Autoblog UK

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.

Anyone planning to visit the Detroit Auto Show in January might care to take a few friends plus cars along for the outing. Otherwise, they might feel a little lonely and neglected.

Because Porsche, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Land Rover, Rolls Royce, Nissan and Infiniti are staying away this year. So who does that leave then?

In Motown Detroit, the Chinese may have struck lucky. With all that unoccupied space in the main exhibition hall, this means that Brilliance and BYD can bring their new models in from the cold, leaving behind the obscure showrooms around the periphery of the site and stepping into the limelight at last. And once they've established themselves there, the stayaways may find it hard to dislodge them on some future occasion...