2012 Infiniti M35h/M Hybrid

The Numbers

• 302 hp, 258 lb-ft of torque
• 67hp electric motor
• 1.3 kw 340 volt lithium ion battery
• VQ35HR motor from the EX35
• 4300lbs (est.)
• 5.6 (0-to-60)
• EPA 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway
• Around $55,000 (est.) 

I have always loved Infiniti's for many reason's. The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Infinity is the beautiful omitted from the rear of the G35 and FX35 (3.5 L VQ35HR 306hp V6). I thought it sounded like a high horsepower Italian sports car, it was just cheaper, slower, and uglier. A few days ago Infiniti released their new "fastest" hybrid sedan, and in the commercial they put it up to the test against the $95,000 Porsche Panamera Hybrid. The Infinity destroyed the over priced hump back with a 0-to-60 of 5.5  vs. the Porsches slower 5.9 seconds. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQRLS0i9Qbk

Now to get to my opinion of the M35H's styling. I have never been to much of a fan about the newer M35's, i think Infinity has fattened them up. Everything about it seems too round and bubbly, especially the front end. This is a horrible comparison, but i think the new M35h looks similar to a mid 90's Hyundai Tiburon. Sorry. 

The M35h is already equipped with a 302 hp v6, giving it plenty of power. Then they decided to slap on a 67 hp electric motor where the clutch torque converter or clutch would normally be sitting. The electric motor will allow the M35h to travel gas free up to 60mph, the driver just cannot let their lead foot push the gas pedal more then 20% throttle. The hybrid receives a 6 mpg average increase, but that saving comes at the cost of being 265lbs heavier and much more expensive. Overall, I am happy to see that the performance aspect of cars is not being lost because of the huge pressure to increase fuel efficiency and cut down on emissions. As long as car companies are constantly one upping each other with performance specs, maybe in a few years we will witness competitions like Mustang vs Camaro for the high gas mileage world. Imagine if Infinity put this motor in an even lighter sports car, that would be a perfect world.