Infiniti Essence: RWD Hybrid GT Coupe with 600HP Twin-Turbo V6

Created to celebrate the firm's 20th anniversary but also to explore the brand's future in terms of design and eco-friendly technologies, the Infiniti Essence is a high-performance, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. "It isn't a teaser for a new model. It is solely dedicated to Infiniti brand promotion, to demonstrate and advocate the Infiniti unique values," said Francois Bancon, Infiniti's General Manager in Advanced Product Planning.

The 4.7-meters long dramatic concept which in some ways brings to mind the Fisker Karma, is powered by a petrol-hybrid system that combines a twin-turbocharged version of Infiniti's familiar 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 440HP with a new a type of electric motor, called 3D Motor that provides 160HP and is positioned between the engine and transmission.

The electric motor draws power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the boot area. Because the 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes, the battery pack is kept charged up.

The two motors can work independently or together as a "parallel" hybrid system. In congested urban areas, the electric motor provides enough power to run the Essence alone. When the traffic clears, the rear-wheel drive coupe can use both engines for a total output of 600HP.

SPECIFICATIONS-----INFINITI ESSENCE

Petrol engine spec	-
Config/No of cyls	V6
Fuel type	Petrol
Capacity	3.7-liters
Power	440PS (434bhp)
Electric engine spec	-
Type	laminated lithium-ion battery
Battery layout	Lower trunk area
Power	160PS (158bhp)
Torque	500Nm
Total Power
Total Power	600PS (592bhp)
Performance	-
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel drive
Combined fuel economy	estimated 8l/100km
CO2 emission	estimated 190g/km
Dimensions	-
Number of seats	2
Overall Length	4720 mm
Overall Width	1960 mm
Overall Height	1310 mm
Wheelbase	2800 mm
Wheel size	22inch
Front Overhang	880 mm
Rear Overhang	1040 mm

Infiniti Releases Essence Concept Teaser Photo

Following an earlier announcement, Infiniti went ahead today and issued the first teaser photograph of its Geneva Show-bound concept car that will be called 'Essence'. The Japanese firm has not revealed any particular details on the car other than it has been produced in collaboration with Louis Vuitton and that it will be 'one dramatic concept' previewing 'an exploration into the brand's future'.

The image appears to illustrate the car's swoopy C-pillar and pronounced rear-wheel arch, leading us to believe that the Essence could be previewing a proposal for a high-end sports coupe. If that's the case, then it wouldn't be too farfetched to say that there's a good possibility that it could be based on the underpinnings of the Nissan GT-R. But better wait for more information to come in before we make any more speculations.