We’ve known it’s coming, but here is the first look at Infiniti’s new petrol electric exec: the M35 Hybrid. As signalled by the Essence concept car, Infiniti is keen to stress that its hybrid cars won’t be just about saving pennies – they’ll be fun to drive too. Sounds like a dig at sensible old Lexus to us.
The new Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be the upmarket Nissan arm’s first hybrid in its 20 years of building exec rivals to the default Audis, BMWs and Mercedes. And since it doesn’t yet sell any diesels, it’ll also be its cleanest and most efficient.
Infiniti M35 Hybrid: the tech bit
This is a Nissan inhouse hybrid set-up. There are two clutches, positioned between the naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor, so both motors turn a single propshaft to the rear wheels.
The electric motor can drive the car at low speeds, or be used in tandem with the V6. As usual, it’ll act as a generator and top up the lithium ion battery during braking or coasting.
When can I buy Infiniti’s hybrid?
No prices or performance stats have been issued yet, but Infiniti says the M35 Hybrid will go on sale in spring 2011 – around a year after the M lands in showrooms.
Don’t forget Infiniti will also launch a V6 turbodiesel next year. It’ll probably offer the best economy/price mix for the larger new Infinitis.