The birth of a new British car company named Eterniti Motors has been on the horizon for some time, but it'd be fair to say that the world's motoring press hasn't taken a lot of notice until now - the first images of the new Eterniti Hemera "Super-SUV" prototype have surfaced along with the news that it will produce a remarkable 620 bhp and have a top speed of over 180 mph. When production begins in 2012, Eterniti aims to become a boutique luxury carmaker and the new Hemera has as much emphasis on a "limousine-like" rear cabin, with twin reclining rear seats, iPads and a drinks chiller, as it does on its dynamic 4x4 driving experience.
The prototype Hemera will be seen for the first time at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) next Tuesday (September 13).
The Hemera's pedigree has the credibility of multiple Le Mans winner Alastair Macqueen as the head of the engineering team, though very little information about the machine has been officially released at this stage other than the topline specs. In case you haven't noticed the family resemblance, the press release hint as to the car's origin is that it "is based on the latest generation of the best large SUV platform available", should see the penny drop. The Eterniti is a re-engineered Porsche Cayenne which involves a chassis-up rebuild, lighter and stronger carbon-composite body panels plus a completely new interior.
Another high profile Eterniti employee will be three-time F1 GP winner Johnny Herbert who will play an active role in the company in addition to his role as brand ambassador.
Eterniti is intending to create a London showroom, car build and service centre, and "a separate atelier where customers can discuss their requirements and create a bespoke specification for their cars".
The London hub will open later this year, with further showrooms in key international "wealth centres" to follow from 2012.
