Infiniti to Debut M35 Hybrid in 2012

Infiniti will introduce a hybrid M35 on the market as soon as 2012 and will represent the brand's first hybrid in the entire history. It will be launched soon after the official debut of the base M35 which is scheduled to hit the market in spring 2010 and be sold as model year 2012.

According to a report issues by Autonews, the hybrid will be powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine connected to an electric unit. Performance figures or engine outputs are yet to be unveiled. A lithium-ion battery pack will be also offered.

The next generation Infiniti M was officially revealed in August through a three-dimensional rendering. Projected to hit dealerships in spring 2010, the car will be offered two different configurations, V8 and V6, which will be designated Infiniti M56 and Infiniti M37, respectively.

Specifically, the M56 V8 will generate an output of 400 horsepower, according to official figures revealed by Infiniti. The M56 will be offered in Western Europe not with a V8 however, but with a V6 performance diesel. Obviously, both engines are especially tweaked to achieve the best fuel efficiency figures, in spite of the impressive output they are able to provide.

The 2011 M uses some design cues from the Essence concept car launched at this year’s Geneva Auto Show but it also boasts a number of extra features such as an advanced climate control system plus a high-end audio system.

Pricing and other information on the new M are expected to surface in the near future as it will go on sale next year.