Infiniti confirms luxury M hybrid
* Infiniti's first hybrid * On sale from 2011 * Battery and 3.5-litre V6...
Infiniti has said that it will build a hybrid version of its M saloon car.
Badged as the Infiniti M35 Hybrid, it will go on sale in the UK in mid-2011.
The M35 is the first hybrid in the Japanese brand's 20-year history, and Infiniti says it's designed to deliver 'driving flair' alongside fuel efficiency.
Hybrid credentials
The M35 combines a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a laminated lithium-ion battery pack. Lamination helps regulate the battery's temperature and improve its reliability.
In certain driving conditions the car can run solely on electric power, but the motor will also boost the V6 when maximum acceleration is needed.
As well as generating power to charge the battery, the Infiniti will capture energy created during deceleration and braking.
Performance and range details for the hybrid will be announced nearer to its launch.
Infiniti's petrol and diesel M cars will go on sale in the UK in September 2010, rivalling large saloons such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
