Frankfurt 2011: Eterniti Hemera makes its debut

Eterniti Motors, the new luxury British carmaker, makes its public debut today at the Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a prototype of its first product, the Hemera.

The body of the car shown at Frankfurt closely reflects the final production version, although that will have bespoke Eterniti LED headlamps and lenses. All panels are new and made of carbon composite.

The interior, which will be almost 100% unique to Eterniti, is in the final stages of prototype testing and will be revealed later in the year.

The company’s debut vehicle will be a first step towards becoming a fully-fledged carmaker but will fully reflect the bespoke luxury objective. The Hemera will be the first product in a space which Bentley, Maserati and Aston Martin, with the Lagonda brand, have identified for future product.

It will be based on the most dynamic version of VW Group’s latest-generation large SUV platform, which is widely regarded as the best in the sector.

At Eterniti it will undergo a complete chassis-up rebuild, including a new, re-packaged interior, and the light-weight carbon-composite re-skin. It will also have additional engine performance, with the 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing over 620 bhp for a top speed in excess of 180mph.

The Hemera will feature a limousine-like rear cabin, including twin electrically-reclining rear seats with heating and cooling, twin iPads with wireless keyboards, and a drinks chiller.

This satisfies a specific – and currently unmet – need, particularly in Asian markets, for a car suitable for being chauffeured in as well as driving.

Unlike a conventional limousine, an SUV’s relatively compact footprint and wheelbase allow it to offer excellent handling and driver appeal, and the ride height and ruggedness are suitable for poor road surfaces which can make limousines and conventional high-performance cars impractical.

Production will start early in 2012, with deliveries by the summer. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but will be around £150,000 for the standard vehicle.

Buyers will receive a full, three-year warranty. Warranty and servicing work will be carried out on-site in London, with collect-and-return and supplemented by a ‘flying doctor’ service. Customers will have access to finance and insurance depending on the market.

The Future..?

Although Eterniti is basing its business case around meeting market needs, its people have a passion for cars. The team has extensive experience in retailing some of the most prestigious British and European luxury and high-performance car brands, including Aston Martin, Porsche, Bentley and Ferrari, in markets from the UK to Asia-Pacific.

Eterniti has a long-term plan, not just in terms of the company’s geographical expansion but also for a second Hemera derivative in 2012. Plans for another SUV and a high-performance car which could form the basis of a racing programme are currently in development.