GENEVA — Infiniti plans to begin selling its first production gasoline-electric vehicle, the M35 Hybrid, in Europe in spring 2011. Unveiled this week at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the M35 Hybrid is part of the brand's redesigned M line.
The M35 Hybrid couples a 3.5-liter V6 with a 50-kw electric motor that is built into the car's seven-speed automatic transmission. Energy is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack.
Infiniti is calling the system the Direct Response Hybrid. Much of the technology was previewed at last year's Geneva show in the Essence coupe concept. An executive at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show described the Direct Response Hybrid system as "the core of the future Infiniti performance."
The rear-drive, five-passenger sedan uses a dual-clutch setup, including a clutch between the gasoline engine and the electric motor that decouples the V6 during electric-only and power regeneration modes. Infiniti says that in development testing, the car ran in electric-only mode for up to 50 percent of the time.
The electric motor, which produces 199 pound-feet of torque, acts as a stand-alone propulsion unit or to boost the V6 in "power assist" mode under full acceleration. It also acts as a generator during deceleration and braking to recharge the battery pack.
In addition to the new hybrid model, Infiniti said its M line range would feature such advanced technologies as Blind Spot Intervention, Active Noise Control and a unique Forest Air climate-control system.
The first of the new M line models go on sale in Europe in September.
Inside Line says: We like the sound of "Forest Air" — perfect for the new wave of "green" vehicles. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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jrossini says:
05:57 PM, 03/07/2011
I hope they build an M coupe with high-output Hybrid power as well
charlesb says:
05:34 PM, 03/06/2010
So the forward looking Infiniti customer can massage his Washi paper finish trim while inhaling the splendor of Forest Air. All they need now is a bonsai tree and waterfall package and they will have delivered a package consonant with the original Infiniti television ads.
icecubefosho says:
06:44 AM, 03/06/2010
It dehumidifies/filters the air from outside and sets it at a forest breeze imitating flow. Its good if you don't want to be too cold or use your Air Conditioner, and if the outside air feels fine temperaturewise, but is bad humidity wise. Its an in between option.
charlesncharge says:
04:30 PM, 03/05/2010
Yeah, it smells like forest animals. There's also the optional "Zoo Air" climate-control system - just like a day at the zoo!
nsuthersan says:
03:07 PM, 03/05/2010
What the hell is a Forest Air climate-control system? Does it smell like a forest or something?