How a trio of acclaimed concepts helped shape Infiniti's all new sedan

Essence, Etherea, Emerg-E are three outstanding concept cars that have helped define the seductive and individual appeal of Infiniti - the luxury performance brand of Nissan - over the past four years.

All the above mentioned concepts have helped shape the new mid-size Q50 premium sedan - from its dynamic headlight shape, its crescent-cut C-pillar to its purposeful sporting stance - the Infiniti Q50 embodies many of the most acclaimed design cues from its concept car forebears.

"The Q50 has Infiniti design DNA running through it. A concept car to us is far more than a motor show indulgence. It is the canvas on which we paint our production car dreams. Now with the Q50 we see those dreams become real," said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director.

Infiniti design DNA is symbolised by design that is inviting, emotional and born of inspiration from both the human and natural worlds, elements perfectly captured by the new Infiniti Q50. But it is not only the Q50's exterior design that has been influenced by the Infiniti concept car trilogy - the interior too has benefited from designs and materials from Essence, Etherea and Emerg-E.

Painstaking attention to detail and high quality finish are further examples of the influence the concept trilogy have wrought on the Q50.

Six ways in which Infiniti's famous concept car trilogy influenced the Q50:

Headlights (Etherea, 2011)

The Q50's distinctive headlights have changed little since they first previewed on Etherea. The light clusters incorporate daytime running lights formed out of a crescent of LEDs, a motif mirrored at the back where the lights are tautly stretched around the car in a way reminiscent of Essence.

Three-dimensional double-arch grille (Etherea, 2011)

The Infiniti double-arch grille - the top span representing the profile of a typical Japanese bridge, the lower span its reflection in the water - has long been an important part of the Infiniti 'face'. The Q50's appearance is further strengthened by the grille visually connecting to the base of the A-pillars.

Crescent-cut C-pillar (Essence, 2009)

One of Essence's most distinctive design cues, the crescent-cut C-pillar is used on the Q50 in its purest and most powerful form yet, injecting dynamism into the profile and ensuring the mid-size sedan will always be instantly recognisable.

Deep body section (Essence, 2009)

With its deep and steep body section the new Infiniti Q50 has some of the most complex surfaces of any car in its class. It is the result of inheriting design influences successfully advanced with Essence, whose wave-like body sections make the big luxury coupe's styling so dramatically advanced and effective.

Asymmetrical cabin layout (Essence, 2009, and Emerg-E, 2012)

A driver focus in the cabin is an important part of any Infiniti - as is a welcoming and relaxing front passenger compartment. Essence, and later Emerg-E, managed to achieve both in the same car with a novel Yin-Yang approach. The result is an asymmetrical front compartment of two distinct areas, delineated by a line that curves elegantly across the centre console.

Interior finishes (Essence, Etherea and Emerg-E)

Modern interpretations of Asia's rich arts and crafts tradition are part of the appeal of Infiniti concept cars. They are far more to Infiniti than mere decoration, however. They are integral to who Infiniti is and what it stands for. As such many have a direct influence on the Q50, such as the aluminum inlays whose textures are based on intricate woven patterns.