Report: Infiniti considering more hybrids on top of M35 Hybrid

Infiniti’s first production hybrid vehicle will hit the market in spring 2011 with the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid. Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti said that the M35 Hybrid will make its world debut at the 2010 LA Auto Show in November.

As Infiniti prepares for the unveiling of the M35 Hybrid, engineers at the Nissan luxury brand are already planning other hybrid models. No word on exactly which hybrids Infiniti is planning but it is reported that the company is currently studying which other models in its lineup could use a hybrid powertrain.

Poore said that the Infiniti M35 Hybrid will deliver “V6 power at 4-cylinder fuel-economy levels.”

Refresher: The Infiniti M35 Hybrid will be powered by a single electric-motor/twin-clutch arrangement, mated to a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6. The first-clutch is installed between the V6 engine and the electric motor, which Infiniti says allows for a more responsive drive. Infiniti said that the M35 Hybrid, which will carry a lithium-ion battery pack, has the ability to run solely on electric-power under certain driving conditions.

Click here to read our review on the 2011 Infiniti M.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)