A unique market proposition and a new sector benchmark in power and efficiency, the Infiniti M35h unleashes 364 PS (268 kW) from new-generation hybrid technology to take the brand’s Inspired Performance to the highest level yet, while CO2 emissions are just 162g/km. Infiniti’s fastest and cleanest model joins the M37 and M30d to make a three-way choice in Europe unmatched in the class by any other manufacturer to date.
At a glance
• Infiniti’s first hybrid and first to use new-generation Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid technology
• Power with efficiency: 364 PS (268 kW) with 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle
• High performance with low emissions: 0-100 km/h in 5.5 secs with 162 g/km of CO2
• Decoupling V6 for exceptional economy in ‘coasting’ mode for highway driving
• One electric motor/twin clutch system delivers linear performance and consistent rear-drive handling
• Up to 100 km/h possible on electric motor alone
• Innovative steering, braking and power regeneration technologies
• First hybrid to have audible pedestrian warning system as standard
• Shares elegant design and luxury cabin with other Infiniti M models
• Two versions, GT and GT Premium, both with exceptional specification
OVERVIEW: TECHNOLOGY OVER COMPROMISE
Third of a trio of high performance V6 sedans to challenge Europe’s established executive car hierarchy, the M35h is the first model from Japan’s newest luxury automotive manufacturer to bear the badge, Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid. This new-generation technology brings a no-compromise approach to luxury performance motoring that enables the M35h to excel across the performance spectrum – from silent, emissions-free gliding in town to ultra-efficient highway cruising and sports car speed and responsiveness on challenging roads.
Boasting a maximum combined output of 364 PS (268 kW), the petrol/electric four-door’s combination of power with low emissions stands scrutiny from any petrol, diesel or hybrid rival. In the high performance class, the M35h is more accelerative than any V6 diesel competitor, cleaner and more economical than any V6 petrol contender. With the 0-100 km/h sprint taking just 5.5 seconds, an official NEDC (New European Drive Cycle) fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 7.0 l/100km and CO2 emissions of 162g/km, Infiniti’s technology leader stands as the new exemplar of hybrid development – quicker and more economical than rivals, even those which cost substantially more.
The M35h is a full hybrid with V6 engine and electric motor able to work in series or parallel mode, enabling the car to be driven by electricity, petrol or a combination of both. Thanks to features such as a decoupling V6 engine, powerful 68 PS (50 kW) electric motor and highly responsive lithium-ion battery pack, Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid does more than any other system to extend the hybrid’s city advantage to the open road. Tests have shown that the M35h can drive further, for longer and at higher speeds on electric power than hybrids currently on sale. In trials in the USA, the Infiniti M35h was able to drive in electric-only mode for up to 50% of the time over a mixed route that included highways as well as congested city streets.
An official extra urban cycle fuel consumption of 5.7 l/100km promises owners exceptional cruising economy and a touring range of up to around 1200 km – a considerable accomplishment for a near 5m-long luxury saloon with a 250 km/h top speed and acceleration to embarrass many sports cars. As well as achieving this diesel-like fuel economy – despite offering more performance than its diesel rivals – the M35h matches its diesel class competitors in the area of CO2 emissions.
Key features of the hybrid system include a single electric motor to save weight, no torque converter to reduce mechanical losses, and linear performance and consistent handling feel thanks to seamless petrol/electric power delivery to the rear wheels only, enhancing the responsiveness essential for maximum driver appeal. A 7-speed transmission, fully automated, further boosts driver appeal.
In addition the Infiniti M35h is equipped with innovative new hybrid electric power steering and regenerative braking, a hybrid dashboard display showing energy flows and a low-speed audible warning system, Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) – the first time such a system has been made standard on any hybrid. VSP emits a non-intrusive sound that varies in pitch and volume at vehicle speeds up to about 30 km/h to help ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users when the M35h is in silent electric mode.
An M in all other ways
The M saloon, an all-new car launched throughout Europe in 2010, provides the perfect base for such a technology flagship. Set apart only by its badges, the M35h shares the same highly distinctive, exceptionally aerodynamic body (Cd: 0.26) and spacious cabin as its M counterparts. Based on the FM (Front-Midship) platform, the M35h delivers incisive handling matched by exceptional ride comfort tuned for European roads.
As well as offering a five-star ownership experience in the Infiniti manner, both GT and GT Premium models are well equipped as standard. The GT Premium version expected to be the biggest seller comes with some of the most advanced safety, luxury, convenience and communication/entertainment systems available anywhere.
