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Created to celebrate the firm's 20th anniversary but also to explore the brand's future in terms of design and eco-friendly technologies, the Infiniti Essence is a high-performance, petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. "It isn't a teaser for a new model. It is solely dedicated to Infiniti brand promotion, to demonstrate and advocate the Infiniti unique values," said Francois Bancon, Infiniti's General Manager in Advanced Product Planning.

The 4.7-meters long dramatic concept which in some ways brings to mind the Fisker Karma, is powered by a petrol-hybrid system that combines a twin-turbocharged version of Infiniti's familiar 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 440HP with a new a type of electric motor, called 3D Motor that provides 160HP and is positioned between the engine and transmission.

The electric motor draws power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the boot area. Because the 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes, the battery pack is kept charged up.

The two motors can work independently or together as a "parallel" hybrid system. In congested urban areas, the electric motor provides enough power to run the Essence alone. When the traffic clears, the rear-wheel drive coupe can use both engines for a total output of 600HP.

SPECIFICATIONS-----INFINITI ESSENCE