Standard features include a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with
one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade, automatic on/off High
Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional Xenon headlights with windshield wiper
interlock, dual exhaust with polished tips, power-folding heated outside mirrors
with reverse tilt-down feature, rain-sensing variable intermittent front
windshield wipers and courtesy lamps built into the outside door handles. An
Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights is available
as part of the Technology Package.
The Infiniti M Hybrid is available in
seven exterior colors: Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Storm
Front Grey, Black Obsidian, Moonlight White and Harbour Blue.
The M35h Interior
Inside, the
Infiniti M instrument panel features hybrid-unique instrument meters, meter
display and IT screen displays, providing battery and other essential system
information. It allows the driver to view hybrid system and available navigation
system information simultaneously. Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges,
gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters and Infiniti analog clock
complete the elegant design.
The interior
also offers standard leather-appointed, heated 10-way power driver and front
passenger's seats including 2-way power lumbar support, and dual occupant memory
system for the driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors.
An
entry/exit assist system for the driver's seat and steering wheel, heated front
seats, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone
automatic temperature also contribute to the M's outstanding level of standard
luxury appointments. Standard technology equipment includes Bluetooth Hands-free
Phone System, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Illuminated Push Button Ignition,
HomeLink Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor.
Other interior
highlights include a large center console, power windows with one-touch up/down
and auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power
trunk release, retained accessory power for windows and moonroof, standard XM
Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) and 6-speaker audio
system with AM/FM/CD, Radio Data System (RDS), USB connection port for iPod
interface and other compatible devices, steering wheel audio controls and
speed-sensitive volume control.
The M35h also features a standard Active
Noise Control system, which generates "canceling" sound from four door speakers
(and subwoofer for models equipped with a Bose sound system) to reduce
unpleasant engine harmonics. The Premium Package adds an Infiniti Hard Drive
Navigation System with 8.0-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, XM NavTraffic
with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and
3-day forecast (XM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Survey
Restaurant Guide, and 9.3GB Music Box hard drive.
The Premium Package
also includes a Bose 2-channel 10-speaker premium audio system, heated steering
wheel and climate-controlled front seats.
The Deluxe Touring Package adds
such notable features as the Bose Studio Surround sound system with digital
5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers (including two personal speakers mounted in
the shoulders of each front seat), power rear sunshade, unique quilted seat
pattern with contrasting piping and additional seat bolstering, suede-like
headliner and a premium stitched meter hood.
The Deluxe Touring Package
also features semi-aniline leather and specially developed soft touch material
for the armrests, door inserts, center console and kneepads. The Deluxe Touring
Package's genuine White Ash wood trim has been enhanced with real silver powder
(Japanese Ash wood trim is offered on M35h models without the Deluxe Touring
Package).
Infiniti M35 Hybrid Features Direct Response Hybrid System
At the heart of the Infiniti M35h is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout
based around an innovative drivetrain featuring a one-motor, two-clutch parallel
hybrid system. The technology, which was previewed in the Infiniti Essence
concept, endows the M35h with linear power delivery, stirring acceleration and
the responsive rear-drive handling of a true Infiniti. The system is called the
Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system.
Two new technologies are
fundamental to the M35h's broad-ranging abilities. One is the Lithium-ion
battery pack - quick to alternate between charging/discharging and, size for
size, twice as powerful as conventional Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries. The
second is the direct manner in which the power is delivered to the rear wheels
through the 7-speed automatic transmission. This is central to providing the
performance feel expected from a true luxury sports sedan.
The first of
the two clutches is a dry clutch installed between the 3.5-liter V6 and the
electric motor. It facilitates full decoupling of the V6 when the car is in
electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling the V6 reduces
mechanical losses and boosts efficiency of the electric motor.
The
electric motor is rated at 67 hp and peak torque of 199 lb-ft. It acts as either
a propulsion unit, alone or in tandem with the V6, or as a power generator. As
well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy
otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.
The 302 horsepower
gasoline engine is Infiniti's proven 3.5-liter V6. It was chosen for torque
characteristics (258 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm) that perfectly complement the electric
motor's output.
The electric motor's high torque from zero rpm provides
strong performance from a standing start and contributes to the sporting feel.
As well as its fast charge/discharge response and 1.4 kWh capacity, the
Lithium-ion battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling performance.
Temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive
electrodes, helping provide exceptional battery reliability.
Extra
weight, the bane of many hybrids, is kept in check in the M35h by the
lightweight batteries and features such as the single electric motor, no torque
converter and innovative steering and braking systems, in addition to the strict
weight-savings already integrated in the Infiniti M design (including extensive
use of aluminum components). It all helps keep the curb weight of the M35h at
4,129 pounds. The technology comes together to make a high performance hybrid
that's electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than
competitors' hybrids.
Infiniti M35h: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications