Infiniti presented today the M35 Hybrid, the first hybrid model in its lineup, and below you can read the highlights from the press release.
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Infiniti presented the M35 HYBRID with a drivetrain consisting of a decoupling V6 engine, 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor built in to the 7-speed automatic transmission and exceptionally fast charge/discharge response from the lithium-ion battery pack.
The M35 HYBRID uses a front-engine, rear-drive-only layout based around an innovative drivetrain featuring a one motor/two clutch system. The first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor. This clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when in both electric and power regeneration modes � in order to reduce mechanical drag and boost the efficiency of the electric motor.
The M35 HYBRID�s transmission is an even more sophisticated version of Infiniti�s 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission. One difference over the ASC transmission used in other Infiniti models is that there is no torque converter, and therefore none of the losses that torque converters cause.
The lack of a torque converter also enhances responsiveness for a sportier-feeling drive. The throttle can be �blipped� just as in a manual transmission car, while acceleration is seamless thanks to motor-assisted gear-shifting that ensures ratio changes aren�t just eye-blink fast but also completely smooth.
The electric motor is rated at 50 kW (68 PS) with 270 Nm of torque and is embedded within the transmission. The motor acts as both propulsion unit, either by itself or to boost the V6 in �power assist� mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
Apart from its fast charge/discharge response and 1.3kWh capacity, the Li-on battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling performance. Temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional battery reliability.
Light weight is another key advantage of the M35 HYBRID, with the compact battery pack, allied to the single electric motor, resulting in a 30kg weight saving.
Other M Line world firsts include Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) � a system that doesn�t just warn of vehicles in adjacent lanes but actively prevents the car being steered into their path � and a state-of-the-art �Forest Air� climate control system. An Active Noise Control system is also available.
M Line sales in Western Europe begin in September, with the M35 HYBRID due to arrive from spring 2011, depending on market.
Source: Infiniti
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