Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid arrives in Japan fall 2010, to U.S. in 2011]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-arrives-in-japan-fall-2010-to-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-arrives-in-japan-fall-2010-to-u/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/21/tokyo-2009-nissan-fuga-hybrid-arrives-in-japan-fall-2010-to-u/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Nissan Fuga Hybrid - click above for high-res image gallery
After several years of selling small volumes of its Altima sedan using Toyota's hybrid drive system, Nissan is finally ready to roll out its first gas-electric model using technology developed in-house. The first model to be so equipped will be the new Fuga sedan, a car sold in North America as the Infiniti M.

Unlike the electronic CVT systems used by Toyota, Ford and General Motors, Nissan has opted to configure their system using a conventional automatic transmission - in this case, a seven-speed unit. The electric drive is provided by a single motor sandwiched between the engine and the transmission. A pair of electronically controlled clutches sit on either side of the motor allowing the engine or the engine/motor combination to be completely de-coupled from the transmission.

According to Nissan, the motor has an output of 50 kW (67 horsepower) and 270 Nm (200 pound-feet) of torque and the system is able to propel the Fuga/M electrically at speeds of up 62 mph. The engine is a 3.5-liter version of Nissan's renowned VQ V6 modified to run with an Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency.

Koichi Hayasaki, senior manager of Nissan's hybrid program tells us that the final numbers on the engine output as well as the net combined output won't be released until sometime in 2010. As is the way these days, energy storage needs are handled by a lithium ion battery pack using the same kind of modules that are going into the LEAF EV.

The Infiniti M hybrid is expected to arrive in the U.S. sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model.



Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Tokyo 2009: Nissan Fuga hybrid arrives in Japan fall 2010, to U.S. in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingInfinitiInfiniti MInfinitiMinifinit m hybridInifinitMHybridnissannissan fuganissan fuga hybridNissanFugaNissanFugaHybridtokyotokyo 2009Tokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowWed, 21 Oct 2009 19:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti confirms production of 2012 M35 Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/infiniti-confirms-production-of-2012-m35-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/infiniti-confirms-production-of-2012-m35-hybrid/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/infiniti-confirms-production-of-2012-m35-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2010 Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M35 Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like Infiniti is getting more serious about taking on Lexus. Back in August we saw the M get "virtually revealed" at Pebble Beach. We've also been following the tale of the upcoming JDM-only new Nissan Fuga, a car which is virtually identical to Infiniti's M. Then of course Inside Line dropped the M-bomb when they published pics of both the M56 and M37x after their secret pre-production test drive. Meaning we know there's going to be a 400+ hp 5.6-liter V8 M56, a VQ-engined M37 (with around 330 hp - as much or more than the V8 in the outgoing M45 makes) and M37x (x = AWD). There's also a diesel M aimed at Europe. But today we learn there is another.

Specifically, there will be a M35 Hybrid. This will be the first hybrid Infiniti and it's aimed squarely at the slow-selling Lexus GS400h. Infiniti claims that the hybrid parts will "add to" and not "take away from" the driving experience. As such, there's a Nissan-developed single motor and a twin clutch hooked up to the same output shaft as the engine. This should result in an uninterrupted power flow to the transmission no matter which mode the hybrid system is in. There's also a "laminated" lithium-ion battery that not only stores twice as much power as nickel-metal hydride units, but cools more quickly because of the "lamination." Look for the M35 Hybrid to hit dealers around this time next year as a 2012 model, and a full reveal of the car later this month at the Tokyo Motor Show. And now, where's the new Q?



