According to a source close to Nissan, we have learned that the next Skyline coupe (Infiniti G37), which could arrive as early as 2012, will inherit a "sizeable" amount of design 'essence' from the, er, Essence. The news isn't exactly much of a surprise, as Infiniti has indicated its Essence concept, which first debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, serves as a bellwether of sorts for the brand's future design direction. Elements of the Essence can already be seen in Infiniti's recently revamped M sedan lineup.

Reportedly measuring roughly 186 x 77 x 52 inches and sitting on a 110-inch long wheelbase, the next G coupe's dimensions appear more practical for the real world than we originally thought when the covers were taken off the Essence for the first time at Geneva.

We also expect Nissan - which is pushing its green credentials hard as it prepares to launch its Leaf electric car - to fit the next G coupe with a hybrid powertrain option. Our source suggests that it is most likely to inherit a version of the 3.5-liter hybrid combination from the current Fuga (Infiniti M35) that develops around 360 total horsepower.

But now that Renault-Nissan has teamed up with Daimler, yet another source informs us that the new collaborative effort is also considering a diesel hybrid designed to further push the mileage and emissions envelope. If a diesel hybrid is indeed developed, we expect it to be for markets outside of the U.S.