Infiniti M35 Hybrid

M35 Hybrid Debuts at Geneva Auto Show

The new M35 Hybrid from Infiniti was debuted at the Geneva Auto Show. The front-engine, rear drive only hybrid is the first hybrid to use hybrid technology developed by Nissan. The Nissan Altima uses the Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota, but Nissan wanted to develop their own, while still allowing them to make a profit.

So they decided their first hybrid will be from Infiniti, allowing them to bump the price up in order to help recoup the development cost.

The M35 Hybrid mates a 3.5 liter V6 to an electric motor powered by a lithium ion battery pack. The seven speed transmission is the standard Infiniti model, minus the torque converter.

There is a two clutch system to allow for more efficient driving. The first clutch allows the gas engine to be disconnected from the electric motor, while the second clutch can disconnect the engine from the transmission allowing the sedan to coast more efficiently.

Infiniti says the M35 Hybrid is "electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.... in a rigorous test program in the US based on day-in, day-out driving over a three-month period on a route that took in not just busy city streets but also suburbs, freeways and even mountain roads. The results showed that the M35 HYBRID was able to drive in electric-only mode, with zero tailpipe emissions, for as much as 50 per cent of the time."

Infiniti says the lithium-ion battery pack will last at least 136,000 miles. It, plus the other hybrid components, make the hybrid M35 heavier than the standard M by 330 pounds.

The M35 is due in spring of 2011 in Europe, while there is no release date in North America. Price and fuel economy are not available.

Press Release Continues Below
ROLLE, Switzerland (March 2, 2010) – Innovative electric technology and an undiluted driving experience come together in Infiniti’s first hybrid, making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show today. The low CO2 champion of the all-new M Line sedan range, the Infiniti M35 HYBRID steers the hybrid advantage from the city to the open road – and into the arms of all those who love their driving.

A decoupling V6 engine, 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor built in to the 7-speed automatic transmission and exceptionally fast charge/discharge response from the lithium-ion battery pack all add up to a hybrid that’s electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids.

The M35 HYBRID’S high degree of electric intervention results in the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions of a smaller, less powerful car while offering the linear acceleration and unsullied rear-drive handling of a true Infiniti complete with all the charisma and potency of one of the great V6 petrol engines.

The technology, which previewed in the Essence concept coupé at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009, has been given the name INFINITI DIRECT RESPONSE HYBRID. Toru Saito, Corporate Vice President Infiniti, said: “INFINITI DIRECT RESPONSE HYBRID is the core of the future Infiniti performance.”

Sharing the seductive looks, alluring cabin and world-first features of the all-new M Line flagship saloon – the first ever M to go on sale in Europe, also making its show debut in Geneva – the M35 HYBRID uses a front-engine, rear-drive-only layout based around an innovative drivetrain featuring a one motor/two clutch system.

Innovatively, the first clutch is installed between the naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 and the electric motor. This clutch allows the full decoupling of the V6 when in both electric and power regeneration modes – in order to reduce mechanical drag and boost the efficiency of the electric motor.

Just how efficient the M35 HYBRID’s electric side is was shown in a rigorous test program in the US based on day-in, day-out driving over a three-month period on a route that took in not just busy city streets but also suburbs, freeways and even mountain roads. The results showed that the M35 HYBRID was able to drive in electric-only mode, with zero tailpipe emissions, for as much as 50 per cent of the time.

Two new technologies are fundamental to the M35 HYBRID’s broad-ranging abilities. One is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery pack – quick to alternate between charging/discharging and, size for size, twice as powerful as conventional batteries. The second is the direct manner in which the petrol or electric power is delivered to the rear wheels. This “directness” is central to the M35 HYBRID’s overall efficiency as well as offering a consistent driving feel under all conditions.

The M35 HYBRID’s transmission is an even more sophisticated version of Infiniti’s 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission. One difference over the ASC transmission used in other Infiniti models is that there is no torque converter, and therefore none of the losses that torque converters cause.

The lack of a torque converter also enhances responsiveness for a sportier-feeling drive. The throttle can be “blipped” just as in a manual transmission car, while acceleration is seamless thanks to motor-assisted gear-shifting that ensures ratio changes aren’t just eye-blink fast but also completely smooth.

The electric motor is rated at 50 kW (68 PS) with 270 Nm of torque and is embedded within the transmission. The motor acts as both propulsion unit, either by itself or to boost the V6 in “power assist” mode when maximum acceleration is required, and also as a generator. As well as charging the battery in the normal way, the motor recovers energy otherwise lost during deceleration and braking.