[Source: Nissan]

Infiniti confirms production of 2012 M35 Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 Infiniti M2011 Infiniti M35 Hybrid2011InfinitiM2011InfinitiM35Hybrid2012 M35 Hybrid2012M35HybridFugaInfinitiInfiniti 2012 M35 HybridInfiniti HybridInfiniti MInfiniti M35infiniti m35 hybridInfiniti M37Infiniti M37xInfiniti M56Infiniti2012M35HybridInfinitiHybridInfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiM35HybridInfinitiM37InfinitiM37xInfinitiM56M35 HybridM35HybridM37M37xM56Nissan FugaNissanFugaWed, 07 Oct 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Nissan 370Z Hybrid for 2011?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rumormill-nissan-370z-hybrid-for-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rumormill-nissan-370z-hybrid-for-2011/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/rumormill-nissan-370z-hybrid-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We're expecting Infiniti to launch its first hybrid sometime in either 2010 or 2011, likely based on the M35 luxury sedan. Unlike past hybrids from Nissan, parent company of the Infiniti brand, this new technology will not be a licensed version of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Interestingly, reports out of Japan indicate that this new hybrid tech could filter on down the line to find itself under the shapely hood of Nissan's new 370Z.

Lending further credence to these rumors is an image of a blue 370Z with a hybrid emblem on the front fascia. If these rumors are accurate, expect the fuel-saving sportscar to be equipped with a lithium ion battery from corporate partner NEC that feeds power to a lone electric motor sandwiched between the Z's 3.7L VQ V6 engine and transmission. The dual-headed powertrain is reportedly expected to achieve 35 miles per gallon on the mixed cycle, though those are likely Japanese figures that don't often jive with U.S. EPA numbers.

[Source: 370Z.com]

Rumormill: Nissan 370Z Hybrid for 2011? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 May 2009 17:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Inifiniti M will be getting a complete redesign that is scheduled to debut later this year, possibly at the Los Angeles Auto show. Along with new styling, the European version of the M is expected to be among the first Infinitis to adopt the 3.0-liter V6 diesel that Nissan has co-developed with alliance partner Renault. This same engine is already available in the Renault Laguna coupe and was expected to be appear in the Maxima in 2010 for the U.S. market. Unfortunately it appears increasingly unlikely that the diesel Maxima will ever appear in the U.S. and the same is likely true of the oil-burning M.

In Europe, the diesel V6 will probably end up under the hood of most of the Infiniti lineup which only recently went on sale there. That would include the FX, EX, G and the upcoming redesigned M. Here in the U.S., buyers will likely get only gasoline and hybrid versions of Infinitis. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!

[Source: 4WheelsNews]

Next gen Infiniti M likely to get diesel V6, probably not for U.S. though! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infinitiinfiniti minfiniti m dieselInfinitiMInfinitiMDieselMon, 06 Apr 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[More details on the new Infiniti hybrid coming in 2010]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/more-details-on-the-new-infiniti-hybrid-coming-in-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/more-details-on-the-new-infiniti-hybrid-coming-in-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/23/more-details-on-the-new-infiniti-hybrid-coming-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hints of a luxury hybrid from Infiniti have been around for a while (see these 2007 posts: 1, 2) and peaked with the word back in January that the Nissan brand would release its own hybrid next year. The big shift is that the new Infiniti hybrid will not be reliant on Toyota-sourced parts (see: the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan). The mists cleared even further this week when new reports from the AP in Tokyo said that the new Infiniti hybrid model will go on sale in the U.S. and Japan next year. Nissan is working on a "different kind of battery" that is more powerful than what Honda and Toyota use and will likely go into a model that is bigger than a Prius.

Looks like the march towards that all-hybrid Infiniti line-up within a decade has begun.

[Source: AP]

More details on the new Infiniti hybrid coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for a high-res gallery of the Infiniti Essence Concept

When the new Infiniti M gets Nissan's new in-house developed hybrid system next year, it will be just the first of a full line of hybrids from the brand. At the Geneva Motor Show last week, Francois Bancon told AutoCar that the entire line will have hybrid power within a decade. With parent Nissan making a major move into electric vehicles, the premium outlet may be using the hybrid approach in order to reduce fuel consumption without sacrificing the performance image it has built up.

The new Infiniti hybrid system was shown in the new Essence concept in Geneva. A redesigned conventional M will debut in the U.S. this fall.



