Infiniti confirms production of 2012 M35 Hybrid
2010 Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M35 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
Looks like Infiniti is getting more serious about taking on Lexus. Back in August we saw the M get "virtually revealed" at Pebble Beach. We've also been following the tale of the upcoming JDM-only new Nissan Fuga, a car which is virtually identical to Infiniti's M. Then of course Inside Line dropped the M-bomb when they published pics of both the M56 and M37x after their secret pre-production test drive. Meaning we know there's going to be a 400+ hp 5.6-liter V8 M56, a VQ engined M37 (with around 330 hp -- as much or more than the V8 in the outgoing M45 makes) and M37x (x = AWD). There's also a diesel M aimed at Europe. But today we learn there is another.
Specifically, there will be a M35 Hybrid. This will be the first hybrid Infiniti and it's aimed squarely at slow selling Lexus GS400h. Infiniti claims that the hybrid parts will "add to" and not "take away from" the driving experience. As such, there's a Nissan-developed single motor and a twin clutch hooked up to the same output shaft as the engine. This should result in an uninterrupted power flow to the transmission no matter which mode the hybrid system is in. There's also a "laminated" lithium-ion battery that not only stores twice as much power as nickel-metal hydride units, but cools more quickly because of the "lamination." Look for the M35 Hybrid to hit dealers around this time next year as a 2012 model, and a full reveal of the car later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. And now, where's the new Q?
[Source: Nissan]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
AC 1:23PM (10/07/2009)
I like the front, it looks really good
But the back somewhat does not feel right... too much curves maybe?
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Ray 1:27PM (10/07/2009)
so does that mean FUGA stands for..
F****n Ugly Giant Ass?
It looks ok, I guess, nothing spectacular.
010111 9:07AM (10/08/2009)
you like the *front*?!
it looks like a chipmunk hoarding nuts or something. something with that grill with the curves. or something.
actually... i know what it is... it reminds me of Oglethorpe from ATHF.
http://bit.ly/akf5c
imoore 1:27PM (10/07/2009)
"And now, where's the new Q?"
That's what I want to know, also.
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Not Detroit 2:03PM (10/07/2009)
The new "Q" would probably be released when the JDM Cima gets replaced, which is probably very soon as the current version came out January 2001. Since Toyota just updated the Cima's competitor, the Crown Majesta, the Cima is definitely due. The Crown Majesta is not the Lexus LS, and the Crown Majesta is a little nicer than the LS.
speed12sil 2:19PM (10/07/2009)
I don't see a future for the Q, considering the M is like a few inches shorter than the LS/S550, but now has a 5.6L V8. What option does that leave the Q? Q56? They don't have any engine bigger than the 5.6 to make a flagship/halo model. The Q would be slightly bigger, yet cost nearly 10-15k more at base. They don't have enough people loyal to their brand, who would move up to the Q, to pull this off without making it financially unfeasible. BMW/Lexus and MB do, but not Infiniti.
bfdynasty 1:29PM (10/07/2009)
They're going to release a car at the end of 2010 as a 2012 model? Isn't that like a year too soon?
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vespid82 1:38PM (10/07/2009)
Well, I CLEARLY remember Ford introducing the 1997 F-150 in JANUARY of 1996... so it's not THAT bad considering it's a decade later. You know how impatient people are now... lol
Kooshball 1:30PM (10/07/2009)
would be a way better idea to build a g37 hybrid...
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David 1:41PM (10/07/2009)
Hyundai Azera copy. I wish the Japanese would stop copying everyone else and come up with some original designs for once. LOL
(well, it is a rip-off of the Azera to my eyes).
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Amber 1:51PM (10/07/2009)
I dont agree with you.
If there is one company that is and has been original in their styling department it has to be Nissan/Infiniti.
Numerous models have set a new design language.
Think about the intro of all the Maximas, Z, Altimas, Q45, G35, Skyline, Titan, J30, and on and on. They were all groundbreaking.
flychinook 4:06PM (10/07/2009)
While I don't agree with your Japanese copying sentiment, I will say that an Azera was the first thing that came to mind (from the A-pillars back).
emperorkoku 4:31PM (10/07/2009)
I was thinking more last-gen Buick LaCrosse in profile...
David 12:34PM (10/08/2009)
You do all realize that my "Japanese copying" statement was meant as a joke, right? It was a play on the incessant accusations that Hyundai gets about only copying and never doing anything original. Not only isn't it true, but even to the extent that it is true, they are hardly the first to have been the target of such accusations.
Danimal 1:48PM (10/07/2009)
It looks like they pumped a G37 full of botox.
Still stands out against the snooze-fest Lexi out there, which is good.
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slipslide 2:41PM (10/07/2009)
Am I the only one the one who thinks the Interior looks like the Acura TL interior?
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fmwso 1:58PM (10/07/2009)
@ Ray: it's not that ugly, way better than some other automakers cars, like the Crosstour.
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nrb 2:10PM (10/07/2009)
Is it going to be a partial hybrid, like the Altima?
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TimO 2:48PM (10/07/2009)
Got a ride in the M37 a little while ago. The interior was *superb*. Comfy, nice materials, and not over-designed.
The sheetmetal looks really good in person, too. A little restrained, but it comes off as muscular/organic as opposed to "why are there creases everywhere?" like a certain Bavarian company.
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Rev 7:08PM (10/07/2009)
That car is teh secks.
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