With the new M35h Hybird Infiniti believes they have opened a new chapter in hybrid cars book, in which the car are as much about driving fun and performance as they are about economy and environment. They call this car the “driver’s hybrid”. Going on sale in both Europe and America, the M35h features world-first steering and braking technologies.
2011 Infiniti M35h’s hybrid powertrain consists of a V6 petrol engine with a 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor attached to it, both linked to a 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission that blips the throttle on downchanges. The car also features a unique one motor/two clutch system.
The first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor, which is embedded within the automatic transmission. The electronically controlled clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling the V6 reduces mechanical drag and boosts the efficiency of the electric motor.
Other features of the car include world-first Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), state-of-the-art Forest Air climate control and Active Noise Control, while comfort and luxury are taken care of with double-piston dampers and the availability of semi-aniline leather in the spacious cabin.
As for those world-first technologies mentioned earlier, one of them is the electro-hydraulic steering system with “on-demand” assistance. In brief, the car uses elecro motors in addition to the engine torque for steering’s hydraulic pump, so it puts less pressure on the engine.
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 – while the motor cuts in only when the wheel is turned, further boosting efficiency. The system is smaller than traditional power steering set-ups, a feat achieved by integrating multiple parts.
The car also gets Electric Driven Intelligent Brake, which follows the same idea of using electricity to help the mechanical force.
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 more compactness, lighter weight and fewer parts, is made possible by advanced computerized control.
Another benefit of both the new steering and braking systems is that they work with the innovative drivetrain to enhance the driving experience rather than dilute it in the manner of some hybrid vehicles. Designed to be fast and responsive with a strong sporting bias to the rear-wheel drive handling, the Infiniti M35h aims to deliver an exhilarating drive in all situations.
