Presented this week at the Geneva Motor Show, the Infiniti Essence is a celebration of the firm’s 20th anniversary but also an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future in terms of design and eco-friendly technologies.

The car in fact is a high-performance, petrol/electric hybrid 4.7-meters long coupe with rear-wheel drive, powered by a system that combines a twin-turbocharged version of Infiniti’s familiar 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 440HP with a new a type of electric motor, called 3D Motor that provides 160HP and draws power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the boot area. The two motors can work independently or together.

“An Essence owner is characterised by his or her fearless self confidence; he or she is an intellectual hero rather than just a successful money maker” said Francois Bancon, General Manager.

“Essence is a brand icon,”Francois Bancon added “it is driven more by a conceptual approach than by any design execution. It is not just an object.

It isn’t a teaser for a new model. It is solely dedicated to Infiniti brand promotion, to demonstrate and advocate the Infiniti unique values.”

Essence features details that bring a very modern take to some very old Japanese traditions, as long bonnet and short rear deck, a flowing “wave” profile between muscular front and rear wheelarches.

One of the most distinctive details is the trim around the side air vents. The simple yet delicate shape, finely finished in aluminium, is based on the “kanzashi”, a hairpin used by women when wearing the kimono. Other lines and details are inspired by the wide brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy.

Essence’s interior is minimalist, ergonomic and totally focused on the job in hand: to give the person behind the wheel a feeling of absolute control. With the materials used – leather, Alcantara, hand-painted wood inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware – the cabin exudes a rich and inviting warmth.

There’s a set of the highest quality luggage made to fit exactly a car’s boot area. In Essence there are three rigid pieces: a matched pair of slender briefcases atop a large trunk.

All are made in the new Damier Graphite canvas and feature sleekly integrated handles and an overall design in harmony with the car itself.