[Source: AutoCar]

Every Infiniti likely to be a hybrid within a decade originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infiniti hybridinfiniti mInfinitiHybridInfinitiMWed, 11 Mar 2009 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence-packs-powerful-eco-friendly-prese/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence-packs-powerful-eco-friendly-prese/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/03/08/geneva-2009-infiniti-essence-packs-powerful-eco-friendly-prese/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Infiniti Essence Concept

One of the hands-down sexiest cars at this years edition of the Geneva Motor Show was touting some green credentials beneath its curvaceous metal skin. The Infiniti Essence concept, meant to signify the, well, essence of all that is Infiniti, celebrates the luxury marque's past and gives us hints of its future. At first glance, the styling appears to reflect European influences but we're assured that it's flow is inspired by Japanese calligraphy, its details from traditional Japanese items such as a hair pin used while a kimono is worn called the "kanzashi."

As impressive as the Essence looks, what's more important are the bits that power this hybrid. Yes, it's a hybrid, and the innovative system it incorporates will likely be impleted in an Infiniti next year. It borrows the 3D electric motor concept from the wheels of the bubblicious Nissan Pivo and places its 369 lb-ft of torque between the transmission and the 434 horses supplied by an efficient gas-powered, twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.7-liter DOHC V6. The result of all that tech is the ability to electrically glide between the traffic lights and, in theory at least, burn a modest 29.4 mpg while having 592 powerful horses underfoot and available if the "need" arises. This engineering exercise should translate quite nicely when transferred to a more prudent vehicle. Check out the sweet visuals in the galleries below, hit the jump for full press release and essential stats.




[Source: Autoblog / Infiniti]

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence

Geneva 2009: Infiniti Essence packs powerful, eco-friendly presence originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D electric motor3dElectricMotorInfiniti EssenceInfiniti Essence conceptInfinitiEssenceInfinitiEssenceConceptkanzashSun, 08 Mar 2009 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti hybrid for 2010?]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/infiniti-hybrid-for-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/infiniti-hybrid-for-2010/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/01/26/infiniti-hybrid-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nissan, one of the Japanese Big Three automakers and a major player in the United States market, doesn't yet offer its own hybrid technology in a production model. Instead, it opts to license the fuel-saving bits and pieces from rival Toyota for its Altima midsize sedan. Not any longer. News is coming in from John Capps, who serves as chairman of the Infiniti National Dealer Advisory Board, that Nissan's upmarket luxury division is scheduled to get a new hybrid model for 2010. Instead of using Toyota-licensed parts for its upcoming hybrid, Infiniti has said it will get its own dedicated model. This is an intriguing possibility, especially considering that Infiniti currently focuses on the performance side of the luxury spectrum with a full line of rear- and all-wheel drive coupes, sedans and SUVs. This being the case, we'd imagine that an Infiniti hybrid would compete on equal footing with the Lexus brand of hybrid, which also focus on performance.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Infiniti hybrid for 2010? originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 infiniti2010Infinitiinfinitiinfiniti hybridInfinitiHybridnissan hybridNissanHybridMon, 26 Jan 2009 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan ekes one more mpg from Versa, Infiniti G up by two]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/nissan-ekes-one-more-mpg-from-versa-infiniti-g-by-two/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/nissan-ekes-one-more-mpg-from-versa-infiniti-g-by-two/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/10/13/nissan-ekes-one-more-mpg-from-versa-infiniti-g-by-two/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It may not seem like much, but the single extra mile per gallon that Nissan plans to extract from its Versa subcompact will surely be appreciated by its purchasers. After all, every little bit of fuel savings helps when buyers are shopping for small cars, often with the specific intent on downsizing and saving gas. So, since the Versa is down a bit when compared to its closest rivals, the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, Nissan decided it needed to do something to stay in the hotly contested race, upping its 2009 figures to 27 mpg city and 33 highway. How did they do it? Apparently, the automaker re-tuned the continuously variable transmission in the Versa. A CVT has no traditional gears and it relies on computer software to change its ratios, so the automaker was able to reprogram its innards for an extra mile per gallon.

