2012
Infiniti M35 hybrid vehicle
Nissan's first lithium-powered hybrid
Nissan's first propriety hybrid drive debuted in the 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid, a luxurious and powerful hybrid.
Using Nissan's Direct Response Hybrid powertrain, which utilizes a 302-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 plus a 50-kilowatt electric motor to achieve 360 total horsepowers. Nevertheless, according to Nissan the M35 hybrid will offer "V8 performance with 4 cylinder fuel economy".
According to the EPA, on the other hand, the Infiniti M35 hybrid should average about 29 mpg, which breaks down to 27/32 mpg, city/highway.
Still, the M35 is a performance hybrid, not a pure fuel miser hybrid.
In addition, many high tech options are also expected, such as blind spot monitoring, active stabilitity assit, navigation-cooperative intelligent pedal systems, and the eco- pedal.
And, as of November, M35 hybrid buyers were saving up to 8 percent off the sticker price.
Still, it's hard to know where the M35 hybrid fits into the larger scheme of hybrids. Other luxury hybrids are far more fuel efficient. Of course, the M35 hybrid seems to be more geared to compete with high powered luxury hybrids, a segment that has driven few hybrid sales.
Minimally, however, it's good to see Nissan finally develop its own hybrid drive system.
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