On Thursday, Infiniti announced production of the M35 Hybrid, a luxury performance sedan scheduled to make its’ entrance in 2012. This is Infiniti’s first foray into the hybrid market.

The M35 Hybrid is based on the Infinity M luxury sedans.

The M35 Hybrid has a single electric motor/twin clutch arrangement.  The first clutch is installed between the 3.5-liter V6 and the electric motor. The electric motor acts as both propulsion unit, boosting the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. Along with charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.

In certain driving conditions, the M35 Hybrid will also be able to perform solely on the electric motor. Details of driving range, performance and transmission are said to be forthcoming. 

Several new technologies will be introduced in the new M35 Hybrid, including a laminated lithium-ion battery pack that’s the same size as conventional batteries but which will offer twice the power. Lamination enhances the pack’s cooling performance, while temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes.

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