As opening day for the 2010 Paris Motor Show approaches, Infiniti decided to present its irst hybrid model, the M35h in detail.
The Infiniti M35h uses a 3.5-litre V6 engine capable of producing 306 PS (225 kW) and 350 Nm of torque @ 5,000 rpm, supported by a 68 PS (50 kW) electric motor that peaks at 270 Nm @ 1,000 rpm and which assures dynamic performance from a standstill.
This powertrain configuration, and by using a 7-speed automatic transmission that spins the rear wheels, the Infiniti M35h is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, and hit a maximum speed of 250 Km/h (electronically limited).
Despite this performance level, the Infiniti M35h only needs 7.-litres of fuel per 100 Km (combined cycle), or 38.6 mpg (US rating), while maintaining CO2 emissions below 170g/Km.
Other innovation in the Infiniti M35h are represented by the steering which is an electro-hydraulic system with “on-demand”
assistance and the Electric Driven Intelligent Brake which enables the electric drive
motor to operate the brake cylinders.
The Infiniti M35h price will be announced next year.
Infiniti press release :
* Infiniti to reveal more details about its first hybrid at the Paris Motor Show
* 80 km/h possible on electric power alone
* 225 kW (306 PS) 3.5-litre V6 supported by 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor to make the M35h the fastest accelerating car in Infiniti Europe’s range
* Will complete all-new luxury M Line sedan range alongside V6 petrol and V6 diesel for unrivalled executive car choice
* First European deliveries spring 2011
ROLLE, Switzerland (September 23, 2010) – A high performance V6
sports sedan with a hybrid half that makes motoring with zero tailpipe
emissions more pleasurable than ever is set to headline on the Infiniti
stand at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The production-ready Infiniti M35h
stands out for all the best reasons, not least the fact that the first
European deliveries are set to start next Spring when Infiniti will
offer luxury sedan buyers a choice of V6 petrol, V6 diesel and V6
petrol/electric hybrid powertrain options.
Infiniti, Japan’s newest luxury automotive manufacturer, is using the
biennial Paris exposition to showcase its first hybrid and publish
eagerly-awaited technical details and figures.
They will confirm why Infiniti has dubbed the M35h “the driver’s
hybrid” for its high power output, Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid
technology and strong rear-wheel drive bias to looks and driving feel:
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in less than 5.9 seconds*
CO2 emissions: less than 170 g/km*
Top speed (limited): 250 km/h*
Combined fuel consumption: 7.3 l/100km (38.6 mpg)*
(*All figures subject to final homologation)
All of this is delivered in a large (4945mm long) four-door,
five-seat sedan with an exceptionally aerodynamic body complementing
classic long bonnet/short tail sports saloon proportions and a flowing,
muscular design penned with characteristic Infiniti passion. The
spacious, soft-feel interior is inspired by natural materials,
traditional Japanese crafts and high technology. The M35h will be
available in base and luxury GT forms, with the top GT Premium model
fully equipped as standard and featuring several class-first
technologies.
Key to the M35h’s Inspired – and green – Performance is an innovative
yet elegantly simple petrol/electric drivetrain which ensures
zero-emissions electric propulsion is used more often, for longer
periods and at higher speeds than in existing hybrids.
The M35h can cruise on electric power alone at a constant 80 km/h on a
level highway. Electric mode only can be utilised at speeds as high as
140 km/h on a trailing throttle. In slow-moving traffic the M35h can
silently glide on electric propulsion for up to 2 km. Tests have shown
that, in mixed diving, the M35h is able to drive in electric only mode
for as much as 50% of the time.
Being an Infiniti, there is never any shortage of acceleration when
it is needed. The 3.5-litre petrol V6 delivers 225 kW (306 PS), backed
up by 350 Nm of torque at 5000 rpm. The electric motor is rated at 50 kW
(68 PS) and provides high torque from zero rpm, peaking at 270 Nm at
just 1000 rpm, ensuring dynamic performance from standstill.
The M35h deploys its power in a manner entirely in keeping with
Infiniti’s sports handling philosophy for maximum driver satisfaction.
Both petrol V6 and electric motor deliver their power to the rear wheels
via a 7-speed automatic transmission. This is notable for having an
electronically controlled clutch rather than a torque converter,
enhancing responsiveness and reducing fuel consumption over the M37 by
up to 10%.
A new electric/hydraulic power steering system saves another 2%. The
single electric motor and lithium ion battery pack boost efficiency
further by helping keep the weight gain over the M37 down to about
120kg. The batteries are under the boot floor but the M35h is one hybrid
sedan with practical luggage room, the boot able to accommodate four
golf bags or two A-size suitcases.
On sale across Europe from spring 2011 (depending on country), the
M35h joins the petrol M37 and diesel M30d as a unique three-way offering
in the European executive car market. Prices and specifications will be
announced in the new year.
M35h IN DETAIL
Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid
At the heart of the M35h is a front-engine, rear-drive-only
mechanical layout based around an innovative drivetrain featuring a one
motor/two clutch system. The technology, which previewed in the Essence
concept coupé at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009, endows the M35h with the
fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions of a smaller, less
powerful car alongside the linear power delivery, stirring acceleration
and unsullied rear-drive handling of a true Infiniti – complete with all
the charisma of an acclaimed V6 petrol engine. The system is called
Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid.