Infiniti, which is Nissan's upmarket division, will bestow its G-Class model (18 mpg city/26 highway) with a new seven speed automatic to replace the previous six speed unit. That change is expected to yield two additional miles per gallon on the highway, one in the city. Apparently, Infiniti buyers don't care as much about its efficiency in Nissan's eyes, but the new auto unit is likely to improve performance a bit as well. Sounds like a win-win scenario.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Nissan ekes one more mpg from Versa, Infiniti G up by two originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuously variable transmissionContinuouslyVariableTransmissioncvtcvt transmissionCvtTransmissioninfinitiinfiniti g35infiniti g37infiniti g37 coupeinfiniti g37 sedanInfinitiG35InfinitiG37InfinitiG37CoupeInfinitiG37Sedannissan versanissan versa mpgNissanVersaNissanVersaMpgversa mileageversa mpgVersaMileageVersaMpgMon, 13 Oct 2008 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's new hybrid system not ready for prime time, yet]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/nissans-new-hybrid-system-not-ready-for-prime-time-yet/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/nissans-new-hybrid-system-not-ready-for-prime-time-yet/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/11/nissans-new-hybrid-system-not-ready-for-prime-time-yet/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nissan is in the midst of developing its own hybrid drive system that is scheduled to debut on rear wheel drive Infiniti models in 2010. According to reports from Japan last week, its a good thing Nissan still has two years until Job 1 since the system has still not reached the level of refinement needed to be competitive in the current market. The system has some impressive specifications including a 110 lb lithium ion battery that can provide a three mile electric drive range. Unfortunately during a media drive last week the prototype apparently did not behave as seamlessly as people have come to expect from the latest production hybrids. Deceleration during regenerative braking was uneven and acceleration during mode transitions sagged. For now Nissan doesn't plan on offering any hybrid only models like the Prius and the new system is being developed in a G35 sedan, although a different car could be used for production. The hybrid drive is claimed to boost fuel efficiency by 40 percent.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

Nissan's new hybrid system not ready for prime time, yet originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lithium ionlithium ion batterieslithium-ionLithiumIonLithiumIonBatteriesnissan hybridnissan hybridsNissanHybridNissanHybridsMon, 11 Aug 2008 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan shows off next-gen green vehicles including new EV and Hybrid]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/nissan-shows-off-next-gen-green-vehicl/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/nissan-shows-off-next-gen-green-vehicl/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/08/05/nissan-shows-off-next-gen-green-vehicl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click the hybrid G35 for high-res images

While Nissan has been offering a version of the Altima in selected states for the last two years with a licensed version of the Toyota's hybrid system, they have been diligently working on their own design back in Japan. The Nissan developed system is expected to debut in 2010 in an Infiniti model and the company is now showing a prototype publicly for the first time. The new system is a single motor configuration with two clutches that allow the vehicle to be powered by either the engine, the electric motor or both. When the system launches it will be the first from the Japanese automaker to be applied to a rear wheel drive platform and the first to use lithium ion batteries.

Also using lithium ion batteries will be Nissan's electric vehicle launching in 2010. At the New York Auto this Nissan showed the Denki Cube, a battery powered version of the Japanese market Cube. A next generation prototype with new batteries and a new 80 kW motor and inverter is now running in preparation for the fleet launch of an all-new electric car. The production model will have distinct styling and won't be based on any other existing Nissan vehicle. The Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation) will be supplying batteries for both vehicles. The Nissan press release is after the jump.

