Unique hybrid stops, steers and performs like a true sports sedan!
The M35h “driver’s hybrid” from Infiniti, will showcase world-first steering and braking technologies when it goes on sale next year. The unique systems and innovative “one motor/two clutch system” have been designed to deliver both environmental benefits and enhanced driving feel.
Like the drivetrain, which couples a V-6 engine with a 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor built in to the seven--speed automatic transmission, simplicity was key in the development of the steering and brakes of the high performance luxury sedan.
The steering of the Infiniti M35h is an electro-hydraulic system with “on-demand” assistance. It offers the advantages of both types of steering – the natural and smooth feel of hydraulic power steering and the improved fuel efficiency of an electric system – while the motor cuts in only when the wheel is turned, further boosting efficiency. The system is smaller than traditional power steering units, a feat achieved by integrating multiple parts.
The brakes are similarly designed primarily to suit sports sedan buyers’ needs, but at the same time contributing to the lower carbon footprint of the M35h. The system is called Electric Driven Intelligent Brake. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the necessary braking force is maintained while the hydraulic pressure of the friction brake is controlled to help maximize the energy regeneration of the hybrid motor. Because of its simple structure, in which the motor directly operates the brake cylinders, the Electric Driven Intelligent Brake system has the potential to be a key part of all future Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid vehicles.
Another benefit of both the new steering and braking systems is that they work with the innovative drivetrain to enhance the driving experience rather than dilute it. Designed to be fast and responsive with a strong sporting bias to rear-wheel drive handling, the Infiniti M35h delivers an exhilarating drive in all situations.
Central to this is its one motor/two clutch system. The first clutch is installed between the naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V-6 and the electric motor, which is embedded within the automatic transmission. The electronically controlled clutch allows the full decoupling of the engine when the car is in electric drive and power regeneration modes. Decoupling reduces mechanical drag and boosts the efficiency of the electric motor.
Aided by an exceptionally fast charge/discharge response from the lithium-ion battery pack, the result is a hybrid that’s electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.
Yet when the driver demands it the Infiniti’s first hybrid responds like a true high performance machine, offering outstanding linear acceleration and rear-drive handling. Like the seven-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission that blips the throttle on downshifts, the new braking and steering technologies are integral to the M35h’s appeal to drivers of high-performance vehicles.
Infiniti’s M35h sales start in spring 2011 and will be the first “M” ever to be sold in all of Infiniti’s 34 world markets.
For more information about Infinity vehicles, please visit http://www.infinitiusa.com/