Motoring: Infiniti concept car

To mark its 20th anniversary four years ago, Japanese carmaker Infiniti unveiled a concept car intended to embody the very essence of its design philosophy - the DNA to be instilled in all future models.

The Infiniti Essence is a 600hp luxury hybrid coupe with rear-wheel drive. At 4.7 metres in length, it is the ultimate fusion of the company's two core values, according to Infiniti design director Kei Kyu.

"The main value is dynamic performance. The other one is seductive, or elegant, execution. This mixture brings a new value to the premium market," says Kyu, who was in town this week for the opening of Infiniti's first local showroom, in Hutchison House, Central.

Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan Motor Co, became the first carmaker to set up its global headquarters in Hong Kong when it relocated from Yokohama last year. The move was spurred by the company's plans to boost sales, and by the burgeoning market for premium cars on the mainland.

To celebrate the opening of the showroom, called Infiniti Gallery, the Essence was flown to town for a preview on Tuesday. It was as well received as when it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009.

The designers in Beijing are so talented. You can see this in their sketches