Controversial Kuraza Concept is Infiniti's New Take on Luxury

"The emotional core of the Kuraza design is the historical blending and evolution of Japanese luxury," explained Nagano.

The Kuraza shows that the designers and engineers at Japan's number two automaker are as creative as they come, which should be lauded. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)

"Luxury first emerged in Japan with the rise of the nobility in the 9th century. In the Edo period, luxury took on a more vibrant, sensually seductive aura - which continues today. Kuraza reflects both, along with a respect for the power of nature and the spiritual precision that has always been a part of Japanese culture."

The upcoming M35/45, critically acclaimed for its attractive design, improves on the fit, finish and materials quality of Infiniti

Kuraza designer Nagano obviously doesn't feel his creation is as odd looking as the majority of those in attendance at the Detroit show. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)

products, a truer harbinger of what lies ahead for Nissan's luxury division than the Kuraza.

The concept SUV, however, shows that the designers and engineers at Japan's number two automaker are as creative as they come, which should be lauded. There is little me-too sameness to the Infiniti concept, other than its unintentional similarity to MINI.

But obviously the design team didn't see this, and possibly still won't find a resemblance to one of North America's smallest cars. Nagano also doesn't feel his creation is as odd looking as the majority of those in attendance at the Detroit show, another example that there's a buttocks for every seat, so to speak.