Three60: A CONVERSATION WITH THE VICE PRESIDENT
“Taking its inspiration from the design and hybrid technology found in the breakthrough Infiniti Essence, the new M Hybrid is the only car you can buy today with more than 350 horsepower and 30 mpg. As hybrid technology has gotten more sophisticated, so have hybrid drivers. Where it was once enough to offer fuel efficiency alone, today’s hybrid buyers need performance and handling to go along with the ‘green’ attributes – and that’s where the new Infiniti Hybrid delivers like no other,” says Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore.

Like the BMW Active 750, the M35 hybrid is powered by a lithium-ion battery, the battery with the compact size that you'll hear both companies raving about, and how it offers much extra storage room. the M35 is powered by Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system technology, and is rear-wheel drive. Infiniti’s slogan for the car “Cleaner, Greener, and Faster.” is clearly illustrated by the vehicle: Fueled by a gasoline/electric drivetrain that ensures a zero-emission electric propulsion, it is used more frequently and for longer periods than typical hybrids. This vehicle can drive on all electric power with speeds of up to 62 mph and is able to drive in electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the time. The engine on the M35 is smaller than other luxury hybrids, with a 3.5 liter V6 engine, but it can produce 360hp. The seven speed automatic transmission is powered by both the electric and gasoline engine. The Hybrid Electric Power Steering system helps reduce fuel consumption by about 2%.



The Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid System is based around a one-motor two clutch parallel hybrid system. This technology was developed with linear power delivery, stirring acceleration, and responsive rear handling standard to all Infiniti designs. The first clutch is a dry clutch installed between the gasoline engine and electric motor that facilitates decoupling when toggling between driving modes. The high torque from zero rpm of the electric motor allows a strong performance from a standing start.  The electro-hydraulic steering system offers natural and smooth steering with improved fuel efficiency and is lighter and more compact than traditional power steering which further boosts effectiveness.

Standard features of the M35 include a power sliding tinted glass moonroof, automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge bi-functional Xenon headlights with the windshield wiper interlock, dual exhaust, power-folding heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down features, rain-sensing variable intermittent front windshield wipers, adaptive front lighting systems, and courtesy lamps built into the exterior door handles. The vehicle has crystal-look headlike clusters, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and an extremely large trunk. Standard leather seats with power control and heated front seats include memory and power lumbar support. The interior IT display contains navigation, Bluetooth, temperature controls, XM radio, auxiliary outlets, and speed-sensitive volume control. The Active Noise Control System reduces engine noise. The Forest Air System, first introduced on the Infiniti M, recreate the climate of a natural breeze in a relaxed forest setting. The sensors on this system automatically open and close air intake ports to reduce the amount of dust and exhaust released into the vehicle.

“The M35h is a new kind of hybrid with the same passion for performance of every Infiniti, bringing power and efficiency together in a way no one thought possible,” said Poore. “It is Inspired Performance taken to a new level.”



THE BOTTOM LINE
A beautiful design, a beautiful interior and exterior, wonderful and comprehensive features, and beautiful technology - an all around beautiful car. Forgive me for overstating "beautiful", but I can't help the way I feel about it: It's a great car, just beautiful. Beautiful.



By Nathan Dowdy
Contributing Editor: Jenny Boyer