What is it?
Infiniti has produced a traditional front-engined rear-wheel drive GT car concept. With 592bhp under its long bonnet you could be forgiven for thinking the Essence is as politically correct as a Roy "Chubby" Brown stand-up show and irrelevant to modern life. Not-so; there is a hybrid drive system that allows zero emissions running and a variety of safety features. The Distance Control Assist and Lane Departure Prevention are already in production and are supplemented by Side Collision Prevention and Backup Collision Prevention. The former acts during lane-changes, the latter when reversing; if another vehicle is detected in the car's path the system initially warns the driver and then applies the brakes. Overall the idea is to provide a virtual 'Safety Shield' that surrounds the car and prevent collisions with other vehicles.
Why's it here?
To celebrate Infiniti's twentieth anniversary and to hint at the company's future. Although a production version seems unlikely, the Essence's styling themes will be picked up in future cars. The lines are very fluid and elegant; the only unusual touch is the concave feature that runs from the trailing edge of the rear side window along the base of the C-pillar.
The bonnet looks like it should accommodate a large V8 or V12 engine but instead it is Infiniti's (and Nissan's) familiar 3.7-litre V6. For the Essence it gains twin turbochargers and direct fuel injection to develop 434bhp. Between the petrol engine and the automatic transmission sits a slim electric motor. This develops 158bhp and also acts as a generator to recharge the batteries. It seems safe to assume that this drive layout will make its way onto Infiniti's production vehicles in the near future.
Show stopper or floor filler?
Many have called this the most beautiful car at Geneva and we're not about to argue with that. Nor are we adverse to the idea of a powerful rear-wheel drive sporting coupé. It bodes well both for Infiniti's future and for car enthusiasts who want something green without having to sacrifice style or excitement.
John Lambert - 5 Mar 2009