Nissan Infiniti Essence may arrive

Nissan has recently confirmed solid plans to bring Infiniti down under - after a failed first attempt in the late 1980s, just as Toyota launched Lexus - and its Essence concept car could be the headliner. The Essence was displayed at the Geneva Motor Show last year and Japanese sources now say the car is headed for production.

It could become the new Nissan Skyline but is equally likely to wear an Infiniti badge as the brand is expanded and sharpened for a global focus. Infiniti is already being driven hard into Europe off the back of trendy SUVs and a diesel engine program now underway.

A source close to Nissan says the upcoming Infiniti G37 coupe for 2012 will pick up a sizeable amount of inspiration from the Essence. That means the general shape, including the gaping nose and rearward cabin, of the striking silver concept coupe.

The Essence concept car is surprisingly 'real world' in size and shape, with an overall length of 4.7 metres and a wheelbase of 2.2 metres. But there could be some surprises on the powertrain front.

Nissan, which is pushing its green credentials strongly in 2010 with the launch of the Leaf plug-in electric car, is almost certain to go for some sort of hybrid drive on the new Infiniti. That's a contrast to the twin-turbo 3.7-litre V8 fitted to the concept car with a claimed output of 450kW.

The Carsguide source suggests that it is most likely to inherit the 3.5-litre hybrid powertrain from the current Infiniti M35 coupe, but a new tie-up with Daimler in Europe could lead to a diesel hybrid drive with even better economy and emissions.