The Essence of Infiniti
By definition, a concept car is an exploration of an idea that may or may not make it into production. The Infiniti Essence, a concept luxury super-coupe, takes that idea one step further—it is an exploration of the brand, the very essence of Infiniti sculpted in steel. “If you were to design a vehicle,” says Jeff Parent, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Nissan Canada, “in order to express the ultimate of what the Infiniti brand is all about—our DNA—this is what it would look like.”
The result has stopped Autoshow traffic wherever the Essence has made an appearance—from Geneva to Montreal. And little wonder. The exterior looks as if Infiniti designers and engineers have physically decoded the genome for ‘Inspired Performance’ and then reassembled the sequence in a profound and artful new manner—elevating the design traits that have come to define Infiniti, and expressing them in even more emotional and sensual forms.
The Power of Nature
“Essence’s long hood and short rear deck are reminiscent of our most successful vehicles,” says Hugh Wickham, Senior Manager, Product Planning, Nissan Canada. “But tremendously strong lines visually and vibrantly capture a sense of natural dynamism like never before.” That dynamism, codified as the ‘Power of Nature’, is a core Infiniti design value and it has never been so purely or provocatively articulated. The complex curvatures and surface undulations not only convey the sense of flowing waves or shifting dunes but seem to contain the very energy behind such phenomena, rising from within, on the verge of being unleashed.
Inspiration drawn from the realm of Japanese culture and craftsmanship, another Infiniti design constant, is also in evidence, revealed in bold strokes, subtle touches and fresh new cues. Essence’s roof and shoulder line, for example, reflect both the strength and finesse of brush strokes drawn from Japanese calligraphy, while the delicate trim that surrounds side air vents is said to resemble a ‘kanzash’, the traditional hairpin used by Japanese women when wearing a kimono.
Culture & Craftsmanship
Essence’s interior is equally inspired, and in true Infiniti fashion, focused on creating an intimate, sensory experience for driver and passenger alike. The most dramatic feature—the asymmetrical design of the driver cockpit and passenger cocoon. “The black-themed driver’s side,” says Wickham, “is totally designed around the performance feel of the car, to heighten that sense of being in total command and control.” That “sense” is augmented by a series of performance-inspired features, like the bright red engine start button, chronometer-style gauges and dials and large shifter paddles.
“The passenger’s side,” continues Wickham, “is all earth tones that create a gracious, welcoming environment and inspire feelings of calm, comfort and well-being.” That ambiance is deepened, according to Design Director, Takashi Nakajima, by a series of culturally-influenced flourishes, including the hand-painted wood trim reminiscent of traditional Japanese lacquer bowls, and asymmetrical seat seams stitched to reflect the different ways that Japanese men and women tie their kimonos.
Power Exercised Wisely
Of course, an Infiniti would not be an Infiniti without possessing a wealth of technology that serves the driver and elevates the driving experience. Essence, once again, proves to be all Infiniti and a beacon for future vehicles. Advances include a ‘Blind Spot Intervention’ system, a ‘Backup Collision Prevention’ system and an almost intuitive Air Conditioning system that keeps the driver apprised of its actions with an artistic graphic interface. But the most powerful innovation is reserved for the powerplant—a hybrid engine capable of producing almost 600 horsepower.
“Essence’s powertrain is a key part of the uniqueness of this vehicle and a potent symbol of the company’s commitment to ‘green’ ideals,” says Wickham. “It’s a parallel hybrid system that marries a twin-turbo 3.7 litre V6 and a very advanced electric motor. Together, they produce the equivalent of 592 horsepower. Not only do you get great performance on the open road, but at low-speed city driving when operating mostly off the motor, you get the added efficiency of improved fuel economy and incredibly low emissions.” In addition, notes Wickham, all of that power is channeled to the rear wheels—exactly where it should be in a true performance machine.
Past Meets Future
A vehicle meant to be driven also needs a place for travel articles. For this, Infiniti turned to Louis Vuitton to craft a custom set of luggage to fit precisely into Essence’s trunk. “It’s very reminiscent of motoring in the thirties,” says Wendy Durward, Director, Nissan Canada, “but designed in a very contemporary and personalized manner.”
Like most concept vehicles, Essence is not slated for production. However, its new visual direction will clearly influence future Infiniti models. “Essence is a work of automotive art,” says Durward. “More importantly, it is a blueprint for the Infiniti brand. A reflection of what is to come.”
What’s to come will soon be in Infiniti dealerships across Canada, starting with the launch of the all-new, third generation M in March—clearly inspired by the Essence, including a potential hybrid model to follow. And, with more than 70 percent of the Infiniti lineup scheduled to be re-designed, re-engineered and reborn in the next two years, the Essence is destined to live on.