Infiniti's latest advanced concept vehicle, the Triant, made its world debut at Detroit's 2003 North American International Auto Show on a stage shared with a former Infiniti concept-turned production vehicle, the 2003 Infiniti FX45 premium crossover SUV. Like the all-new FX45, the Triant is designed to provide an innovative combination of sportiness, luxury features and all-wheel drive performance in a highly personal, dramatically styled package.

Exterior

The Infiniti Triant's exterior was designed as a modern interpretation of classic sporting vehicles – vehicles that expressed driving pleasure through a deeply rooted sense of beauty and elegance. Triant creates a similar feeling in a SUV through a fusion of authentic sports coupe styling and the latest in automotive technology with an emotional, Japanese influenced design flavor.

The Triant's doors are a wide gullwing design, stretching over five-and-a-half feet in length and opening to nearly seven feet in height. The doors, which are electrically operated and assisted by six gas cylinders each, feature lightweight aluminum construction and a special door opening sensing system which helps avoid hitting people or objects when the doors open or close. Like the gullwing side doors, the large rear hatch swings widely open, offering exceptional access to the flexible cargo area.

Other major exterior features include an advanced headlight system that guides the headlight beams around turns with the aid of digital mapping data and GPS technology. The high beams swing up to 15 degrees, while the low beams swing up to 30 degrees in corners, providing greatly enhanced nighttime visibility, especially on mountain or switchback roads.

Interior

The inner reaches of the Triant concept's 2+2 cabin are equally intriguing, combining flexibility for active lifestyles with an Infiniti attention to enhancing the driving experience. It was designed with the understanding that all the unspoken 'elements' that combine to make an interior – such as the form, details, materials, textures, lights and atmosphere – should reflect the personality of both the vehicle and the brand. For Triant, the interpretation of the 'Infiniti feeling' is expressed in its comfort, quality, modernity and authentic Japanese undertones.

Bodywork

The Triant's sporty appearance is also marked by its 8.5x19-inch chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and aggressive 255/55R19 low-profile tires. The exterior paint treatment is a special Liquid Mercury color with exceptionally deep liquidity.

Though a fully capable SUV – with its height-adjustable suspension and SUV-like approach and departure angles – the Triant concept delivers on-road performance to match its sport coupe-like appearance.

Features

At the heart of the Triant is a compact yet powerful 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. An advanced ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system provides all-climate driving ability, while the 4-wheel independent suspension combines a comfortable ride with secure road holding. The suspension also can be raised 0.8 inches for off-pavement use and lowered 1.2 inches for highway driving.