The Luxury Hybrid for Drivers
Infiniti is getting into the hybrid business for the first time, with a hybrid version of the flagship M sedan.? Due in the spring of 2011, the M35h is being touted as the first true luxury performance ?driver?s? hybrid.
Debuting at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show, the M35h boasts more than 350 horsepower and an estimated 30 miles per gallon fuel economy.
Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore stated, ?Simply put, the Infiniti M Hybrid will be the most advanced performance luxury sedan hybrid in the market, delivering V-8 power and 4-cylinder fuel efficiency.?
The Infiniti M35h features the all-new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid? system, an advanced one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid design that combines precise, high-speed motor control technology, which, enabled by the powerful Lithium-ion battery, allows power to be delivered directly to the vehicle?s 7-speed automatic transmission. The system also utilizes a Hybrid Electric Power Steering system and Electric Driven Intelligent Brake regenerative braking system, both which help conserve energy and provide a natural, enjoyable driving feel.
The M Hybrid is powered by Infiniti?s 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine mated to a 50 kW electric motor which together produce 360 horsepower. ?Torque numbers include 258 lb.ft. from the V-6 and 199 lb.ft. from the electric motor.
In addition, the new Infiniti M35h can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph and can travel on electric propulsion for up to 1.2 miles at a time. Tests have shown that in mixed diving, the Infiniti M35h is able to drive in electric only mode for as much as 50% of the time. And, with its compact hybrid system design, the new Infiniti M35h also delivers uncompromised interior space and competitive trunk space.
Standard M35h features include Active Noise Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, XM? Satellite Radio (XM? subscription required, sold separately), Bluetooth? Hands-free Phone System and power sliding glass tinted moonroof. The Infiniti M Hybrid is also available with advanced technology features, including Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Blind Spot Intervention? (BSI), Forest Air? system, Active Trace Control, and Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System.
