As the first hybrid vehicle ever to carry the mantle of Infiniti’s Inspired Performance, the new 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in spring 2011, is about to change everything luxury sedan buyers have ever thought about hybrids, including the word “compromise.” What makes what was previously thought impossible possible is the Infiniti M Hybrid’s unprecedented balance of three attributes:
• Power - the innovative one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid system in the Infiniti M35h delivers thrilling performance and is capable of driving in pure electric mode at speeds up to 62 mph
• Luxury - maintaining the Infiniti M Sedan’s engaging driving feel and extensive array of standard comfort and convenience features
• Efficiency - utilizing the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system, with a powerful yet compact Lithium-ion battery pack, advanced 3.5-liter V6 engine, 50kW electric motor, connected to an electronic 7-speed automatic transmission, helps achieve estimated fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon Highway and 27 mpg City
The result is a vehicle that first and foremost delivers the exhilarating and refined power of a V8, with the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine. Combined fuel economy of 29 mpg is expected to be the best in class. And one other thing, with its compact Lithium-ion battery, the new Infiniti M35h also delivers an uncompromised interior and competitive trunk space.
“Taking its inspiration from the design and hybrid technology found in the breakthrough Infiniti Essence, the new M Hybrid is the only car you can buy today with more than 350 horsepower and 30 mpg,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore.
“As hybrid technology has gotten more sophisticated, so have hybrid drivers. Where it was once enough to offer fuel efficiency alone, today’s hybrid buyers need performance and handling to go along with the ’green’ attributes - and that’s where the new Infiniti Hybrid delivers like no other,” he added.
A Simpler System That Produces Greater Results
The top line message on the new Infiniti M Hybrid, the first true performance luxury hybrid sedan, is pretty easy to understand - cleaner, greener and faster. With its high power output, Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system technology and strong rear-wheel drive driving feel, it’s a true “driver’s hybrid.”
Key to the M35h’s inspired - and green - performance is an innovative yet elegantly simple gasoline/electric drivetrain, which ensures that zero-emissions electric propulsion is used more often, for longer periods and at higher speeds than in typical hybrids.
The M35h can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph. It 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.
The 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 combines with an electric motor and high-power battery to produce 360 horsepower (hybrid system net power). The M35h deploys its power in a manner entirely in keeping with Infiniti’s sports handling philosophy Infiniti owners have come to expect. Both the gasoline V6 and electric motor deliver their power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission.
Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid System
At the heart of the M35h is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout based around an innovative drivetrain featuring a one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid system. The technology, which was previewed in the Infiniti Essence concept, endows the M35h with linear power delivery, stirring acceleration and the responsive rear-drive handling of a true Infiniti. The system is called the Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system.
Two new technologies are fundamental to the M35h’s broad-ranging abilities. One is the Lithium-ion battery pack - quick to alternate between charging/discharging and, size for size, twice as powerful as conventional Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries. The second is the direct manner in which the power is delivered to the rear wheels through the 7-speed automatic transmission. This is central to providing the performance feel expected from a true luxury sports sedan.
The first of the two clutches is a dry clutch installed between the 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. It facilitates full decoupling of the V6 when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling the V6 reduces mechanical losses and boosts efficiency of the electric motor.
The electric motor is rated at 50 kW (67 hp) and peak torque of 199 lb-ft. It acts as either a propulsion unit, alone or in tandem with the V6, or as a power generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The 302 horsepower gasoline engine is Infiniti’s proven 3.5-liter V6. It was chosen for torque characteristics (258 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm) that perfectly complement the electric motor’s output.
The electric motor’s high torque from zero rpm provides strong performance from a standing start and contributes to the sporting feel. As well as its fast charge/discharge response and 1.4 kWh capacity, the Lithium-ion battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling performance. Temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes, helping provide exceptional battery reliability.
Innovative Steering and Braking Systems
The new Infiniti M35h is equipped with world’s first steering and braking technologies, which have been designed to deliver both environmental benefits and natural driving feel.
The steering is an electro-hydraulic system with “on-demand” assistance. It offers the advantages of both types of steering - the natural and smooth feel of hydraulic power steering and the improved fuel efficiency of an electric system. The assist motor cuts in only when the wheel is turned, further boosting efficiency. The system is more compact and lighter than traditional power steering set-ups, achieved by integrating multiple parts.
The Electric Driven Intelligent Brake System is similarly designed primarily to suit sport sedan buyers’ needs, while at the same time contributing to the M35h’s efficient operation. An electric booster motor is utilized to operate the brake cylinders, saving mass that would otherwise be added by a reserve pressure tank.
The primary benefit of the system is that by controlling both regenerative and friction braking, depending on motor operation and battery condition, the Infiniti M35h operates more efficiently - recovering otherwise wasted energy. The simplicity of these elegant mechanical solutions, with their emphasis on compactness, lightweight and fewer parts, is made possible by advanced computerized control.
The M35h utilizes the proven FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, along with the M37’s independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear. The suspension system also features front and rear stabilizer bars and double-piston shock absorbers that have been specially tuned for use with the M35h. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P245/50R18 V-rated all-season performance tires are offered on the Infiniti M35h, with tri-split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheel design available as part of the 18-inch Wheel Package.
Exterior and Interior Design: Pure Infiniti M
Like the gasoline engine-equipped Infiniti M37, the new Infiniti M Hybrid features an elegant yet sporty exterior and interior design. The exterior design is multi-layered, just like the body surface itself, which was conceived to mirror reflections from different angles to create a sense of mystery and allure.
Its balanced, rear-wheel drive proportions and stance, with a long, low hood and high rear deck, provides a roomy cabin, uncompromised by the M Hybrid’s compact battery design (located behind the rear seat).
The deep body shape of the fenders and doors give the M sedan a powerful look unlike anything on the road. The wave-style doors are constructed from aluminum for light weight, despite the material’s difficult formability. Other exterior features include an expressive, signature Infiniti double-arch upright low grille and crystal-look headlight clusters, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a wave-like trunk with a high aerodynamic performance that works like a spoiler to increase downforce.
Standard features include a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade, automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional Xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock, dual exhaust with polished tips, power-folding heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, rain-sensing variable intermittent front windshield wipers and courtesy lamps built into the outside door handles. An Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights is available as part of the Technology Package.
Inside, the Infiniti M instrument panel features hybrid-unique instrument meters, meter display and IT screen displays, providing battery and other essential system information. It allows the driver to view hybrid system and available navigation system information simultaneously. Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters and Infiniti analog clock complete the elegant design.
An entry/exit assist system for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, heated front seats, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone automatic temperature also contribute to the M’s outstanding level of standard luxury appointments. Standard technology equipment includes Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Illuminated Push Button Ignition, HomeLink Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor.
Other interior highlights include a large center console, power windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power trunk release, retained accessory power for windows and moonroof, standard XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) and 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD, Radio Data System (RDS), USB connection port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, steering wheel audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control.
The M35h also features a standard Active Noise Control system, which generates “canceling” sound from four door speakers (and subwoofer for models equipped with a Bose sound system) to reduce unpleasant engine harmonics. The Premium Package adds an Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8.0-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide, and 9.3GB Music Box hard drive.
The Deluxe Touring Package also features semi-aniline leather and specially developed soft touch material for the armrests, door inserts, center console and kneepads. The Deluxe Touring Package’s genuine White Ash wood trim has been enhanced with real silver powder (Japanese Ash wood trim is offered on M35h models without the Deluxe Touring Package).
Like the M37, the M35h is available with a number of innovative technologies, including Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) systems, all of which are available as part of the Technology Package. Other available safety features include Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.
“The M35h is a new kind of hybrid with the same passion for performance of every Infiniti, bringing power and efficiency together in a way no one thought possible,” said Poore. “It is Inspired Performance taken to a new level.”
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