Autoblog UK

The car being launched at the Tokyo Motor Show as the Nissan Fuga will be arriving in Europe as the Infiniti M. There is a very simple reason for this: Nissan's high-end Infiniti marque is unknown on the Japanese market. But it is only on closer inspection that you detect European aspects to the new Fuga flagship model. This five-metre-long saloon vehicle, available either with six-cylinder engine or hybrid drive, is bound to be a highlight of the show. Once again, the reason is simple: because all foreign manufacturers with the exception of niche constructors Lotus and Caterham (UK) and BMW tuner Alpina have decided to sit this one out, the Japanese have virtually no competition at the show. Never before have they had such an easy home fixture.

At the 59th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the planet's most prestigious classic car competition, Japanese premium segment manufacturer Infiniti has taken the wraps off its new Infiniti M, the sixth reincarnation of this luxury limousine, in a world-exclusive virtual 3D video debut. This is the first time that such a technologically innovative form of presentation has been used in the context of a vehicle launch.

The M model has been equipped with technically advanced V6 and V8 engines that are more powerful in terms of performance and capacity. To reflect these changes, this generation will be referred to as the Infiniti M37 and the Infiniti M56. For the West European market, the new M56 comes equipped with a powerful V6 Performance turbo diesel engine. Despite the hike in engine power, fuel consumption figures for the 2009 Infiniti M range are even lower than for last year's model. The latest Infiniti is striking for its completely redesigned bodywork. It is a sporty, dynamic limousine format with a much lower-slung bonnet and muscular wheel arches, pretty much in line with the Essence concept that made its debut at the 79th Geneva Motor Show. The Japanese developers of the Infiniti successfully convey their aspirations as a high-end quality marque via the modern interior design incorporating innovative materials and underscore this further with advanced climate control and an ultra-modern audio system.

Now Nissan are nailing their colours to the eco mast with the latest concept bearing their prestigious Infiniti badge. The Essence is a luxury coupé powered by a hybrid drive and is intended to show the way ahead for all future Nissan models. The characteristic radiator grille with prominent Infiniti logo immediately catches the eye. Further external features are the mighty aluminium wheels, the curvaceous contours and side windows that practically meet the roofline. The windscreen blends almost seamlessly into a glass roof that slopes gently down towards the boot. Instead of door handles, the Essence has push-buttons recessed into the bodywork and mini cameras to replace the external mirrors on the A-pillars.

At the heart of the concept is, of course, the hybrid powertrain. This is a combined petrol engine and electric motor generating a total output of 600bhp. The Essence additionally incorporates new safety systems devised by the manufacturer. As the boot has been designed to be particularly luggage-friendly, Infiniti are supplying a special free gift with each car: a customised set of cases from French luxury label Louis Vuitton.