Infiniti bills the all-new 2012 Infiniti M35h as a hybrid performance luxury sedan. They say it’s the first true luxury performance “driver’s” hybrid and the only vehicle in its class to offer more than 350 hp and 30 miles per gallon.
Infiniti literature further crows that the M Hybrid is the most advanced performance luxury sedan hybrid in the market and it delivers V-8 power and four-cylinder fuel efficiency, thanks to the all-new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system.
Now, that’s the interesting part. This Direct Response system has an advanced one-motor, two-clutch parallel hybrid design that combines precise, high-speed motor control technology, enabled by a powerful Lithium-ion battery to allow power to be delivered directly to the vehicle’s seven-speed automatic transmission.
The system also utilizes an innovative Hybrid Electric Power Steering system and an Electric Driven Intelligent Regenerative Braking System, both helping the car conserve energy and provide a solid driving performance.
That performance also benefits from the 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 engine under the hood, which is paired with the 50 kW electric motor to provide a hybrid system of 360 hp. Torque figures are equally impressive, with the V-6’s 258 pounds-feet of toque combining with the electric motor’s immediately available 199 pounds-feet of torque to provide strong performance. The result is a vehicle that delivers a superb driving experience, along with combined fuel economy of 30/25/27 mpg.
The new M35h can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph, and drive in electric only mode for 50 percent of the time. And, with its compact hybrid system design, the new M35h has plenty of interior and trunk space.
At the same time, the M35h has all the things that Infiniti is known for — style, performance, luxury, craftsmanship and technology. The M’s dramatic sports styling is matched with a roomy, comfortable interior featuring standard leatherappointed seating, Japanese Ash wood trim or available genuine White Ash wood trim, and available premium audio and climate control systems.
Standard M35h features include Active Noise Control, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone system and power sliding glass-tinted moonroof. Other available advanced technology features include Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), Forest Air system, Active Trace Control, and Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System.
Pricing on the Infiniti M35h starts at $53,700.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor for Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261, or by addressing email correspondence to LetsTalkCars@aol.com.
