Paris Motor Show 2012
27/09/2012 14:01 | By Sean Carson, contributor, MSN Cars

Infiniti LE concept at Paris 2012

All-electric Infiniti saloon is coming to a showroom near you


Infiniti LE concept (© Microsoft-Magic Car Pics)
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Infiniti LE concept at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

Infiniti is majoring in green tech at the moment. Its stunning Emerg-E range-extender concept was unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show and wowed the crowds with its ethereal silhouette, claiming "performance in a silky dress". Now there's this, the somewhat less auspicious Infiniti LE concept.

Paris Motor Show 2012 - live

What is it?

A fully electric saloon car. It's difficult to make your run of the mill three-box family car concept look exciting (although Ford has managed it with the new Mondeo) - the inherent shape doesn't lend itself to low-slung, super-sleek designs like a supercar or coupe does. But the LE is interesting underneath.

What's hot?

That's because it's powered by an electric motor rather than an internal combustion engine. What's more, the battery pack can be charged wirelessly. Based on an inductive charging method - similar to your electric toothbrush - it'll more than likely take longer than a conventional plug and socket arrangement. Cool tech, all the same.

Infiniti LE (© Microsoft-Magic Car Pics)


What's not?

The problem is the motor isn't all that powerful. It produces just 134hp and only 240lb ft of torque - average at best by conventional saloon car standards. Combined with what is likely to be a heavy battery pack, it means the LE could be a bit sluggish.

How much and when?

No word on pricing as yet, expect more information on that closer to the car's launch in around two years' time. That's right; the luxury arm of Nissan has confirmed that the all-electric LE concept will be on sale in selected markets within 24 months.

Anything else I should know?

The vehicle's range is around 100 miles - not all that impressive given the performance is only mediocre. Still, the 24kWh lithium-ion battery system can be charged to 80% capacity in only 30 minutes using a 50kW quick-charge supply.

On Bing: see images of the Infiniti LE concept
Find out how much a used Infiniti is worth on Auto Trader
First Drive Review: Infiniti M35h (2011 onwards)

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