Infiniti will be launching its first hybrid sedan this year with the 2012 M35 Hybrid. This model will feature Nissan’s all-new, proprietary hybrid system. The drivetrain is also said to be a key component of other rear-wheel drive vehicles in development.
Speaking with Automotive News, Nissan North America’s vice president of product planning, Larry Dominique, suggested that the new hybrid system was capable of being mated to any vehicle in Infinti’s lineup and not just the M sedan.
According to Boston Infiniti Dealers, previous hybrid systems used by Nissan, such as for the Nissan Altima Hybrid, have been sourced from Toyota. Now, with the debut of its own gasoline-electric technology, hybrid variants of the G, EX, and FX models, are increasingly likely.
While the market for premium hybrid vehicles is still relatively small, the segment is growing at a staggering pace thanks to new hybrids from Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. If the M35 Hybrid finds success in this growing niche, expect other Infiniti models to also don hybrid drivetrains. If the G sedan finds itself the a hybrid powertrain as well, Infiniti might be on to something.
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