Infiniti M35 Hybrid Expected to be a 2012 Model

According to rumors, the new hybrid from Infiniti would be arriving in 2010.  Instead, the Infinti M luxury performance sedan will be arriving in the spring of 2010. The hybrid version, the M35, is expected 12 months later as a 2012 model.

The M35 will be the first Infiniti hybrid, as well as its 'cleanest and most economical.' It will also be the first hybrid derived from Nissan research into hybrid technology.  The Nissan Altima Hybrid is built using the Hybrid Synergy Drive system from Toyota.

The M35 will build on the promise of high performance/low emissions of the Infiniti Essence concept. With V6 and rear-wheel driving, the luxury sedan is hoping to give high performance, but with better fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller car.

The hybrid system is a single electric motor/twin clutch arrangement. The first clutch is installed between the 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The components can then act on a single prop shaft to the rear differential (parallel hybrid), giving a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and the "direct responses" that the engineers sought.

The electric motor acts as a generator in regenerative braking mode, and in 'boosting' the V6 when maximum acceleration is required. But the M35 Hybrid will be a full hybrid, running on electric power alone in 'certain driving conditions.' Further details will be released later.

The electric motor will be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack (Li-Ion). The battery pack has been laminated to enhance the cooling performance.