Nissan Previews the M35 Hybrid at Pebble Beach

By: Wired.com




Leave it to Infiniti to juxtapose their latest technology with the classics on display at Pebble Beach. Last year, they virtually debuted the current M sedan. Now, Nissan’s luxury marque brought a hybrid to the party.

Edmunds reports that — at long last — the M35 Hybrid has been spotted on US soil at the Concours d’Elegance, a preview of its official debut at November’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

With a VQ V6 already churning out 301 horses before the addition of any electric assistance, it’s no wonder the electrified M has been a highly anticipated hybrid ever since rumors of its creation started circulating a year ago. Add a lightweight lithium-ion battery pack mated to a 360 volt motor and you’re in for high performance with relatively lower emissions.

Even more promising than the powerplant is the transmission. No CVT or torque converters here. Instead, there’s a 7-speed dual clutch transmission and a dry clutch that totally disengages the gas engine when it’s not needed. Automobile Magazine briefly drove a prototype hybrid Nissan Fuga (a JDM M35) and reported that the car offered “brutal” acceleration and relied heavily on the electric motor.

Sounds promising, right? Well, we’re going to wait for some official specs from Nissan to make any sort of a judgment. So far they’ve teased us with generalizations — fuel economy would offer a 60 to 90 percent improvement over a comparable powertrain, or would be similar to that of a small car like Nissan’s own Versa.

We’re hoping for some cold, hard facts at the car’s official LA debut. While Leaf-like green cred is doubtful, here’s hoping it’ll at least be a worthy competitor to Mercedes’ upcoming E300 BlueTec Hybrid.

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