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Infiniti M35 hybrid in 2011: enough power to play chicken while still being green?

2012 Infiniti M35 Hybrid

A bit of power with your social consciousness? Infiniti says it can deliver both with its M35 hybrid to go into production on its 2012 model due for arrival in spring 2011. Based on Infiniti’s luxury performance sedan “M” series, the hybrid has a proprietary system by which the 3.5-liter V6 and electric motors are connected to the engine’s output shaft, and the implication is that the flow of power to the transmission would make Danny and Kenickie from Grease happy. Okay, maybe it would make the 40-year-old versions of them (replete with a PTA wife and ungrateful kids) happy, but still, Infiniti is obviously trying to make the M35 less like its hybrid counterparts that tend to lurch when they transition between gas and electric modes as well as quietly creep up on you all spooky-like.

The other Nissan-specific technology of note is this new “laminated” lithium-ion battery pack. No bigger than a standard battery, it lasts longer and the lamination bolsters the battery’s cooling abilities, making it more reliable, which would probably bring comfort to Danny’s bakesale-committee wife. But what about the greenies? Where are they on the “buy an old car to avoid using resources to make new products” vs “we need to transition at some point” argument?

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First Impressions: 2007 Infiniti M35 Review

by Twain Mein

2007 Infiniti M35

Introduction

This review is for the Infiniti M35. There are three versions of the M35; “base”, M35x—all wheel drive, and M35 Sport—with sport suspension and rear wheel steering. This review is for the base model—though heavily optioned. Sticker is $41,000, but ours was loaded and came to nearly $50,000. It’s a sport/luxury sedan that competes against the Lexus GS, Audi A6, and in between the BMW 5- series. With less than 300 horsepower and somewhat non-descript styling, I wasn’t sure how well it would fare.

Pros:

  • Wow. Upon closer inspection, it actually looks pretty damn good. The styling is subtle but really elegant. Grows on you. Probably disappears to cops which means fewer tickets
  • Interior. Gorgeous leather. Seats that are very comfy yet well bolstered for spirited driving
  • All the electronics gadgets you could ever want. Most importantly, integrated blue tooth so you can talk hands free. This will become law next year in California.

Cons:

  • Perhaps too many electronic gizmos…
  • Rear seat doesn’t fold down

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2007 Infiniti M35 Review - The “Value-Oriented” Luxury Sedan

by Kurt Gensheimer

2007 Infiniti M35

Blings:

  • V-6 weight and fuel economy with V-8 power
  • Dizzying list of whiz-bang features
  • Easy to use navigation system
  • Light and nimble handling
  • FINALLY someone has figured out seat coolers!
  • Fit and finish like a German luxury sedan

Dings:

  • Mind-boggling list of whiz-bang features
  • Irritating Nanny Nissan Lane Deviation Warning system
  • Rand McNally works better than the navigation system
  • Transmission doesn’t compliment the smoothness of the engine

Ruling:

For those non-pretentious types looking to save thousands, the Infiniti delivers everything a German luxo ride does. Well, almost everything.

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