STANDARD FEATURES ON EVERY M35h IN EUROPE (Except UK)
• Semi-aniline premium leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated climate-control front seats
• Hand-buffed high gloss Japanese White Ash wood trim with powdered silver finish
• Bi-Xenon Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) cornering headlights with washer
• Hard Disk Drive Infiniti Music Box with CD reader and USB/iPod connectivity
• Power adjustable front seats and steering column
• Dual-zone climate control
• Electric sunroof
GT PREMIUM MODEL ADDS
• Blind Spot Warning and InterventionTM
• Intelligent Cruise Control with Low Speed Following
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning and Prevention
• Eco Pedal
• Forest AirTM climate control (optional on GT)
• 30GB HDD navigation system with high-res 3D graphics and Michelin Guide information (optional on GT)
• 16-speaker Bose® Premium surround sound music system (optional on GT)
INFINITI M35h IN DETAIL
Petrol/electric drivetrain
The Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system is notable for its compactness, light weight and high efficiency coupled with the power and directness of response essential for Infiniti-grade driving appeal. It mates a 306 PS (225 kW) 3.5-litre V6 with a single electric motor, at 68 PS (50 kW) among the most powerful of any hybrid, in a two-clutch layout.
The first (dry) clutch is installed between the V6 and the electric motor/transmission. Electronically controlled, it allows the full decoupling of the V6 when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling, which reduces mechanical drag and boosts the efficiency of the electric motor, doesn’t just occur in slow-moving traffic but also at speed on open roads for a sensation similar to coasting.
The second (wet) clutch is sited on the other side of the electric motor. It is packaged within the 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 torque converter automatic.
The electronically-controlled transmission 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, which is embedded within the transmission, is rated at 68 PS with 270 Nm of torque at 1770rpm. The motor acts as both propulsion unit, either alone or in tandem with the V6 when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a power generator and starter motor. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
Advanced regenerative braking and a high output lithium-ion battery pack, notable for its fast charge/discharge response, enables the M35h to employ silent, emissions-free electric running at every opportunity, even at speeds as high as 100 km/h.
The 3.5-litre V6 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.
Innovative steering and braking
The M35h’s steering is an electro-hydraulic system with “on-demand” assistance. It offers the advantages of both types of steering – the natural feel of hydraulic power steering and the improved fuel efficiency of an electric system – while the motor cuts in only when the wheel is turned, boosting efficiency. The system is more compact and lighter than traditional power steering set-ups.
The brakes are similarly designed primarily to suit sports sedan buyers’ needs, but 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 vehicle’s 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.
Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP)
The Infiniti M35h is the world’s first hybrid to feature an audible pedestrian warning system as standard. The system utilises a range of distinctive sounds to help ensure the M35h cannot surprise pedestrians and the visually impaired as it approaches silently under electric power.
VSP is computer controlled and links an in-car sound synthesizer with a speaker built in to the front bumper. The system automatically works from start-up to around 30 km/h, cutting back in at about 20 km/h as the vehicle slows.
After extensive research to find the most effective, but least intrusive, noise a sine-wave that extends from 2.5kHz at the high end to a low of 600Hz was chosen. The noise changes frequency depending on vehicle speed and whether the M35h is accelerating or decelerating. It is loudest at start-up to give a clear indication that the vehicle is beginning to move off, while an intermittent tone is used when reversing (not for the UK).
The M family
The M35h joins a range of models whose athletic looks, seductive cabins and advanced features mark them out as the most complete incarnation yet of Infiniti’s passion for driving pleasure, craftsmanship and technology.
Infiniti expects the M35h to account for 25% of European M sales and the diesel M30d 55%, with 20% of buyers going for the M37 petrol.
Notes to editors
• Full specifications and pricing of the entire Infiniti range can be downloaded now from www.infinitipress.eu
• The Infiniti M Line might be a new name in Europe but it is well known elsewhere in the world. This is the third-generation M, an all-new model which had its European debut in Geneva in March 2010. It is the first M to be sold in all of Infiniti’s 34 world markets.
• Infiniti comes from Japan. Its line-up of performance sedans, coupés, convertibles, SUVs and crossovers is now being launched across the globe through a dedicated network of Infiniti Centers or dealerships which share a commitment to individualized and exceptional customer service. For more information, see Infiniti.com
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For further information, please contact:
Wayne Bruce
Global Communications Director
M: +44 7768 802176
E: wayne.bruce@infiniti.eu