Nissan To Release First Hybrid Model!

Nissan is joining the mix among electric and hybrid automakers as it will release its first hybrid model. The Infiniti M sedan, a model in Nissan's luxury line of automobiles, will make its debut late in 2010. Nissan is a Japanese automaker whose rivals include Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. Volkswagen models can be found at a local Peoria VW dealer. Nissan models can be serviced at Richmond Quick Lane.

Nissan is late in joining follow automakers Honda and Toyota in producing a hybrid model. Both Toyota and Honda have had at least one hybrid model out for several years. Toyota and Honda models from previous years can be purchased at High Point used car dealers. Nissan is the number three automaker in Japan and the Infiniti M sedan is double the fuel efficiency of the previous Infiniti M model. The Infiniti M has a single motor system with a two-clutch system.

Toyota has a two motor hybrid system that the manufacturer uses to get optimal fuel efficiency. The Infiniti M's mileage is vastly improved and is more similar to that of a subcompact vehicle rather than a luxury sedan. Nissan's chief rear wheel drive hybrid engineer said that the best fuel efficiency comes from the fully hybrid models rather than those models which are partial hybrids. Honda has some models that are considered "mild hybrids" and get a fuel efficiency increase of up to 15 percent as opposed to 30 percent from "full hybrid" systems.

However, the Nissan engineer said that Nissan would be aiming for 60 to 90 percent fuel efficiency improvement with their hybrid engines. The extra clutch allows for the hybrid engine to dismount from the electric engine and drive on solely electric power when the car's battery is charged. The Infiniti M uses a lithium-ion battery system as opposed to nickel hydride systems that other manufacturers use. The lithium-ion system releases its energy slower than nickel hydride.