Apart from its fast charge/discharge response and 1.3kWh capacity, the Li-on battery pack is laminated to enhance the cooling performance. Temperature stability is further improved by the use of manganese positive electrodes. An end result of this is exceptional battery reliability.

Light weight is another key advantage of the M35 HYBRID, with the compact battery pack, allied to the single electric motor, resulting in a 30kg weight saving.

Power outputs and performance data will be confirmed at later date.

The new M Line has all the qualifications needed to be the flagship saloon for Infiniti and provide a distinctive and finely crafted alternative to timeworn German rivals. Classic sports saloon proportions and an elegantly flowing body go hand in hand with a spacious five-seat interior that sets a benchmark for quality and luxury even by Infiniti’s high standards.

The M35 HYBRID, like all the new M Line models, has been engineered for European drivers and roads. Super strong, highly aerodynamic and based on the FM (Front-Midship) platform, the M35 delivers incisive handling matched by exceptional ride comfort thanks in part to the world-first use of double-piston dampers. The M35 in Geneva is shown in luxury GT form complete with semi-aniline leather and White Ash wood trim with silver-powder finish.

Other M Line world firsts include Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) – a system that doesn’t just warn of vehicles in adjacent lanes but actively prevents the car being steered into their path – and a state-of-the-art “Forest Air” climate control system. An Active Noise Control system is also available.

M Line sales in Western Europe begin in September, with the M35 HYBRID due to arrive from spring 2011, depending on market.

Prius is on Top of Sales Charts in Japan Despite Recall

Not surprisingly, the Toyota Prius  was still Japan's number one selling car, despite recall and some cancellations from concerned customers.

Over 27,000 units were sold in February, which handily beat out the second best selling car in Japan, the Honda Fit, which sold 14,000 units.

The incentives offered on hybrids and other low consumption vehicles has kept the sales fever high in Japan for months, which has create a huge waiting list (over six months) for the Toyota Prius.  And so, even though the recall has affected the perception of Toyota and their safety, sales of the Prius have not been affected as the cars being delivered now were sold months ago.

Ferrari 599 Hybrid, Faster, More Powerful And 25 MPG

Ferrari 599 KERS HY

Ferrari showed off a new prototype for their vision of hybrids going forward. The Ferrarri 599 HY KERS concept is meant to give an idea of how Ferrari is looking to adopt hybrid and other green technology over the next four years.

With tough new CO2 emissions in the works, Ferrari is looking to cut fuel by up to 40% over the next few years, or risk being squeezed out. They plan on having green technology across their entire line-up by 2015.

The spokesperson noted the concept would cost twice as much as the £207,000 petrol 559 GTB Fiorano on which the concept is based. But, the price should come down to below £300,000 in the next four years.

The HY KERS concept uses the Formula One developed system called Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The system allows for regenerative braking, but will not run the vehicle on electric power alone.

The two-seater comes with a 6.0 liter V12 mated to an electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. The prototype has a top speed of 200 mph and can go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. That's faster than the standard version. It can reach 125 mph in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.

But that extra power also comes at greater efficiency, with a 35% improvement in CO2 emission (down to 270 g/km) and they estimate a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg (up from 16 mpg).

The battery pack is set low in the floor, which lowers the center of gravity, allowing for better 'cornering dynamics.' They also do not affect interior space of functionality.

Ferrari painted the concept green, making it stand out from the rest of the Ferrari line-up. The company is hoping this is the leading edge of their goal of reducing fuel use in their entire line-up by at least 40%.

Lexus Hoping CT 200h Will Help Boost Sales in Europe by 80 Percent

Lexus is hoping the new CT 200h will boost sales of Lexus vehicles by 80% in Europe next year. That would put them up at 50,000 units a year in Europe. Their sales have been stable this year, at 28,000 units.

“In 2011, we expect to see significant growth in our sales from relatively stable growth this year,” Pfeiffenberger said.

Hybrids make up 60 percent of Lexus sales in Europe already.

The Lexus CT 200h (the h is for hybrid) uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor powered by a nickel metal hydride battery pack.

The CT has a longer wheelbase allowing for more interior room. Lexus added in a damping system and rear wishbone suspension. It is headed to Europe at first, but Lexus has said it will be sold in the US next year.

Converj is Dead, Long Live the Volt

Cadillac Converj is on hold

GM has killed off work on the Cadillac Converj, a variant on the Chevy Volt Extended Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV). The Cadillac variant was said to be a good fit, allowing GM to charge more for the plug-in Volt which is supposed to be coming later this year at around $40,000. GM expects some of the cost to consumers ($7,500) will be covered in tax breaks from the federal government.

