Japanese manufacturers have been leading the hybrid movement from the beginning, but so far Nissan’s only entry has been the Altima hybrid, which licenses its powertrain from Toyota and is only sold in eight states. Now, shortly after announcing the Leaf electric car, Nissan tells us that its Infiniti luxury arm will be getting into the hybrid business with the 2012 M35 hybrid.
While the company is currently being coy with details, it is calling the M35 the “cleanest and most economical car in Infiniti’s history.” The M35 hybrid will stick with V-6 power and augment the gasoline engine with an electric motor between it and the transmission. The car will be capable of moving under solely electric power, although Infiniti is keeping quiet on how far or how fast. The company claims that its laminated lithium-ion battery is the same size as a conventional hybrid battery pack, but with twice the power, and that the use of manganese for its positive electrodes improves the battery’s temperature stability and, therefore, overall reliability.
The 2010 Infiniti M will go on sale in the spring of 2010, with the hybrid to follow about a year later as a 2012 model.
Thanks to: Car and Driver