In October 2009, Nissan announced that it will produce a hybrid gas-electric version of its Infiniti M luxury performance sedan, to go on sale in Europe in 2011. It will likely be sold in the United States as well, although no date has been set for North American distribution. The Infiniti M35 Hybrid represents the brand's first hybrid�and provides one more example of the curious relationship between luxury and hybrid vehicles.
Nissan unveiled the Infiniti M35 Hybrid at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in early March.
Nissan�"s leadership has repeatedly made the argument that hybrids are not the answer to the environmental challenges facing the automobile industry�and that only pure all-electric cars represent the necessary shift to oil- and emissions-free motoring. The company�"s small all-electric Nissan Leaf will debut in late 2010.
However, the use of a gas and electric power combo is apparently Nissan�"s solution for luxury buyers unwilling to sacrifice horsepower and high-end features, but no longer wanting to guzzle gas. As Infiniti�"s press release states, �SThe M35 Hybrid has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti's appeal.⬝ [Subtext: Most hybrids take away from the driving experience.]
Technology Innovation
The M35 Hybrid�"s engine, borrowed from the conventional M sedan, is a 3.5-liter V6, with the addition of a 68 horsepower electric motor and hybrid drive system. The Infiniti M35 hybrid uses a front-engine rear-wheel-drive approach�with a one motor-two clutch system. The first clutch is installed between the engine and the electric motor. This clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when running in electric modes�in order to reduce mechanical drag and boost the efficiency of the electric motor.
Read More... [Source: HybridCars.com]
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