Nissan aims to launch diesel hybrid by 2010
March 4, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Nissan unveiled a concept car at Geneva today under its Infiniti luxury brand that it plans to adapt for production as a diesel-electric hybrid car for the European market by 2010.
The Essence two-seater coupe (as pictured) is currently fitted with Nissan’s proprietary hybrid system and a 447kW 3.7-litre, turbocharged V6 petrol engine.
A Nissan spokeswoman said Nissan’s priority for the European market was to launch a production version of the car with a V6 diesel hybrid system in what could be one of the world’s first cars to hybridize a diesel engine.
Nissan gave no indication of the car’s price range. A diesel hybrid would theoretically be more fuel-efficient than a petrol hybrid but is more expensive to build.
“Customers willing to pay for a diesel hybrid would be in the luxury segment,” the spokeswoman said.
Infiniti will launch a V6 diesel engine in its large European crossovers and SUVs in 2010.
The engine was developed in cooperation with Nissan’s French alliance partner Renault, specifically for use on Infiniti’s SUV line, which need diesels to compete in Europe.
A parallel launch of hybrid powertrains would help Infiniti differentiate itself from its German premium carmaker rivals, European marketing director Bastien Schupp said.
Print it: 
447kW 3.7-litre, turbocharged V6??? surely not.
at last.. design, performance and green credentials… take note carmakers.. Nissan/Infiniti .. are finally back.. cant stop looking at that gorgeous form!! : )
to clarify, the V6 produces around 330kW or so, and the electric motor 110kW
Nice looking car,others would go green looking at that,fantastic !
Hey jbot………welcome back ! You back from overseas ?
Is it me or does this look suspiciously like what the Fisker Karma would look like if it was a 2 door (which incidentally is very similar to a Maserati GranTourismo)?
Cool – looks like something from Hotwheels. Diesel hybrid…the way to go.
Gee Cupid………..knew it was a just a matter of time for you to get up from bed and blog”new diesls on CA and Id find you here.hahaha Morning babe!
caramel bavarian, sounds like you need to get a room with stupid stunt?