Hand-painted G37 Coupe inspired by Cirque du Soleil commemorates Infiniti's 20th Anniversary [w/VIDEO]
BMW, eat your art out – Infiniti can do art cars too! At the 14th Annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop Gala in Toronto, Infiniti of Canada unveiled their G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle. It's a Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe that has been painted by Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer. The car was decorated to celebrate Infiniti's 20th anniversary, but the Japanese automaker worked with Cirque du Soleil on the project.
So, how does the artistic Canadian entertainment company fit into the picture? Cirque du Soleil is also celebrating an important anniversary, their 25th, and the paintwork adorning the car (which took over 300 hours to complete) was inspired by the offbeat circus. The car is also going to appear at select Cirque events in Canada in the future, and the ultimate plan is to auction the car off for charity.
Follow the jump and you can see a video of Taillefer performing her magic during the month-long project she calls "Ligozzi." Look for the Anniversary Infiniti at future Cirque du Soleil shows. If you can't make it, you can check out the high-res gallery below – and don't forget to click through to the video and to read the full press release from Infiniti Canada.
Gallery: G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle
[Source: Infiniti]
PRESS RELEASE:
Infiniti G Anniversary Vehicle Revealed at Canadian Art Gala
One-of-a-kind G Coupe inspired by Cirque du Soleil® commemorates Infiniti's 20th Anniversary
Mississauga, ON (Friday, September 25th) - Last night Infiniti Canada revealed the Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle at the 14th Annual Canadian Art Gallery Hop Gala in Toronto. To commemorate Infiniti's 20th anniversary, Infiniti Canada partnered with Cirque du Soleil® to create a one-of-a-kind G37 Sport Coupe. Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer created the design and spent almost one month hand-painting the exterior of the vehicle.
"Celebrating 20 years of Infiniti is an important milestone and we wanted to do something truly unique and representative of the Infiniti brand to commemorate this occasion," said Wendy Durward, Director of Infiniti Canada. "The intricate, beautiful design is an expression of Infiniti's commitment to Inspired Performance in everything we do."
Infiniti's partner and inspiration for the G Coupe Anniversary design concept, Cirque du Soleil, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and was also present at the unveiling.
"Both Infiniti and Cirque du Soleil are celebrating important anniversaries this year and it was incredible to be able to collaborate on a unique and special project such as this," said Ryan Sandilands, Corporate Alliances Senior Director with Cirque du Soleil. "Guests at some upcoming Cirque du Soleil shows in Canada will be able to see this truly incredible vehicle for themselves as it will be displayed at select shows."
Heidi Taillefer was one of several artists asked to submit a design concept for the exterior of the Infiniti G Coupe. No structural changes could be made so the car could remain safe and driveable, and able to be auctioned off for charity at a later date. Heidi's inspired design "Ligozzi" was ultimately selected and she spent much of August and early September painting the vehicle.
"I was very excited to be asked to participate in this project and using the G Coupe as a canvas has been an amazing challenge, "said Taillefer. "With Cirque as inspiration, there was a freedom to explore unique, juxtaposing influences for the design. I'm very proud of how my design looks on the actual vehicle, and I think it's an incredible tribute to the anniversary of both Infiniti and Cirque du Soleil."
The Anniversary Vehicle will be on tour at various Cirque du Soleil shows and other events over the coming months. The car will eventually be auctioned off for charity. For more information please visit www.infiniti.ca.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
click_playaz 8:09PM (9/28/2009)
I think it's an art. What about replacing G37 to 370Z? That would be a good fit, because the Z is FairladyZ.
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xpolarx 11:17PM (9/28/2009)
I'm probably going to be the only guy to comment on the artistic endeavor, here...but...it's beautiful. That woman is incredibly talented. I think she should have left the finish matte, though.
Now, back in car mode...I think the 20th anniversary should have been celebrated with a 400+ hp V8 under the hood, dual clutch transmission and a hand-stitched nappa leather and alcantara interior. That -- to me -- is how a luxury sport car 'anniversary edition' should be appointed.
click_playaz 11:21PM (9/28/2009)
xpolarx@ :Well I get what you mean, but the new M has 400hp V8. The M should replace the G37 then. and yet I really love to see her doing her art on the GT-R and the Z for the 40th anniversary.
Bobmarley 8:09AM (9/29/2009)
It doesn't matter how good this artwork is because it doesn't belong on this car...its like a waste of good talent on both sides. The artwork takes away from the sleek lines and overall look of this car. And the car is a terrible canvas for the artwork which would be more appreciated in a school, house or museum.
Yaroukh 8:13PM (9/28/2009)
(I'm not gonna comment on the lady.) This is probably the only Nissan with quite decent front today. Too bad for the butt.
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viper GTS-R 8:13PM (9/28/2009)
pffft, no amount of cars painted with art will ever be as famous as the viper with dolphins on the hood!
http://meteoriteviper.com/
Well okay, not to be outdone, the same dolphin painter did a Lambo Diablo SE too!
http://motorcities.com/photo/viewer/04B2I250103209D
--RS
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DiRF 8:14PM (9/28/2009)
20th Anniversary? Alright, I can celebrate by having a spirited drive in my gussied-up Nissan Primera! :D
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fmwso 2:44AM (9/29/2009)
nice, I have a Primera as well. Great car for the money. She should have just left the way it is.
Brian 8:19PM (9/28/2009)
Infiniti and Lexus will likely be here in 2029. Lincoln and Cadillac? They'll be dead.
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leunamme 8:28PM (9/28/2009)
haven't you realized no one likes you here Brian?
Brian 8:31PM (9/28/2009)
I don't care about being liked by a bunch of Detroit fanbois. I want to tell you the TRUTH. The fact that you rate my comments down only increases my pleasure.
I'll say it again: Cadillac and especially Lincoln are doomed. Cadillac might be bought out by Hyundai as their luxury brand, or by the Chinese, but Lincoln will be deep sixed. Lincoln is just a bunch of bland, boring, tasteless, wrong-wheel drive wannabe luxury cars that are really just a trim level on a Ford.
Tony 8:33PM (9/28/2009)
Lincoln maybe, but Caddy will still be around just maybe not under GM.
Brian 8:37PM (9/28/2009)
Right, Tony. I think Hyundai will buy out Cadillac. Maybe then they will have some class-competitive cars besides the CTS and their dinosaur Escalade.
timwang2006 9:10PM (9/28/2009)
Brian, I don't disagree with what you're saying but why the hell are you posting that crap here, in this thread?
JDM Life 9:52PM (9/28/2009)
Brain.
There need to be more like you bro.
daleam 3:29AM (9/29/2009)
Another pointless troll comment by the infamous f***tard Brian, who has nothing of any value to add to any discussion.
Torrent 8:47PM (9/28/2009)
LOL the part about Hyundai... and Cadillac. epic. Not gonna happen.
If by 2029, Lincoln OR Cadillac are dead, I will personally come back to this thread and apologize.
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Taglane 8:48PM (9/28/2009)
Screw this comment system.
The above comment went to our bff troll, Brian.
Torrent 8:49PM (9/28/2009)
lol yeah I know AB's comment system needs to be... I don't know. Better.
daleam 3:32AM (9/29/2009)
He's an ignorant taint licking troll who doesn't deserve your attention anyway so good on you not heading your comment under his.