The 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid promises to deliver V8 performance I4 mileage.
Late to the party, perhaps, but Nissan’s Infiniti division is racing to make up lost time. As TheDetroitBureau.com reported, earlier this week, the luxury marque is launching an all-new performance line, IPL. And next up is the first Infiniti hybrid-electric vehicle.
A version of the latest-generation Infiniti M sedan, the new HEV will also be the first Nissan hybrid developed entirely in-house, as the less-than-successful Nissan Altima Hybrid relied on technology licensed from erstwhile rival Toyota.
The drivetrain in the Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be notably different from the Hybrid Synergy Drive, which is used in both Toyota and Lexus products ranging from the Prius to the RX400h, senior Infiniti officials told TheDetroitBureau.com. For one thing, it will rely on lithium-ion batteries, rather than the nickel-metal hydride batteries used by Toyota.
That will permit it to store more power in a smaller space and, in turn, says Infiniti General Manager Ben Poore, that should both improve performance and enhance fuel economy when compared to current hybrid systems.
“We’ll deliver V8 performance with 4-cylinder fuel-economy,” he promised, adding “We’re going for fuel economy of over 30 mpg on the highway,” with the final number likely to come in between 30% and 40% above the current 3.7-liter M37.
Highway mileage for the Infiniti M35 Hybrid is expected to reach the low to mid-30 mpg range.
Buyers will also find a much larger trunk than with many current hybrid models, such as the Lexus GS, which sacrifices cargo space for batteries. The 2012 M35 Hybrid will be able to squeeze in four standard golf bags, according to Poore.
Unlike the double-motor Synergy Drive, the Infiniti M35 Hybrid will use a single 50 kilowatt motor linked to the driveline through a dual clutch system. The gasoline side of the package will be a 3.5-liter V6.
Unlike the Toyota hybrid system, Infiniti’s package has adopted a standard 6-speed automatic gearbox, rather than a CVT, or Continuously Variable Transmission. That should eliminate the so-called “rubber band” effect that many drivers complain about, where the vehicle somehow seems disconnected from its engine during acceleration.
Infiniti officials hint at “best-in-class performance.” While that remains to be seen, they promise the 202 M35 Hybrid will readily out-accelerate the stock M37.
The Infiniti M35 Hybrid will rely on the first gas-electric drivetrain developed entirely in-house by parent Nissan.
Top speed in electric drive mode will be 62 mph, significantly higher than the Prius and other current Toyota and Lexus hybrids – though that’s about the same top speed as the upcoming Prius plug-in hybrid.
Infiniti officials wouldn’t reveal the distance the M35 Hybrid can get on battery power alone, though it’s anticipated to be just a couple miles.
Look for the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid to make its official debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, in November. It will go on sale later during the 2011 calendar-year.
The 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid will mark the luxury marque’s entry into “electrification.” It is also planning to launch an upscale version of the battery-electric Nissan Leaf, which goes on sale later this year. No timing yet for the Infiniti battery car.