Infiniti Plans Essence-Inspired FWD Coupe for Europe

Officially revealed last year at the Geneva Motor Show, the Infiniti Essence concept left most people hoping for a production version of the car. Though Infiniti confirmed the Essence will stay in concept form, it also revealed that some of its future models will be inspired by the prototype.

The first iteration to be launched by the Japanese manufacturer will come in the form of a small front wheel drive (FWD) coupe, that will borrow numerous styling cues from the Essence (like the tiered C-pillars), Autocar reports. As the only FWD model in Infiniti’s lineup, the new car will be primarily intended for the European market.

Hinting that it will combine the coupe and hatchback features, an inside source from Infiniti pointed out the new model will come as a Mercedes CLC rival. “A car can be front-wheel drive and still deliver driving pleasure,” the Infiniti insider was quoted as saying by the aforementioned source. “BMW has shown this with the Mini.”

The same source has also indicated that Infiniti plans to introduce a premium electric car based on the Nissan Leaf in the near future. The first teaser sketch of this model has been revealed by the company recently, alongside two other future electric Nissans, namely the Land Glider concept and the e-LCV van.

The Essence concept displayed at the Geneva Show featured a 3.7-liter V6 gasoline engine that included twin turbochargers and produced a maximum power of 440 PS (434 bhp). In addition, the vehicle came with an electric unit developing 160 PS (158 bhp), raising the total output to 600 PS. However, it is less likely for Infiniti to use this powertrain in the new European FWD coupe.