Infiniti Essence Concept kicks off Pebble Beach

This weekend sees the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event, showcasing some of the geatest cars – past and presen -, in a great setting. It’s the US equivalent of the Salon Prive event or Villa D’Este. Super Cars. Super Place. Super Time.

This year’s event at Pebble Beach has kicked off with a gala dinner and the US debut of the Infiniti Essence Concept that we saw recently at the Geneva Motor Show. Much bigger than you would expect from a Japanese Coupe, the Infiniti Essence is over 15 feet long and features a 3.7 litre V6 turbo coupled with am electric motor, designed to give a whopping 590bhp.

The interior of the Essence is much more Japanese than the outside. It is a cabin just for two – despite its size – and features trim that mimics Japanese Laquerware and concept features like an odd shaped steering wheel and asymetrical stitching. Not really destined for production (although you never know), the Infiniti Essence is in effect a showcase for the future of Infiniti. Still, a good way to kick off Pebble Beach.

But as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance progresses through the weekend, we are in for a couple of treats. Bentley will be unveiling – and naming – the new Grand Bentley, the long-awaited replacement for the Arnage. And the new Infiniti M Saloon – which will be coming to the UK – will also gets it’s first showing. There is also an outside chance that Lamborghini will bring the Reventon Roadster along for its first showing.

More news over the weekend as things happen.