2011 Infiniti M35 Hybrid review

         Infiniti Cor. confirmed that its first production hybrid vehicle will be part of the recently announced line of 2011 Infiniti M luxury performance sedans, which are scheduled to go on sale in spring 2010 at Infiniti dealers nationwide. The Infiniti M35 hybrid is expected to arrive about 12 months later as a 2012 model. It is Infiniti’s first hybrid in its 20-year existence, as well as the cleanest and most economical car in Infiniti’s history.

      The M35 Hybrid has been designed and engineered to add to, not take away from, the driving experience, a key part of any Infiniti’s appeal. The M35 Hybrid is based on the all-new M, which itself picks up styling cues from Essence, the show-stopper that made its debut at the Geneva Auto Show early in 2009. It  maintains a high performance luxury sedan profile, overlaying it with the fuel economy and CO2 emissions of a smaller car, while delivering driving flair to please any enthusiast - complete with charismatic V6 and rear-wheel drive handling.

         The 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 combines with an electric motor and high-power battery to produce 360 horsepower. The M35h deploys its power in a manner entirely in keeping with Infiniti’s sports handling philosophy Infiniti owners have come to expect. Both the gasoline V6 and electric motor deliver their power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. The single electric motor and compact Lithium-ion battery pack boost efficiency further by helping keep the weight gain over the M37 down to 276 pounds.

* Price (est): $51,000