Essential: Infiniti Essence @ 2009 Geneva Auto Show

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Yes, Geneva is a Swiss show, traditionally well attended by the Italian design houses and German tuners. But at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show, a Japanese designer is the talk of the Palexpo — thanks in no small part to his new Infiniti Essence.

Nissan's upscale brand would have us believe this sensational coupe concept is "the essence of Infiniti." In fact, it is the essence of Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's senior vice president of design, not to mention a glimpse into the future design direction of Infiniti.

Nakamura's team has crafted a sleek two-seater with a panoramic glass roof that is all but devoid of ornamentation. Japanese cultural cues abound inside and out.

The designers drew inspiration from, among other things, Japanese calligraphy, traditional lacquerware, even the kanzashi, a hairpin used by women when wearing a kimono. The aim, according to Nakamura, was "to merge all existing Infiniti design cues with fresh design language."

The sinuous, sculpted shape is wrapped around a traditional front-engine/rear-drive sports car layout. But the Essence is hardly traditional in its powertrain, safety technology and even its post-modern minimalist cabin.

Nakamura's team created a stunning asymmetrical cockpit with staggered seats, separated by a curving console that sweeps into the dash. The driver's "cocoon" is finished in black, while the passenger is swathed in red. The cabin is trimmed in leather, Alcantara and hand-painted wood and features chronometer-type dials, an aluminum gearshift knob, a red engine-start button and a flat-bottomed steering wheel flanked by paddle shifters.

Nissan chose a powerful gas-electric tandem, configured as a parallel hybrid so the two power sources can work independently or together. The 3.7-liter direct-injection V6 is fitted with twin turbochargers and makes 434 horsepower, while the electric motor adds another 158 hp, providing total output of nearly 600 hp. Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack.

Advanced safety technologies include distance control assist, lane departure prevention, side collision prevention and back-up collision prevention.

The pièce de résistance is a collaboration with Louis Vuitton — a bespoke three-piece luggage set that's fitted to the trunk of the Essence. Naturally, each piece carries the initials of the owner.

Guess what "SN" stands for.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Infiniti
• Essence
• 2009
• Geneva
• Auto
• Show
• car
• motor
• Nissan
• Japan
• Japanese
• Edmunds
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• auto
• video

[SUPERNATANBOXER]

I want to have sex with this car!!

[tootsiejoon]

I love this car, I love this car, I love this car, I love this car...I love this car...I cant take my eyes off of it. Great masterpiece job by infiniti. Please please please please infinti bring this car to the showrooms.

[kiiiro]

as long as we're talking concepts - check out the Chrysler Chronos - kinda similar.

[tur6o7414]

she baddd

[lanemayhew]

I still do love this car, but see no up-date.  Hope to hear more soon on this super car.

[lanemayhew]

You have probably found out the result of Ford's contest as noted in Road and Track magazine as to which design to use for their new super car. I thought it was a novel idea that they showed three designs in the magazine by three different designers, wrote about the features, then let the public decide. By approximately 1 ,000 votes the design by Radovan Varicak won and it was the one I would have chosen. Looks like Infiniti has some competition coming in the future. Lane Mayhew

[TheWholefoodfarmacy]

Very nice vidio awesome

[Johncarson9113]

@jackmorgan709 Yeah so your V6 is a high performance hybrid too right?

[Johncarson9113]

@NicklasVB The handle is on top of the door, its integrated into the design and purposely done so its not visible, similar to the handles found in the newer lamborghinis.

[gooman989898]

omg you guys still drooling over this shitbox?

you should see what i drive