[wheeler]

The Infiniti Essence Concept, introduced at Geneva 2009, is unlike most concept cars in that it is presented with Louis Vuitton luggage matched to the new supercar that is custom fit inside the rear hatch. The Infiniti Essence uses a similar engine to the GT-R at its heart, but adds a newly-developed Nissan corporate electric motor to produce an extra 158 horsepower.

Far from a dressed up GT-R, the Infiniti Essence is hands down the most attractive car to ever come from Nissan, and arguably the most attractive Japanese car in history, concept or not. The instantly iconic design pulls elements from the GT-R and Infiniti's own G37 Coupe, though resembles nothing on the market today.

There are hints of the Fisker Karma in the Essence's front end, though the Essence Concept is infinitely more precisely excecuted than the Karma.

With a gasoline and electric combined output of 592 horsepower, the Essence dwarfs even the Nissan GT-R in raw power. This is no track day car though, at a body length of 4720 mm the Essence is as long as a Rolls Royce and likely nearly as heavy.

In official Essence press materials released to coincide with Geneva 2009, Infiniti is cryptic about production plans for an Infiniti model based on the Essence. At one point they are emphatic about the Essence's impact on the luxury brand's future, calling it "not is merely an indulgent birthday present from Infiniti to itself."

Later in the same press release, things are made more complicated when Infiniti says the Essence "isn't a teaser for a new model." One point is clear: the hybrid powertrain first employed in the Essence is bound for future Nissan/Infiniti hybrid cars, something the brand sorely needs as it seeks to compete with its Japanese counterparts. The Nissan Altima hybrid has not sold well, and cannot stack up to newer models from Toyota and Honda in the efficiency department.

Call it technology showcase, design trendsetter, or whatever you will, the Infiniti Essence Concept is knock-out gorgeous. It is no accident that a Japanese halo concept car makes its debut at Geneva, as Infiniti is primed and ready to bring its thrilling product line to the European market.



Infiniti Essence Concept Specifications
Drivetrain
Layout Front Engine, RWD
Transmission Paddle-Shifted Automated Manual
Engine
Type: Turbocharged V6 with 3D Electric Power Assist Motor
Electric Motor Nissan 3D Electric Motor, 158 bhp
Horsepower, V6 434 bhp
Horsepower 592 bhp (combined)
Torque 500 Nm
Exterior
Body Type 2 Door, 2 Seat GT Coupe
Length 4720 mm
Width 1960 mm
Height 1310 mm
Wheelbase 2800 mm
Wheels 22 inch


Source: www.RSportsCars.com

Got these pictures as a forwarded email today. Thought of sharing them here.

[Maverick5490]

Wow! Loved the dials, instrument cluster and as much interior visible!

[AyAn!]

Really love the swoopy design.This is a classic,timeless and thoroughly modern GT.But AFAIK this won't make it to produdtion.Just a teaser for future Infinities

[karankapoor]

Really amazing design, at the first glance the dials looked like a watch to me but they are nicely designed and the best thing that i liked the most are the custom made bags.

[Gagan.js]

Looks so sexy it can be the new james bond car

[hillram]

The interiors are breath taking and the curved leg compartment is really innovative.

[aniguchisan]

I like the One-77 kink!

[mobike008]

Amazing interiors. They look exactly like when you sit in a canoe

[amulu10]

wow the roof is absolutely drool! . looks like some one from Europe designed the car, doesn't look like its a car from a Asian car maker.
look at how the driver side and passenger side are separated , it looks like a neat idea indeed but i dont think the production version will have the same interiors( hoping to be wrong) . The instrument cluster looks like its from the TIME MACHINE movie looking and very retro!.

[govigov]

how do you open the door with no door handles? :conf:

[ImmortalZ]

See the little shiny bit in one of the pics? Its a hidden door handle. You press it slightly and the door unlocks.

[karankapoor]

@ immortalz are you talking about this marked in red if yes then it looks like a finger scanner lock to me.

[Mayavi]

This is not intended for production. Nissan already made it clear in the Auto Show. The styling may trickle down to Skyline and Infinity models.

[avishar]

I just hope they use the interior design.Mindblowing.
The instrument binnacle looks like a swiss watch, speedometer design, integrated GPS,how the fascia is curved for the driver!!

[iceman91]

nice car.
but makes holding hands or fooling around inside the car impossible