Infiniti M35 Hybrid Makes North American Debut, Will Go on Sale in U.S. Next Spring

Infiniti M35 Hybrid Makes North American Debut, Will Go on Sale in U.S. Next Spring

Infiniti will formally introduce an M-class hybrid luxury car at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, the automaker's U.S. chief Ben Poore, told reporters at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where the vehicle quietly made its North American debut last week.

Poore said the model - the 2012 Infiniti M35h - will have a powerful but fairly small lithium-ion battery pack to permit lots of interior and truck space.

Parent company Nissan has offered the Altima hybrid in New York, California and other selected states for several years using technology licensed from Toyota. The Infiniti hybrid sedan contains technology developed by Nissan, Poore said.

The steering of the M35h features an electro-hydraulic system with on-demand assistance that offers the advantages of both types of steering - the natural and smooth feel of hydraulic power steering and the improved fuel efficiency of an electric system - while the motor cuts in only when the wheel is turned, further boosting efficiency.

The M35h's brake system is regenerative and the powertrain marries a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that can decouple from the powertrain, as well as a 68-horsepower electric motor built into the car's seven-speed automatic transmission.

The model features two clutches, the first clutch of which is installed between the V-6 engine and the electric motor and is embedded within the automatic transmission. The electronically controlled clutch allows the full decoupling of the V-6 when the car is in electric drive and power-regeneration modes, which reduces mechanical drag and boosts the efficiency of the electric motor.

The M35h's nifty seven-speed automatic transmission does not include a torque converter, which enables the throttle to be blipped on downshifts just like in a manual car.

The 2012 Infiniti M35h is slated to go on sale in the U.S. in Spring 2011. The model's performance characteristics have not been disclosed.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.