Infiniti confirms hybrid model to be released in 2011
Nissan's luxury brand, Infiniti, has confirmed the inclusion of a hybrid drivetrain in its upcoming M series lineupSitting on the company's all-new platform, the M35 Hybrid powertrain combines an electric motor with a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine via a twin-clutch transmission.
One aim was that of all twin clutch systems: to dispense with that enemy of engine efficiency in every auto transmission, the torque converter. The first clutch sits between the petrol engine and the electric motor; the second behind what will most likely be a seven-speed auto transmission, as the company showed in its 2008 G35 hybrid prototype.
Another aim was to line up all components along a single driveline to a rear diff, helping ensure what the company claims is "a consistent driving feel under all conditions with linear performance and... direct responses".
The powertrain cycles between four modes of operation. Hard acceleration sees all systems go, with both clutches engaged as the electric motor gives the V6 some extra shove.
In bumper-to-bumper, it disengages the front clutch to cut the V6 loose while the electric motor takes up the cudgels.
When the traffic loosens up, the burner takes over as the electric motor shuts off, but both clutches remain engaged so the latter can spin passively, generating power to top up the battery.
During deceleration and braking, the front clutch disengages again and the V6 shuts down while the rear brakes and the electric motor, still spinning passively, jointly provide the battery with more charge.
The company remains quiet for the time being about driving range, performance and exact transmission specs. But it is promising the introduction of several new technologies including a lithium-ion battery pack it says delivers twice the power from the same volume as conventional counterparts. The pack's laminated design and the use of manganese in the electrodes helps reduce and stabilise its operating temperatures.
The M is the first Infiniti platform to go out across all 33 countries making up the marque's global market. Alongside the hybrid, different markets can expect to see conventional petrol drivetrains and, for Europe at least, a V6 diesel. M models will start arriving in different markets from Q2 2010, with the M35 Hybrid arriving a year later.
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