Top Speed has already reported that the Essence Concept, revealed in Geneva->ke228, is a big step forward for Infiniti. The future car not only revealed the company’s upcoming design theme, but their technological advancements as well.

The concept car is powered by a 592 HP gas-electric hybrid engine. The 3.7 liter V6 engine will find its way into the upcoming redesigned M->ke269 sedan due in early 2010 where the power plant where it will develop between 340-350 HP without the help of the turbochargers. The same direct-injection technology from the concept will then be used in both the sedan and coupe versions of the G->ke2402. Direct injection engines introduce the combustible mist directly into the combustion chamber instead of the intake manifold like traditional fuel injection. The benefits of direct injection is that a more precise amount of fuel in sprayed, meaning less waste and more power, it is a solution with zero drawbacks.

Parent company Nissan wants to streamline production and drop the three different V8s currently offered in favor of a single eight cylinder power plant that will go under the hoods of both Infiniti cars and trucks. In order to accomplish this the Japanese luxury automaker is currently preparing a V8 engine with direct-injection technology.

The future of the Infiniti Q->ke1262 is uncertain. Infiniti dealers from around the world were invited to Japan to preview a concept version of the Q and were amazed by what looked like a four door version of the Essence Concept. Nissan would like to have a luxury car that can compete with upscale models from Lexus->ke47, BMW->ke178, and Audi->ke14. However Infiniti is interested in seeing how the economic situation pans out before diving headfirst into the venture.

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