Report: Infiniti Planning Electric 1-Series and A3 Rival

[HighestOfHigh]

The BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 better look out as Infiniti is reportedly working on a new entry-level model as a direct competitor to the aforementioned premium compacts. Lexus, too, is working on such a car, which was previewed recently by the 2009 LF-Ch Concept, however, there will be one distinguishing factor that could see the baby Infiniti form its own niche--an all-electric powertrain.

Such a car from Infiniti would be ideal in strengthening the brand’s presence in Europe, where compact cars like the BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 sell in substantial numbers. The move reflects the growing demand for cars that are smaller and more fuel and CO2 efficient, a trend Infiniti hopes to capitalize on.

Not much is known about the new baby Infiniti but according to a company insider present at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, the car will be a compact hatchback that shares its powertrain with the all-electric Nissan Leaf. This means it will feature an electric motor with roughly 107-horsepower and 206-pound-feet of torque running on lithium-ion batteries.

"A small electric Infiniti is definitely on the horizon, as are larger electric models too," the insider revealed.

Expect to see the car, in both electric and conventional gasoline forms, debut sometime in 2012.

- Report: Infiniti Planning Electric 1-Series and A3 Rival - MotorAuthority