Controversial Kuraza Concept is Infiniti's New Take on Luxury

How different this philosophy is than modern North American tradition, that more often rewards the outwardly glamorous over the

The dash and cockpit are beautifully finished, logically laid out and made of the highest quality materials. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)

simple, honest, and straightforward, only to find what is inside often shallow and unworthy of the time and energy necessary to attain it, just like the impressive architectural displays of buildings such as the Bellagio in Las Vegas, which once inside is just another run-of-the-mill Casino.

Infiniti lights up the Kuraza's opaque plastic center stack surface from behind with a violet hue of course, a unique touch. The rest of the dash and cockpit are beautifully finished, logically laid out and, once again, made of the highest quality materials.

"Like all Infiniti vehicles, Kuraza also provides a well-focused driver area, with a wrap-around cockpit and a unique instrument panel design that combines analog and electronic

The concept's second and third rows sit slightly higher to one another, from front to back. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

readout of key information - including separate compass and gyro meter, tire pressure monitor and, keeping with a 15-year Infiniti tradition, an analog clock," noted Nagano. "The clock is one of many examples found throughout Kuraza of the fine Japanese detail in the design. The face of the clock features a very subtle etching, using a traditional Japanese pattern on the surface."

More practical than spiritual, the concept's second and third rows sit slightly higher to one another, from front to back. Stadium-style seating, together with a stepped-up roof line, is not uncommon in the SUV business, with Land Rover's Discovery, now LR3, being the first to offer the thoughtful layout.