Infiniti At Work On LEAF-Based EV Model, Rejected First Prototypes

In terms of alternatives for those looking for something just other than a standard gas-engine vehicle, the market is dominated with hybrids.

No full-electric or extended-range electric vehicles are being sold from the major manufacturers.

However, that is about to change soon. As everyone has been hearing about for ages, General Motors is preparing to introduce it's Volt next year. Meanwhile, Nissan has been conducting a big campaign for it's new LEAF electric vehicle.

Nissan's plan is similar to the way many thought GM should do with the Volt - the car will quickly spawn an Infiniti variant to give the luxury brand a leg up on its competition, increase economies of scale and provide for more profits due to a higher price tag.

However, the process wasn't easy. Infiniti is doing well, with a revitalized image, so it is understandable that they'd want new products to match up to that.

And apparently, the first versions of the Infiniti LEAF didn't. The first prototype Infiniti models of the LEAF were rejected. They came from Nissan's San Diego design studio and were pegged as being too close to the LEAF, as well as not offering enough luxury or performance.

Ben Poore, vice president of the North American Infiniti Business Unit says those concerns are long gone now. He said: "I was in Japan last week and saw the final three or four designs for the car...and I can tell you without a doubt that we're going to have a uniquely Infiniti product."

We're glad to hear they've been working hard on the car to get it right. Now, the question is - when will we see it? Infiniti hasn't given any indication yet.