Gallery: Nissan Next-Gen Environmental Vehicles


[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan shows off next-gen green vehicles including new EV and Hybrid

Nissan shows off next-gen green vehicles including new EV and Hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan finally launched their premium Infiniti brand in Europe this week with the world debut of the new FX at the Geneva Motor Show. Nissan (and Renault) boss Carlos Ghosn obviously knows that if you're going to take on the likes of BMW and Audi on their home turf, you had better have the right product. While it's questionable whether the FX50 and EX37 are the right products for Europe, one element that will definitely help their chances, is the availability of diesel power. In Geneva, Ghosn confirmed that the European Infiniti lineup will be getting a new diesel being developed by Nissan and Renault starting in 2010. The diesel, likely the 3.0L shown by Renault last fall and already announced for the U.S.-market Nissan Maxima, will be tweaked for the Infiniti models, likely yielding somewhere over 250hp and making it competitive with the dual turbo 3.0L offered by BMW in the 535d and other models. Whether U.S.-bound Infinitis will get diesels is unknown as Nissan has previously indicated that their in-house developed hybrid system would go into some of those models.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. req'd]

European Infiniti models to get diesels in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>geneva-motor-showinfiniti-dieselThu, 06 Mar 2008 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan hybrid system to go into RWD Infinitis first]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/16/nissan-hybrid-system-to-go-into-rwd-infinitis-first/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/16/nissan-hybrid-system-to-go-into-rwd-infinitis-first/http://green.autoblog.com/2008/02/16/nissan-hybrid-system-to-go-into-rwd-infinitis-first/#commentsFiled under: , ,



For their first production hybrid vehicle, the Altima, Nissan licensed Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. At the same time, Nissan announced that they would be developing their own in-house system for introduction in 2010. Several months back rumors surfaced that the system would be used in luxury Infiniti models in addition to Nissans. It now turns out that Nissan executive vice president Mitsuhiko Yamashita told Reuters last month in Detroit that the hybrid system would indeed be used by Infiniti. In fact, it will primarily be used by the premium brand. The approach echoes what General Motors is doing by applying hybrid technology to their thirstier rear wheel drive cars where the actual number of gallons of fuel saved would be greater than in a smaller, inherently more efficient car. Given Toyota's limited success selling Lexus hybrids, it will be interesting to see how Infiniti does. It will also be interesting to see how the hybrid compares to Nissan's new diesel coming in the new Maxima.

[Source: Reuters]

Nissan hybrid system to go into RWD Infinitis first originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even before Nissan introduced the Altima hybrid late in 2006 using a licensed Toyota hybrid system, they started development work on their own in-house system. More recently, there were indications that the Nissan system might first appear on Infiniti models. Now it looks like the system that is being developed will follow the path of Porsche and GM's Two-Mode hybrid system and allow electric assist at higher speeds. What's not known is whether the motor will be able to run along with the engine for extra boost as the two-mode system does, or if it will be able to run solely on electricity at highway speeds as the Porsche system allows. The new hybrid is expected to appear on the next-generation Infiniti FX in about 2011.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Infiniti to launch high-speed hybrid system in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infiniti-hybridMon, 17 Dec 2007 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan could follow Toyota's lead and give high end hybrids to Infiniti]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/nissan-could-follow-toyotas-lead-and-give-high-end-hybrids-to-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/nissan-could-follow-toyotas-lead-and-give-high-end-hybrids-to-i/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/30/nissan-could-follow-toyotas-lead-and-give-high-end-hybrids-to-i/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan took a shortcut to hybrid technology by licensing Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive for the Altima Hybrid. But that's not the end game for Nissan. They are currently developing their own in-house system that should debut around the end of the decade.

Toyota has probably been able to recover a lot of their hybrid development costs by applying it to many platforms. They likely also are able to offer it for a lower cost on vehicles like the Prius and Camry by padding the price on high end Lexus vehicles. Nissan looks set to follow a similar strategy with Infiniti after their own system is available. This would allow Infiniti to continue offering higher-performance vehicles while cutting emissions and fuel consumption relative to similarly-powered gas-only versions. If they do offer hybrid Infiniti models it will be interesting to see how they compare to the upcoming diesels.

