2012 Infiniti M Hybrid
The 2012 Infiniti M Hybrid - the M 35h at $67,300 - is important for parent Nissan for a long list of reason, not least of which is this: here we have Nissan's first in-house hybrid.
The current Altima Hybrid ($33,398) uses a hybrid system licensed from competitor Toyota. If the M Hybrid is the future, we can conclude that Nissan does not want to do hybrids the Toyota way.
Why? Toyota's design is complex and locked down with a massive array of patents. Even if Nissan wanted to go down that road, avoiding patent infringement would be a big undertaking. The alternative is to keep buying Toyota's technology and that's completely unpalatable for Infiniti and Nissan.
The good news about the M Hybrid is that the hybrid system works, and very well. It can propel this big, rear-drive luxury sedan solely on battery power, with the engine only, or some combination of the two.
In fact, Nissan's hybrid system is more reminiscent of Hyundai's hybrid drivetrain. The M Hybrid has just one electric motor, uses a normal seven-speed automatic transmission and two clutch packs work to manage the electric and gasoline drive portions of the power train.
For the record, Toyota's hybrid system uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and in the M's nearest rival, the GS 450h, there is a second electric motor. Toyota may be the world leader in hybrid sales, yet Toyota's approach is quite complex compared to Nissan/Infiniti and Hyundai/Kia. In both of the latter cases, the electric motor is mounted between the gas engine and the transmission. Simple and clever.
Here's what makes up the M Hybrid: a 3.5-litre V-6 kicks out 302 horsepower while running on an Atkinson-like cycle for improved efficiency. The electric motor supplies a peak of 67 hp. When linked, the two propulsion devices run at the same speed, thus total combined system power is 360 hp - with fuel economy rated at 6.1 litres/100 km in the city and 7.5 on the highway - for a combined 6.9 litres/100 km.
The electric drive will propel the M Hybrid at speeds up to 100 km/h without any help from the gasoline engine, though Nissan's own testing suggests the gasoline engine will run less than half of the time if you drive normally.
Obviously there is an electric motor, a single one powered by a 1.3 kW-hr lithium-ion battery pack from the same company that supplies the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle batteries. The battery pack is housed between the M Hybrid's trunk and back seat, though there is plenty of truck room, nonetheless.
The next bit of clever engineering is a computer-controlled clutch pack that replaces the usual torque converter. Here, the primary clutch pack engages the engine when needed for propulsion or to charge the battery pack.
A second clutch pack is at the output end of the transmission and it disconnects the powertrain entirely from the driveshaft when required. Why? Say you're waiting for a red light to change. The system opens the secondary clutch, engages the primary clutch and turns the engine on to charge the battery. Clever.
The rest of the Infiniti M is mostly the same as the M35 gas car. Except, of course, the hybrid is faster. A torque-rich electric motor combined with a good V-6 makes for a fast and responsive car. The seven-speed gearbox makes clean and discrete shifts. Truly, the M Hybrid feels and performs like a luxury sedan with a powerful V-8 and the fuel economy of a grocery getter.
Meanwhile, when in electric-only operation, the M is smooth and silent. True, the M Hybrid is heavier than the V-6 M and the extra mass is noticeable, though not a problem in terms of overall drivability.
The full-electric power steering comes with some road feel, and the brakes - while juggling the duties of regeneration (to charge the battery pack) and stopping - are strong. Brake feel is a bit disconnected or artificial, but not bad at all given the complexity here.
On paper, the M Hybrid one-ups the GS 450h - the Infiniti has 360 combined horsepower to the Lexus's 340 and the Infiniti has better fuel economy. Infiniti is also pricing the M Hybrid below the Lexus ($71,750).
And not to be overlooked is the extensive list of standard gear on the Infiniti. On the comfort and convenience side, navigation is part of the deal, as are climate-controlled front seats, a Bose surround sound system, Infiniti's Forest Air climate system, semi-aniline leather, silver-coated wood trim and a power rear sunshade.
On the tech side, you get Intelligent Cruise Control, Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, Active Trace Control, Eco Pedal and Adaptive Front Lighting System.
Yes, the M Hybrid is loaded. By the way, it's pretty to look at, too.