The Essence of Infiniti: new teaser emerges of Geneva show car
by Noah Joseph on Feb 17th 2009 at 10:27AM 
Infiniti's aiming to make a big splash with its foray into the European market, but it's going to be an uphill battle against the continent's established native luxury brands. That's why the premium Nissan brand has teamed up with one of Europe's most renowned names in luxury products, Louis Vuitton, to produce a new concept car to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.
So far, all we know is that Louis Vuitton has created a special set of luggage for the concept, but Infiniti has now revealed its name – Essence – and released the teaser image you see above. And wow, is that one sick...um, A-pillar, maybe? Hard to say, but we'll know more over the course of the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned, or follow the jump for the press release.
[Source: Infiniti]
PRESS RELEASE
"THE ESSENCE OF INFINITI TO BE REVEALED IN GENEVA"
ROLLE, Switzerland (February 17 2009) – Infiniti will show visitors to the 2009 International Geneva Motor Show the essence of its brand in one dramatic concept car. A celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars, the powerful concept will also be an inspiring exploration into the brand's future.
Produced in collaboration with Louis Vuitton, the Infiniti Essence will be revealed on March 3, 2009.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
BoxerFanatic 10:34AM (2/17/2009)
What IS that?
Please tell me that it isn't the tail end of the rear quarter window, into the rear fender...
Please tell me that Nissan isn't going to ruin Infiniti's design language, like they did with the Nissan brand...
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wilbonnet 10:37AM (2/17/2009)
it is definitely the rear quarter window.... and uglyu
notYou 12:21PM (2/17/2009)
BoxerFanatic: "Please tell me that Nissan isn't going to ruin Infiniti's design language, like they did with the Nissan brand..."
Too late, or haven't you see the chick'ified G37? (shudder).
The G35 Sedan and Coupe were bold and hot car for it's time. While I applaud the G37's performance and interior improvements, the exterior update for the Sedan was ho-hum, and for the coupe it's downright dopey.
BoxerFanatic 1:45PM (2/17/2009)
Actually, I think the G37s aren't so bad. Sedan is a slight improvement over old G35 sedan, G37 coupe is slightly under par, aesthetically, but above par for power and interior, compared to the old G35 Coupe, which was certainly a looker.
I wish the G37 had kept some of the hard edges, and the tail treatment, but as big coupes go, G37 isn't bad.
It really needs a more aggressive front bumper cover, and wheel fitment. I think that would go a very long way on the G37 coupe. The angry front cover on the G35 is more attractive than the soft G37S front end, and even more than the similarly styled but still-too-soft G37 Journey coupe model front bumper cover.
But between the G37's softer lines in the C-pillar area, or something like this teaser pic, G37 coupe every day of the week... this C-pillar treatment is going to be unsettling at the least. Genesis Coupe tried something slightly different and it is odd, this teaser is worse than that.
futurama 2:59PM (2/17/2009)
notyou. i must disagree on that.
the new design emphasize a lot on the volume and surfacing details. (also echoed in the new 370Z) while you cannot tell much looking at photos, one can appreciate the surface refinement both car has, especially the front fender and hood area. they have a great volume and look strikingly good on certain angles with nice reflection in place.
While taillamp graphics and bumper treatment of coupe are less successful and left more desired, the overall design is very refined, sophisticated, and more mature. I definitely like the more organic nature of the new design direction.
Shenard 6:21PM (2/17/2009)
They should've just get the G concept: http://cars.ign.com/articles/688/688331p1.html | http://www.automobilemag.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0609_2007_infiniti_g35_coupe_concept/index.html and called it a day.
hyundaifans.com 10:34AM (2/17/2009)
Is that pic even worth releasing? Exactly what part of the car is it?
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Randy915 6:03PM (2/17/2009)
The BREASTS.
RJ Mansfield 10:44AM (2/17/2009)
I think its the tail end of the window/quarter panel. Interesting if you ask me. I wonder what the rest of the car is going to look like.
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LBuzzer 10:51AM (2/17/2009)
It's definitely the rear quarter window and the top of the rear fender - in the big hi-res picture, you can see the top of tire.
I think those curves alone makes me salivate at seeing the rest of the car.
Sure, it'll probably be outrageous and (hopefully) polarising, but I welcome the creativity.
An easy example of this is Mazda's "flow" language. The only problem is that they're holding back when it comes to the production versions, and then it just looks a tad awkward.
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Avinash machado 10:51AM (2/17/2009)
I don't think that Mercedes and BMW have much to be worried about. Even Lexus did not make much of a dent in Europe.
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Lester 10:56AM (2/17/2009)
Lets hope they dont overdue the released images like Ford did with the 2010 Mustang, inch by inch it seemed.
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Gardiner Westbound 11:25AM (2/17/2009)
.
What would a luggage maker know about car design, or does it matter?
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Alex 11:25AM (2/17/2009)
looks like the C pillar to me.
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Rick 2:59PM (2/17/2009)
I agree. C-pillar all the way. No way that's an A-pillar, you can see the hump going over the rear tire fender so I guess it's a coupe.
AIL 11:40AM (2/17/2009)
Great, a Louis Vuitton Nissan. I'll take three.
Three slugs to the head, maybe. Thanks for nothing Ghosn.
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JAL 11:55AM (2/17/2009)
I know I’m late on the band wagon, but WTF, worst teaser pic I’ve seen in a while!!
Sorry for the tardiness, somebody has to get some work done!!
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J Who 12:01PM (2/17/2009)
I think everyone here got it right, it's obviously a C-Pillar. I like the design thus far, except that inward curve at the back of the rear quarter window. Who knows, maybe it will look better with the entire design, but I'm not feeling it at this juncture.
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John 12:10PM (2/17/2009)
I love it! That's a great and interesting sequence of curves. If the rest builds on this, could be a wow.
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j 12:18PM (2/17/2009)
I love how autoblog has so many psychics in their readership that can tell the whole car will be ugly just from that one picture
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