But GM has killed it off according to sources (BusinessWeek, Reuters)

Apparently, all the luxury items they could include just wouldn't be enough to create a profit on the vehicle. The battery pack, which is going to be one of the most expensive parts of the Volt, is supposed to give the Volt 40 miles of all electric power. But the range in the Converj would have to be lower, given the extra weight of the luxury items, making it less appealing to consumers.

"As we took a look at our available capital and engineering resources, we decided that there were things that were more urgent than doing a Cadillac version of the Voltec architecture," General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said.

"We had originally had a time slot for the Converj and that has been put on hold," Lutz said.

The upcoming competition from plug-in vehicles (essentially pumped up full hybrids, rather than electric vehicles with range extending gas engines) is forcing their hand. They expect plug-ins to cost less, since the battery packs will be smaller. So, if the all electric range comes down, so does the appeal.

Throw in the added weight, lower range (20 miles) and cost (up to $30,000 more) and GM came to the conclusion they couldn't compete with the Converj right now. The decision to end the Converj work was made in January.

Porsche 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid

Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche unveiled the 918 Spyder Plug-in Hybrid at the Geneva Auto Show, stunning journalists attending the event.

The Spyder plug-in is faster than the Porsche Carrera GT, while getting 78 mpg (emissions of 70g CO2/km).

The 500 hp V-8 is mated to two electric motors located on the front and rear axle, which can create another 160 kW of power (218 hp). Combined, the Spyder plug-in can produce 718 hp.

Which means the mid-engined two seater car can go from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 198 miles per hour.

The V-8 was described as high-revving with seven speed transmission. The electric motors are powered by liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery.

There are four modes, controllable by the driver which allow it to run in:

• E-Drive mode (all electric) for a 16 mile range
• Hybrid mode (more fuel efficient)
• Sport hybrid (aggressive performance)
• Race Hybrid (All about Pure Performance)

"Porsche is not saying whether the 918 Spyder concept will go into production, but don’t bet against it. The technology is just too promising, the styling too delectable." - NY Times Blog

"the specifications out of this car seem too good to be true." - USA Today

"stealthy-looking ride is a parallel hybrid just like the Prius – well, except much, much sexier." - Inhabit

"One thing there's no debating is the 918's style, a magnificent two-seater with clear Porsche DNA that's low, lean and mean without being over-the-top outrageous. It has the supercar looks, we'll see if Porsche can deliver on its eye-popping future propulsion numbers." - WOT Motortrend

Ford Plans on Big Growth in Electric and Hybrid Market

Ford is projecting a big growth curve for hybrids and electric vehicles over the next decade. So much so that hybrid and electric vehicles could account for up to 25 percent of its global sales by 2020.

"There is no question in our mind at this point that oil, as the only alternative for our vehicles, is not a good business strategy," said Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of global electrification. "Around the world by 2020, we see 10 to 25 percent of the Ford fleet electrified."

70 percent of the upcoming electrification will come from hybrid sales, with another 20 percent coming from plug-in hybrids.

Ford is expected to announce two new hybrids, a plug-in hybrid and two new all electric vehicles for Europe by 2013. The same vehicles Ford is promising to the US market by 2012.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric, an all battery powered commercial vehicle is expected next year. This will be followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012.

Press Release from Ford on their electric plans follows:

Geneva, March 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is confirming today that its global electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with five full electric or hybrid vehicles across its C, CD and light commercial vehicle ranges coming for European customers by 2013.

Specifically, Ford will launch two zero-emission full battery-electric vehicles including the Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle in 2011 followed by the Ford Focus Electric in 2012. Three other vehicles – two next-generation petrol hybrid-electric vehicles and a plug-in hybrid – will be introduced in 2013.

Ford’s global electrification strategy will deliver a suite of electrified vehicles to a variety of markets and build on the company's overall vision of offering the widest possible range of technology solutions – instead of a single vehicle or technology – to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions for customers around the world.

"We recognise that one technology does not work for all our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of Global Product Development. "Our electrification strategy and plans include hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles to best meet our global customers' needs. Leveraging our global platforms is also central to this strategy and allows us to build on our strong product line-up in the most customer-driven, affordable way."

As Ford's global product vision accelerates to ensure that all the company's vehicles competing in global segments become common in Europe, North America and Asia, the resulting efficiencies will allow a global portfolio of environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be developed based around hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles.

"Our goal is to provide consumers with access to significant fuel economy improvements and reduced CO2 emissions to meet their functional needs and without compromising their driving experience," said John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

"There is increasing interest among a number of customers in Europe for electrified vehicles and we are responding by stepping up our efforts to bring these models to the marketplace alongside our latest-generation, fuel-efficient petrol and diesel powered models," Fleming added. "This is further evidence of how the ONE Ford global product vision is transforming our business. European consumers will not have to wait too long before they can choose from a range of electrified alternatives from Ford."

Zero-Emission
The first models to be launched in Europe will be zero-emission, full-electric versions of two significant models in Ford's global product portfolio.

The Focus Electric will be based on Ford's next-generation Focus model and is one of at least ten vehicles that will be developed from the company's new global C-car platform. Focus Electric will be introduced in the US and Canada in 2011, followed by Europe in 2012.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric is a zero-emission, pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle and goes on sale in North America later this year. Ford is aiming to make the Transit Connect Electric available for European customers from 2011.

Future Hybrids
While Ford has considerable experience in the North American market with full petrol-hybrid vehicles, the company also is planning to expand its presence in Europe with two all-new, next-generation hybrid passenger cars based on global platforms following in 2013.

In addition, European customers will be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid model, also coming in 2013.

"Thanks to the global economies of scale afforded to us by our ONE Ford initiative, I am delighted we are able to make the commitment now to deliver these models to customers in Europe, particularly as the demand for hybrid vehicles grows," added John Fleming.

Further details of Ford's hybrid and plug-in hybrid models will be revealed closer to launch.

Prototype Trials in Europe
Ford's Product Development team is participating in two specific European trial initiatives to demonstrate the technology in real world driving conditions, and generate feedback to help develop further the Focus Electric and the Transit Connect Electric for market acceptance in Europe.

In the UK, a consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) and Strathclyde University is preparing later this year to run a fleet of zero emissions prototype Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle prototypes, based around the current Focus model sold in Europe and using elements of the technology under development for the new Focus Electric.

The vehicles will be used for evaluation by both SSE and a number of fleet and private customers based in Hillingdon, Middlesex from mid-2010.

This new UK-based BEV demonstration fleet is being created partly with public funding from the UK Government's Technology Strategy Board (TSB), which promotes innovative industry-led projects that reduce CO2. The BEV research programme aims to test the technology's suitability and to gain greater insight into customer charging behaviour.

In Germany, Ford has recently announced its participation in the colognE-mobil project. This initiative will research the impact of electric vehicles on urban air quality, traffic safety and the electricity supply infrastructure. Scientists will then scale up the results to examine the true benefits an electric future could deliver for German cities.

Ford is one of four partners in the colognE-mobil project and will provide an early fleet of next-generation Focus Electric vehicles in late 2011.
The other partners are utility company RheinEnergie AG, the City of Cologne and the University of Duisburg-Essen. The colognE-mobil project is partly funded by the German Government and coordinated by the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

"These initiatives are a revolution for both the utility and automotive industries," Fleming said. "Collaborating across sectors is essential to ensure customer focused products that provide the right value along with the readiness of the infrastructure. We need to work and learn together and Ford is very pleased to be a part of these important trials."

Portfolio of Technologies
Ford Motor Company is committed to offering customers affordable environmental technologies in the vehicles they want and value.

To do this, Ford is introducing a range of global environmental technologies, including electrified vehicles that provide customers with more fuel-efficient models emitting fewer greenhouse gases without compromising safety, interior room or performance.

"Ford is focused on solutions that reach not just hundreds or thousands of cars, but millions of vehicles – because that is how Ford can truly make a difference," Derrick Kuzak said.

Near- and longer-term advancements include the new Ford EcoBoost global engine family featuring turbocharging and direct injection technology, Ford's ECOnetic range of low- CO2 technologies in Europe, and multi-speed transmissions such as Ford PowerShift.

Also, Ford is developing a range of other environmentally focused features, including advanced electric power steering, weight reduction and aerodynamic improvements, plus biofuel-capable vehicles, hybrids and plug-in hybrids.

“Electrification is a key element in the effective use of Ford's global resources and talents to provide a portfolio of affordable and fuel-efficient technologies for customers,” said Fleming. “In particular our fleet trials in the UK and Germany will give us vital experience and insight into how fleet and private customers for these niche models will use them on a daily basis. This will ensure that the five models we bring to market are fully developed to meet their expectations."