2012 Infiniti Sports Car Concept
(2012 Detroit Auto Show)
Infiniti Essence Concept
Hybrid Coupe
Infiniti
revealed a super-powerful hybrid system in its 2009 Geneva-show Essence
concept. It is now preparing to put its first hybrid into production in the M
sedan as a 2012 model-year car. The new M, which is set to debut in virtual
form at this weekend's Pebble Beach weekend, will be introduced in gasoline
versions with a 3.7-liter V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8, and for Europe a clean diesel.
Infiniti Essence Concept
Hybrid Coupe
The next M
will have a more assertive and curvaceous design than the current model's.
Changes include a bigger, bolder grille and a pronounced shelf below the window
line. The Essence (pictured) used Nissan's 3.7-liter V-6 with direct gas
injection and twin turbos for 434 horses. It seems unlikely the production
engine will reach this power. But the hybrid system is serious and will make
performance numbers comparable with the gas-only V-8.
Infiniti Essence Concept
Hybrid Coupe
It's very
different from the hybrid system licensed from Toyota in the Nissan Altima
hybrid. The electric motor sits behind the V-6 in this RWD application, and
there are two clutches, so either the V-6 or the electric motor can drive the
automatic trans, or both together. Because the electric motor can operate from
zero rpm, there is no torque converter, enhancing efficiency. The hybrid will
use lithium-ion batteries. Nissan has announced factories worldwide for Li-ion
batteries to supply its 2011 electric vehicle.
Infiniti Essence Concept
Hybrid Coupe
Two new
safety systems bow in the new M. First is a side-collision prevention using
individual brake intervention to alter course if the driver makes a lane change
into the path of another vehicle. The other is similar and applies the brakes
if the driver ignores warnings about obstacles when backing up.
Infiniti is
also considering a luxury subcompact electric vehicle, using Nissan's flexibly
sized EV platform.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment