2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid Confirmed For Production

The all-new 2011 Infiniti M will be on sale from early 2010. Now Infiniti has confirmed its first production hybrid will follow up about 12 months later as a 2012 model-year car. Dubbed as 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid, the eco-friendly luxury sedan will arrive in Infiniti dealerships in spring 2011

Unlike the Nissan Altima hybrid, which used a hybrid system largely licensed from Toyota, the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid will use Nissan’s own internally-developed hybrid system.

Fuel economy figures is not released. However, the Infiniti M35 Hybrid promises to be the brand's "cleanest and most economical car" ever. Meanwhile, it’s more about green, it's still a luxury car. Utilizing a single electric motor mated to a twin-clutch system, this hybrid system allows for a single prop shaft to the rear differential. Infiniti says the new technology allows for “linear performance” while keeping the driving dynamics of a conventional rear-drive vehicle. The Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be rear-wheel drive with power from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine.

Depending on driving conditions, the hybrid system can aid the V6 engine in power, or power the vehicle completely in EV mode. For instance, the hybrid drive system will aid the V-6's acceleration in "power assist" mode when maximum acceleration is desired, and can also recapture energy when decelerating and braking. Under "certain driving conditions," the M35 Hybrid can also run in EV mode.

Power for the M’s electric motor will be supplied by a “laminated” lithium-ion battery pack. Developed by parent company Nissan, Infiniti says this layout offers the same size as a traditional battery pack, but stores twice the power while also enhancing cooling performance and reliability.

The M35 Hybrid will be available in the United States and Europe.