Bob Moore Infiniti

Date posted: 10-07-2009

FRANKLIN, Tennessee - Infiniti, which has been woefully absent from the luxury hybrid market, is about to take the plunge. The upscale Nissan brand announced on Wednesday that it will roll out its first hybrid, the 2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid in spring 2011.

It is expected that the M35 Hybrid will compete with the 340-horsepower Lexus GS 450h, which starts at $57,425, including an $875 destination charge. The 2010 Lexus GS 450h returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway, said Lexus.

Infiniti skimped on specifications for the M35 Hybrid, saying only that it will be rear-wheel drive and come with a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor. It noted that "details of driving range, performance and transmission will be released later." It said the M35 Hybrid will introduce several new technologies, including a "laminated lithium-ion battery pack that is the same size as conventional batteries but offers twice the power." It said the battery pack offers "exceptional reliability."

The Japanese automaker said the M35 Hybrid is based on the new M and takes its styling cues from the Infiniti Essence, which debuted at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

Inside Line says: The Infiniti M35 Hybrid is tardy for the party, but promises to be an intriguing latecomer. - Anita Lienert, Correspondent

(Enlarge photo)Infiniti announced it will roll out its first hybrid, the 2012 M35 Hybrid, in spring 2011. (Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.)

(Enlarge photo)
For now, Infiniti is saying only that the M35 Hybrid will be rear-wheel drive and will come with a 3.5-liter V6 and electric motor. (Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.)

(Enlarge photo)
It is expected that the M35 Hybrid will compete with the 340-horsepower Lexus GS 450h. (Photo courtesy of Nissan Motors Corporation Inc.)