Infiniti Essence to run the Hillclimb at 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Infiniti Essence is one of the most beautiful concepts we’ve ever laid our automotive loving eyes on. However, Nissan’s luxury division has yet to confirm what part the Essence plays in its future. Some reports say that it will be a new four-door-coupe that will compete with the likes of the Mercedes CLS; others say that it will be a 4-door Nissan GT-R for Infiniti; or provide cues for the next-generation Infiniti M. All we know is it’s gorgeous and we would love to see it in action.
Luckily, Infiniti will show the Essence Concept in action for the first time at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
“It will be on display in Goodwood’s FoS-TECH pavilion and also on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb where it will perform in public for the first time,” says Infiniti.
Refresher: Power comes from a 3.7L V6 gasoline engine mated to a electric-hybrid system running on lithium-ion batteries. That gives two-seater, rear-wheel-drive Essence the ability to produce a total of 600-hp.
Infiniti Essence Concept:
Press Release:
INFINITI: ESSENTIAL VIEWING AT GOODWOOD
ROLLE, Switzerland (June 25, 2009) – The Infiniti Essence concept car, shown for the first time four months ago in Geneva, will conclude its pan-European tour at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed. But Essence isn’t the only Infiniti to be making its UK debut. The luxury automotive brand from Japan will also be giving visitors to the Festival a sneak preview of the new G37 Convertible which goes on sale in the UK this September. Unlike Essence, unfortunately.
The Essence concept was created as a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future … one that includes launching in the UK. The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 600PS petrol/electric hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. It will be on display in Goodwood’s FoS-TECH pavilion and also on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb where it will perform in public for the first time.
Joining Essence on the Hillclimb – and later in the Sunday Times Supercar paddock – will be the V6 powered G37 Convertible in right-hand drive form, the first example ever produced. The car’s appearance at Goodwood will be particularly momentous for the two British Infiniti engineers who will drive it as they have worked on the Infiniti Europe project since it started. Offered in a choice of two comprehensively equipped models, both featuring a metal three-piece folding roof, the 320PS G37 Convertible has been designed without compromise to look as beautiful with the top up as it does down. Which is hopefully the position where it will stay for the entirety of the weekend.
– By: Mo Eladawy