Two new technologies are fundamental to the M35h’s broad-ranging
abilities. One is the lithium-ion battery pack – quick to alternate
between charging/discharging and, size for size, twice as powerful as
conventional batteries. The second is the direct manner in which the
petrol or electric power is delivered to the rear wheels. This
directness is central to the M35h’s overall efficiency as well as the
reason behind the consistent driving feel under all conditions.
The first (dry) clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated
3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor and facilitates full decoupling of
the V6 when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes.
Decoupling the V6 reduces mechanical losses and boosts efficiency of the
electric motor.
The second (wet) clutch is sited on the other side of the electric
motor. It is packaged within the automatic transmission where its
function replaces that of a conventional torque converter, in effect
turning the 7-speed gearbox into an automated manual – with a cut in
fuel consumption of up to 10% over an equivalent model with conventional
torque converter automatic.
The electronically-controlled transmission also enhances
responsiveness for a sportier-feeling drive. Acceleration is seamless
thanks to motor-assisted gear-shifting that ensures ratio changes aren’t
just eye-blink fast but also completely smooth.
The electric motor is rated at 50 kW (68 PS) with 270 Nm of torque at
just 1000 rpm. It acts as both propulsion unit, either alone or in
tandem with the V6 when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a
power generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the
motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The 225 kW (306 PS), petrol engine is Infiniti’s 3.5-litre V6. It was
chosen for torque characteristics (350 Nm at 5000 rpm) that perfectly
complement the electric motor’s output, negating the need to install the
3.7-litre VVEL V6. The electric motor’s high torque from zero rpm
provides strong step-off performance and contributes to the sporting
feel at low speeds.
As well as its fast charge/discharge response and 1.3 kWh capacity,
the lithium ion battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling
performance. Temperature stability is further improved by the use of
manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional
battery reliability.
The bane of many hybrids – extra weight – is kept in check in the
M35h by the lightweight batteries and features such as the single
electric motor, replaced torque converter and innovative steering and
braking systems, in addition to the strict weight-saving regime already
integral to the M Line. It all helps keep the weight gain over the M37
down to about 120kg, the M35h tipping the scales at 1885kg.
The technology comes together to make a high performance hybrid
that’s electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds,
than conventional hybrids. Tests in the USA showed that the M35h was
able to drive in electric-only mode, with zero tailpipe emissions, for
as much as 50% of the time over a route that included motorways and
country roads as well as congested city streets.
Innovative steering and braking
The M35h is equipped with world-first steering and braking
technologies which have been designed to deliver both environmental
benefits and enhanced driving feel, reinforcing strengths already
central to the car.
The steering is an electro-hydraulic system with “on-demand”
assistance. It 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. The motor cuts in only when the
wheel is turned, further boosting efficiency. The system is more compact
and lighter than traditional power steering set-ups, a feat achieved by
integrating multiple parts.
The brakes are similarly designed primarily to suit sports sedan
buyers’ needs while at the same time contributing to the M35h’s lower
carbon footprint. The engineers looked to the hybrid system itself for
the solution. What they came up with – a way to use the electric drive
motor to operate the brake cylinders – represents another world-first
innovation for the Japanese brand.
The system is called Electric Driven Intelligent Brake. When the
driver steps on the brake pedal, the necessary braking force is
maintained while the hydraulic pressure of the friction brake is
controlled to help maximize the energy regeneration of the hybrid motor.
Because of its simple structure, in which the motor directly operates
the brake cylinders, the Electric Driven Intelligent Brake system has
the potential to be a key part of all future Infiniti Direct Response
Hybrid vehicles.
The simplicity of these elegant mechanical solutions, with their
emphasis on compactness, light weight and fewer parts, is made possible
by advanced computerized control.
Design, interior, features
The M35h shares the seductive looks, alluring cabin and world-first
features of the all-new M Line flagship sedan, already available in both
M37 V6 petrol and M30d V6 diesel forms. When the M35h joins the range
from next spring Infiniti will offer the only family of executive cars
available in Europe with hybrid, petrol and diesel options.
The proportions are classic sports sedan, with Infiniti’s trademark
short front overhang and long bonnet leading back to a coupé-like rear
end. The flowing contours provide the athletic looks – and a clear link
to the M’s design inspiration, the Essence supercoupé concept with its
beautiful interpretation of wind and wave forms.
The design is notably aerodynamically efficient, both in terms of low
drag (Cd: 0.27) and zero lift at high speeds, thanks in part to the
distinctive “ducktail” design of the boot lid.
Like all the new M Line models, the M35h has been engineered for
European drivers and roads. Super strong and based on the FM
(Front-Midship) rear-wheel drive platform, the M35h delivers rewarding
rear-drive handling matched by exceptional ride comfort thanks in part
to the world-first use of double-piston dampers.
A spacious five-seat interior sets a benchmark for quality and luxury
even by Infiniti’s high standards. The M35h is available in both base
and GT forms, the GT coming with features like sensuous aniline leather
and hand-buffed silver powder-coated White Ash wood trim.
The M35h GT is also available in Premium form. Expected to be the
most popular, the GT Premium comes as standard with an array of
Infiniti’s most innovative and high-tech features. These include
Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and
other systems comprising the Dynamic Safety Shield, along with a
16-speaker Bose® Premium Surround Sound system, Active Noise Control,
Infiniti’s acclaimed Connectiviti+ information and entertainment
platform comprising 30GB HDD navigation, and Forest AirTM, an innovative climate control system designed to promote alertness and relieve stress.
Prices and full specifications of the M35h will be confirmed in the new year.
