2003 Infiniti Triant Concept
A Modern Interpretation of Classic Design
The Triant’s exterior was designed as a modern interpretation of classic sporting vehicles – vehicles that expressed driving pleasure through a deeply rooted sense of beauty and elegance. Triant creates a similar feeling in a SUV through a fusion of authentic sports coupe styling and the latest in automotive technology with an emotional, Japanese-influenced design flavor.
The theme of Triant’s bodywork is muscular proportion, with its set-back 2+2 cabin combined with a long, elegant hood, large double arches signature Infiniti grille, broad shoulders, steeply raked roofline and oversize wheelwells stuffed with large wheels and tires.
The muscular coke bottle front fender treatment and sophisticated surface transition from the unique headlights, flowing down the inverse curve of the bodysides to the stretched rear fenders, creating an emotional sense of rhythm and power. The aggressive character of the front is picked up in the rear, with its wide shoulder surface and short overhangs projecting a look of spaciousness and SUV ability. Triant also offers some decidedly contemporary elements, including contoured three-lens headlights, clear lens taillights, sculpted side mirrors, integrated bumpers and recessed door opening switches.
The Triant’s doors are a wide gullwing design, stretching over five-and-a-half feet in length and opening to nearly seven feet in height. The doors, which are electrically operated and assisted by six gas cylinders each, feature lightweight aluminum construction and a special door opening sensing system which helps avoid hitting people or objects when the doors open or close. Like the gullwing side doors, the large rear hatch swings widely open, offering exceptional access to the flexible cargo area.
Other major exterior features include an advanced headlight system that guides the headlight beams around turns with the aid of digital mapping data and GPS technology. The high beams swing up to 15 degrees, while the low beams swing up to 30 degrees in corners providing greatly enhanced nighttime visibility, especially on mountain or switchback roads.
The Triant’s sporty appearance is also marked by its 8.5×19-inch chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and aggressive 255/55R19 low-profile tires. The exterior paint treatment is a special Liquid Mercury color with exceptionally deep liquidity.
Performance, Handling and Ride Comfort
Though a fully capable SUV with its height-adjustable suspension and SUV-like approach and departure angles the Triant concept delivers on-road performance to match its sport coupe-like appearance.
At the heart of the Triant is a compact yet powerful 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. An advanced ATTESA ET-S all-wheel drive system provides all-climate driving ability, while the 4-wheel independent suspension combines a comfortable ride with secure road holding. The suspension also can be raised 0.8 inches for off-pavement use and lowered 1.2 inches for highway driving.
