Barcelona Motor Show 2009: Infiniti

The luxury brand Nissan did not want to go unnoticed at the Barcelona Show and brought to our country for the first time its first hybrid model, unique and exclusive: the Infiniti Essence.

The stand was set up in a corner, as if to go unnoticed, but it did not succeed. In addition to the Essence concept, the other novelty was the G37 convertible with a stunning design that will arrive in our country in September of this year with the aim of winning over the wealthiest buyers and covering every need a sports car of this level might have. We can tell you in advance that every detail has been studied carefully and none has been overlooked.

But let us begin with the concept car. In line with the latest technologies and to cover all the needs of the most demanding drivers, it features a hybrid powertrain, combining petrol and electric motors that produce 600 CV of power. The innovation lies in the fact that the motors can work in parallel or separately, taking advantage of the power of both in the first case thanks to power assist mode, and achieving zero emissions in the second. In either case, the engine transfers power only to the rear wheels, delivering consistent handling.

Separately, the petrol engine, with a 3.7-litre displacement, 2 turbochargers and 6 cylinders in a V configuration, delivers 440 CV of power, while the electric motor, called the 3D motor, reaches 160 CV thanks to a lithium battery installed in the boot that is capable of regenerating itself, ensuring it is always charged.

As for the design, words simply fall short. The exterior curves blend with the driver-focused interior, with the instruments placed just right without overloading the space. There is no need to convince with words, since our eyes, and those of our camera, are better able to convey all the sensations of this remarkable car than words, however skilfully put together.

Finally, with a car this elegant and this futuristic, technology could not be left out. With a commitment to reducing accidents to a minimum, this vehicle is equipped with sensors on its sides, front and rear, which measure the distance to other obstacles, thereby avoiding collisions, and which can even activate the brakes and other safety systems in an emergency. The so-called safety shield extends across the entire cabin and works together with the various systems: Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and those currently available. These include Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP).

The time has come to wake from the Essence dream and get to know more closely a road car that is already a reality. The G37 convertible uses the same V6 engine as the Nissan 370Z, with 3.7 litres and 320 CV of power, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed semi-automatic with magnesium paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

It is clear that this luxury brand lives up to its name, because this fifth model to join its range boasts several exclusive details. Its ability to convert between coupé and convertible with a three-piece hardtop, the rear-view camera, as well as the exclusive body options or the speakers integrated into the doors and headrests specially designed by Bose, are just some examples that cannot be overlooked.