Infiniti planning to take on Porsche Panamera

Infiniti planning to make the Essence Concept (pictured) in to a Panamer-like Coupe Back in 2009 – ahead of Infiniti launching in Europe – the Infiniti Essence arrived at the Geneva Motor Show as an illustration of what we could expect to see from Infiniti in the future. That was four years ago, but now it looks like the Essence may be on its way to production – after a slight stretch and the acquisition of a couple of extra doors – after Andy Palmer, Nissan’s VP for Future Products, told Automotive News Infiniti is planning a range-topping flagship to take on the Porsche Panamera. The Essence seems a good starting point for that mission; it’s already a big (over 15′ long) swoopy-coupe with a hybrid powerplant consisting of a 3.7 litre turbo V6 and electric motor combination good for 590bhp.

Mercedes-Benz Citan

Mercedes-Benz has revealed its new Citan urban delivery van ahead of its public debut at September's IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover and is the first product of Daimler's partnership with Renault/Nissan. The company's latest model, the first to be designed specifically for the urban environment, will complete the Mercedes-Benz family of vans and is available in a choice of three lengths – Compact (3,940mm), Long (4,320mm) and Extra-long (4,710mm) – and three model variants. The basic version is the panel van, available in all three lengths, with another model being the Citan Mixto with five seats, based on the extra-long version and has a foldable rear bench seat and two sliding doors.

EBay exotic: 1974 Alfa Romeo Berlina 2000

I'm a sucker for a four-door Alfa, and this bright red Berlina 2000 posted by our friends at Bring a Trailer has yours truly all aflutter this morning. Formerly owned by an Alfa Romeo employee in the United States, this car shows just a tick less than 89,000 original miles and wears fresh paint as of a few years ago. The seller, himself an Alfisti, claims that the gauges and mechanicals are all in correct working order, and the original factory air conditioning apparently operates as well as it did when new--which likely isn't very well, but still, it makes an interesting conversation piece.