle on the acceleration. Infiniti does not say how many miles the three-cylinder range extending engine adds, but points out that it only emits 55 grams of CO2 per kilometer when the engine is running, an excellent figure.
Although Infiniti has not released specifics, the electric motors should be near the rear wheels, with the battery pack behind the cabin. As the Emerg-E uses two electric motors, a computer could adjust torque separately to ensure good handling.
A concept for now, Infiniti has not announced plans to produce the Emerg-E. But it would help Infiniti compete with Acura and Lexus, both of which are or will be fielding a supercar.
