Infiniti Essence

[mdawg4x4]

We had a visit at work today by the Infiniti Essence concept vehicle. I got a call as they were rolling off a truck out back. Ran out to see and followed it back through the plant to our display area. Absolutely gorgeous!

Couldn't take pictures, but here's what it looks like...



And more pics at Google Images Infiniti Essence

[sbird1]

That's totally lame that they wouldn't let you take pictures of it. What motor does it have? How was the interior?

[Jesda]

Stunning. Too bad the application of this design language to the M56 made it look like nothing more than a sedan that was left to melt in the sun.

[tigersharkdude]

let me guess, you work at the nissan plant? I remember back in late 07 they brought in the NEW FX for us to see. No pictures though

Seriously NNA are camera nazi's

[mdawg4x4]

The interior is a little strange with the passenger's side being a deep red and the driver's side a dark charcoal, split right down the center console. I believe this concept only has enough engine to get from the back of the trailer to the display area. I followed it as they brought it in, and it had no distinguishable exhaust tone to it. I figure it is just a small 4 cyl or something. There is a small protrusion on each side of the A-Pillar (windshield/front door area). They are rear view cameras instead of mirrors. The window switches were integrated directly into the door panels similar to the soft touch buttons on the old Motorola Razer cell phones.

This car showed up at the plant in an enclosed transport truck, complete with its own handler. He travels around showing this car. I want his job!

tigersharkdude, I spent a year in Smyrna, 2001-2002, training for the launch of the Canton plant. I much rather be back in the Smyrna area.

[EazyBreazy]

mdawg, I just spent approx 15 min drooling on that thing in the plant lol. Love the lines, cameras and the overall thing. As for the camera thing, Yep they're nazi's lol

[MinisterofDOOM]

What motor does it have? How was the interior?

It's got a hybrid setup using the VQ37VHR. It's basically what will be going into the M Hybrid, except the M will get a VQ35HR. It uses an automatic transmission with no torque converter and an integrated electric motor. There's a clutch between the VQ and the trans (where the T/C would be) and another behind the trans (before the driveshaft). The setup allows the car to run any combination of gas and electric power as needed very easily. You could even keep the gas engine idling to power accessories and use the electric motor to provide power to the wheels themselves if you wanted.

Here's a HUGE pic of the M35 Hybrid's powertrain

[sbird1]

Sounds like it would be an awesomely nice car. Someone steal it and deliver it to me.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Ran out to see

Hey I was back there too. I was the guy that hit the ground after seeing the control box in the center console (they removed the center console in order to access it).
My suspicions were correct- Airbag suspension.

Most likely just for show. Jack it up in the air to get it off the truck, then slam that b**** down when its parked. I want to pop the hood (hood release located under the front fascia), but fear for my life if I do.
+1 on Nissan being camera nazis.

[mdawg4x4]

I figure it just had a small engine in it to get from Point A to Point B. It looked like there was a small amount of condensation out or the left tail pipe, but no exhaust note to indicate performance. No electric motor sounds either when he moved it. I followed it all the way to the display area.

Also read on the plaque posted beside it today that this is a one off concept.

[mdawg4x4]

mdawg, I just spent approx 15 min drooling on that thing in the plant lol. Love the lines, cameras and the overall thing. As for the camera thing, Yep they're nazi's lol

Name?
And department?

[EazyBreazy]

Lol why so you can rat me out lol. I'm a contractor, pm me for the other stuff lol

[mdawg4x4]

Shoot no. Just curious.I thought you might have been somebody I knew in Paint, cause he has a 240 for sale. PM sent.

[EXceptional]

Website and Videos of it...

http://infiniti.ca/essence/

[Pento240sx]

Sex on wheels. It looks like it has a turbo, so I think it may have a 2.0 or 3.0 turbo engine, just my guest. I would buy (in my dreams).