[Source: MotorAuthority]

Nissan could follow Toyota's lead and give high end hybrids to Infiniti originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infiniti-hybridTue, 30 Oct 2007 08:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiniti will use Nissan's new diesel too!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/27/infiniti-will-use-nissans-new-diesel-too/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/27/infiniti-will-use-nissans-new-diesel-too/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/10/27/infiniti-will-use-nissans-new-diesel-too/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



It looks the new 3.0L V-6 clean diesel that Nissan is working up with corporate partner Renault for 2010 will find it's way into a wide variety of vehicles from the company, including the upscale Infiniti brand. Back in mid-August Nissan filed several new trademarks including EX30D, G30D, FX30D, and M30D. These names all fit Infiniti's standard nomenclature with a 3.0L engine and the D designating a diesel. The attractive G30D would be a particularly appealing combination in the mid-sized sport sedan market. Hopefully the diesel V-6 that Honda is developing for vehicles like the Ridgeline and Odyssey will also wind up under the hood of some Acura sedans like the next generation TL. We're looking forward to a comparison test of the TL Type-D, G30D, BMW 330d and hopefully a Cadillac CTS 2.9D around the turn of the decade. Between all these mid-sized diesels and range-extended EVs as well as straight battery electrics, it looks like driving efficiently in the near future won't mean giving up driving enjoyment.

[Source: AutoSpies]

Infiniti will use Nissan's new diesel too! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 27 Oct 2007 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>infiniti-dieselnissan-dieselnissan-infiniti-dieselSat, 27 Oct 2007 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan's new models to get fuel efficiency gauges]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/nissans-new-models-to-get-fuel-efficiency-gauges/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/nissans-new-models-to-get-fuel-efficiency-gauges/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/08/21/nissans-new-models-to-get-fuel-efficiency-gauges/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As part of the Nissan Green Program 2010, the Japanese carmaker will be adding fuel efficiency gauges to all of their new models over the next few years. The first US models to get the new gauges are the Infinity G35 and Nissan Altima. The Altima Hybrid has already one of these gauges since it's launch and the rest of the range will get one now.

The new gauges will display instantaneous and average mileage and similar devices have proven to be one of the key tools of hyper-milers. By making the driver immediately aware of the effects of their use of the accelerator and brake drivers can adapt their driving style and potentially achieve improvements of ten percent or more with no technological changes.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan's new models to get fuel efficiency gauges

Nissan's new models to get fuel efficiency gauges originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissan fuel economy gaguenissan fuel economy gaugeNissanFuelEconomyGagueNissanFuelEconomyGaugeTue, 21 Aug 2007 12:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan introduces new valve actuation engine technologies]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/nissan-introduces-new-valve-actuation-engine-technologies/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/nissan-introduces-new-valve-actuation-engine-technologies/http://green.autoblog.com/2007/04/06/nissan-introduces-new-valve-actuation-engine-technologies/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click on the image for Autoblog's gallery of high-res images of the Infiniti G37 Coupe.

Double overhead cams and variable valve timing have been two recent technologies allowing modern engines to ring more power and torque out of ever-smaller amounts of fuel. Nissan has announced two new technologies that push the bounds of valve actuation efficiency even further; Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) and continuous valve timing control (C-VTC). When combined, significantly enhanced performance is available via the continuous adjustment of the valve lift and CO2 emissions are cut by up to 10 percent. Nissan is planning to roll out the new VVEL system on its upcoming Infiniti G37 coupe.

Analysis: It seems that the pace of improvements to engine efficiency and improved emissions seems to be increasing which would indicate that the internal combustion engine has a long way to go yet. Nissan will include VVEL on its products worldwide starting from FY07 under the Nissan Green Program 2010.

Check out the press release after the jump for specific details on how VVEL achieves higher fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions.

Related:
[Source: Nissan via Gizmag]

Continue reading Nissan introduces new valve actuation engine technologies

Nissan introduces new valve actuation engine technologies originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>C-VTCcontinuous valve timing controlg37infinitinissanNissan Green Program 2010timingvalveVariable Valve Event and LiftVVELFri, 06 Apr 2007 13:41:00 EST