Infiniti is poised to give its next G37 coupé styling to match that of the firm’s dramatic Essence concept car — and a greener powertrain to go with it.
Sources in Japan say the next G37 will inherit a “sizeable” amount of design cues from the Essence, which was shown as a concept at the 2009 Geneva motor show.
At 4720mm, the Essence is 65mm longer than the current G37 coupé, although its wheelbase is slightly (50mm) shorter, at 2800mm. The car’s styling is more aggressive than that of current Infinitis, with pronounced wheel arch blisters and much sharper surface creases. Even if this look is softened for production, it will be the most dramatic-looking Infiniti yet.
The Essence is powered by a twin- turbocharged 3.7-litre V6 mated to an electric motor, with a combined output of 590bhp. But while that power figure is unrealistic for production, Nissan’s green push is likely to result in the next G37 featuring a hybrid powertrain.
The most likely solution is the normally aspirated, 3.5-litre V6-based set-up that will be make its debut in the M next spring. It will develop around 360bhp, more than the current G37, and its lithium ion battery pack saves around 30kg over a regular unit.
Sources in Japan have suggested that Renault-Nissan’s recent tie-up with Daimler could offer a more radical option: a diesel-electric hybrid. But another Infiniti insider told Autocar this idea was “a bit far out”, citing the fuel preferences of one of the car’s largest markets, the United States.
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Re: Infiniti Essence to inspire G37
In the voice of Jeremey Clarkson "If the new G37 looks anything like the essence. This would be one of the best looking car.....(pause)....... in the world"