Silence is normally associated with peace and tranquillity. Although I am getting more confident with the immense thrust provided by the twin electric motors delivering a staggering 1 000 N.m and 300 kW to the rear wheels of the Emerg-E electric supercar, I’m still well aware that the hill section of the Millbrook test facility in the UK is a treacherous piece of tarmac lined with barriers to punish any mistake. Even so, the temptation proves too much and I bury the accelerator pedal upon exiting a turn. Serenity disappears as the torque overwhelms the 275-section rear tyres and sends the car into a beautiful controllable slide… A big smile spreads across my face and nervous laughter from Infiniti’s test driver fills the cabin.
Showcase
The Emerg-E is a technological and styling showcase for Infiniti that made its debut at the 2012 Geneva motor show. The project is a collaboration between the technology strategy board (TSB) in the UK, Lotus, Extrac and a number of other partners. It features many firsts for the Infiniti group, including being the first of the firm’s vehicles to be developed in the Europe, its first mid-engined car, first entire carbon-fibre body and the first time that Infiniti has employed range-extender technology in an electric vehicle (EV).
Styling
Styling-wise the prototype can only be described as stunning. Rarely does the shape of a vehicle take one’s breath away, but this is indeed the case when I first clap eyes on the Emerg-E. Infiniti’s styling is based on three important pillars; namely energetic force, seductive aura and dignified intelligence. With the Emerg-E dynamism is added to the mix and the end result is a beautifully sculptured body where creases run to various ducts fulfilling practical cooling duties while adding to the drama of the design.
On the inside the theme is continued, but some of the flare is reduced to give the driver a clean, uncomplicated view with all functions within easy reach. The cabin does remind of the stylish simplicity achieved by McLaren in the MP4-12C, which is indeed a huge compliment. The driving position is just about perfect although the there is no rear view mirror and the side mirrors only show the hour-glass shape of the body to the driver. It must be remembered that this is only a prototype and vastly different to the normal mules used for testing purposes that mostly resembles a mix-match of body panels and where function leads form.
Driving it
More impressive is the fact that Infiniti is not only showing this prototype at static motor shows but is inviting journalists around the world to experience it first-hand – a brave move that can easily go pear-shaped. Starting the vehicle involves turning the ignition key, watching the instrument cluster come alive and hitting the round metal switch marked “D”. The vehicle is now ready to move. Lean on the accelerator pedal and the vehicle starts to move as if pushed by a big invisible hand, with only a faint whining noise entering the cabin. Yes the body panels creek and a few other noises enter the cabin due to the prototype nature of the machine, but it is still hugely impressive.
A mile-long straight lies ahead and a slight nod from Infiniti’s test driver is enough for me to mash the go-fast pedal to the floor. The invisible hand behind us becomes angry and hurls the car down the road at increased velocity. There are no gear changes (single-speed transmission), little noise and a huge smile on my face as the speedometer needle nudges the 150 km/h mark. Ok, so the performance does drop off slightly above 120 km/h and would not rival fossil fuel-powered competitors, but it still is mighty inspiring. One key ingredient absent, though, is a racy soundtrack but that I suppose that is not the point of a low-emissions vehicle.
Range extender
The power sapping run did wake up the three-cylinder, 1,2-litre range extender petrol engine behind the rear firewall and it is sending nasty vibrations and noise through the cabin. With a peak output of 35 kW this fossil-fuel charger is running at full tilt to try and recoup some of the energy used during the run. Regenerative braking is also employed but high performance takes huge chunks out of the 15 kWh battery pack.
Handling
The Emerg-E uses the Lotus Evora platform and brakes which explains the well balanced feeling when driving the car. Yes, the battery pack adds weight close to the rear axle and vast torque figures driving the rear wheels would normally imply a tail-happy monster. This is not the case with the Emerg-E, where the dynamic ability is still intact although the driver can re-enact a few scenes out of “Tokyo drift” if they wish to do so.
Summary
In summary there is currently no plan to bring this vehicle in production, although Infiniti has promised a “halo” model before 2016. It would be sad to see such a beautiful car disappear. Maybe Vettel’s recent third consecutive Formula One driver’s title will provide the powers to be at Infiniti with an excuse to bring this prototype to life!
Specifications:
Model: Infiniti Emerg-E
Engine: two electric motors and 1,2-litre, 3-cylinder range extender petrol engine
Power: 300 kW (electric motors) and 35 kW (petrol engine)
Torque: 1 000 N.m (electric motors) and 107 N.m (petrol engine)
Fuel consumption: zero in EV mode
CO2: zero in EV mode and 55 g/km with range extender running on NEDC
Top speed: 209 km/h
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 4,0 secs
Range: 50 km (EV) and 480 km (range extended mode)
Price: millions in most denominations as it is a prototype