A few weeks ago it was reported that Infiniti->ke36 was planning to offer new hybrid and electric vehicles in the next three years. Naw, however, Infiniti's new boss is reconsidering the company's priorities and is pushing back plans for electric vehicles because they will not help push the company to its 500,000-unit goal.

In a recent interview, Johan de Nysschen confirmed that hitting the aforementioned goal is an “inordinately ambitious challenge.” Last year, Nissan’s luxury arm sold just 170,000 units, so 500,000 by 2017 looks to be a little tougher than expected.

Nysschen also said that electric cars or production versions of those dramatic sports-car concepts displayed at recent auto shows make no sense in the current lineup. Instead, Infiniti will focus on offering volume nameplates, such as an entry-level compact to debut in 2015.

Also, Infiniti plans to offer two new halo cars placed above the current M sedan->ke269, which Infiniti is renaming the Q70. These new models will be "high-performance luxury cars, not a sports car." Nysschen said that the two new models will be designed more "Porsche Panamera-like than BMW 7 series"

Both models will be inspired by the Essence concept hybrid coupe unveiled at the 2009 Geneva auto show, will share drivetrains, but will get different bodies.

Click past the jump to read more about the Infiniti Essence Concept.

2009 Infiniti Essence

The Essence concept was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. It was designed in cooperation with Louis Vuitton, and featured a dramatic and futuristic design that will be used for upcoming Infiniti models. The concept combines a 3.7-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor for a total output of 592 horsepower.

The two engines can work independently or together as a "parallel" hybrid system.