essence

Infiniti and Louis Vuitton Pull the Veil off the Essence Concept in Geneva

After twenty years in the North American market, Infiniti has become a mainstay of the luxury segment on this side of the Atlantic. But in Europe - home to some of the most established premium automakers in the world - Nissan's luxury division is just making its debut. The corporate strategists knew they'd have to make a big splash to make any sort of impact on the European market, so they teamed up with luxury label Louis Vuitton to create the stunning Essence concept.

Collaborations between automakers and fashion labels are nothing new - think Audi and Prada or Lamborghini and Versace - and we brought you news of this partnership before the show even opened. But we had no idea what a stunning show car it would yield. Easily among the most beautiful of the show-stoppers this year in Geneva, the Infiniti Essence features hybrid propulsion that yields nearly 600 horsepower, in a muscular yet elegant and futuristic shape that couldn't be missed. LV was brought in to craft a special set of fitted luggage for the concept, rekindling a century-old business for the French luxury label which we hope Infiniti will offer on its existing vehicles already in showrooms. View more in our photography gallery by clicking the thumbnail images below.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence