New 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid Rated at 29 mpg Combined

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) fuel economy figures for Infiniti's all-new M35h are finally out. According to the government agency, the Japanese brand's first-ever hybrid model returns an estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg on the combined cycle.

For comparison, the conventional M37 with a 330HP 3.7-liter V6 is rated at 18 mpg City and 26 mpg Highway, while the M56 that is powered by a 420HP 5.6-liter V8, at 16 mpg City and 25 mpg Highway.

The M35h's drivetrain pairs a 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 engine with 306HP to a 50 kW [68HP] electric motor for a system net output of 360 horsepower. Both the gasoline V6 and electric motor deliver their power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Infiniti says the 1.830 kg (4.035 lbs) luxury sedan can reach 62mph (100km/) from standstill in 5.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

According to the Japanese automaker, the M35h can drive on electric power alone at speeds up to 62 mph for a distance of up to 1.2 miles at a time.

U.S. sales of the 2012 M35h will start this spring.

READ MORE - New 2012 Infiniti M35h Hybrid Rated at 29 mpg Combined

Infiniti Details European-Spec M35h Hybrid Sedan

Infiniti has released preliminary specs and performance figures for the European market version of its M35h hybrid sedan, due to arrive in dealerships this spring. Boasting an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.26, the Japanese maker’s first hybrid model weighs less than its diesel-powered M30d sibling and returns 6.9 lt/100 km (33.6 US mpg) on the combined cycle. However, customers will have to make do with a smaller boot, measuring just 350 liters.

The hybrid sedan's powertrain comprises a 306HP 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine mated to a dual-clutch transmission and a 68HP (50kW) electric motor. The combined output is 364HP, good enough to accelerate the 1.830 kg (4.035 lbs) luxury sedan from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

In electric-only mode, the M35h is capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h (50 mph, with Infiniti stating that in real-world testing, the car can be driven in this mode for as much as 50% of the time on mixed routes. To further improve the powertrain’s efficiency, the M35h also comes with regenerative brakes.

To warn pedestrians and the visually impaired while in electric-only mode, the hybrid sedan is fitted with the Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) system, which emits a non-intrusive sound that varies pitch and volume at speeds up to 30 km/h (19 mph).

Infiniti said European-wide pricing will be announced before the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in early March.

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Report: Infiniti's 2010-2012 Product Plan includes new Luxury Sedan, SUV and Hybrid

A news report from British magazine Autocar is claiming that Nissan's luxury arm, Infiniti, is planning to replace most of the models in its vehicle line-up as well as introduce a hybrid-gasoline car and a BMW 7-Series competitor by the end of 2012. Always according to the report, first up will be Infiniti's Audi A6 adversary, the 'M' badged sedan that is scheduled to be launched at next year's Geneva Motor Show.

The new M sedan will be offered with Nissan's new 3.7-liter V6 gasoline engine as well as a V8 variant but most importantly, Infiniti is said to be readying a V6 diesel-powered and a hybrid-gasoline version of the car.

Next up will be the QX large-SUV replacement, expected to be introduced in 2011. It will be followed in 2012 by the new G sedan plus the firm's first Mercedes-Benz S-Class competitor since the demise of the Q45 back in 2006.

The report goes on to say that Infiniti is also having thoughts of developing a battery-powered subcompact model -something in the likes of the BMW 1 Series and VW Golf, but this plan has not yet received the green light.

Unfortunately, there's no word on any sportier version or more interestingly, a possible production version of the Essence GT Coupe that premiered in Geneva earlier this month.

READ MORE - Report: Infiniti's 2010-2012 Product Plan includes new Luxury Sedan, SUV and Hybrid