Once upon a time, hybrid cars were boring. But as we move deeper into the 21st century, automakers are realizing the potential hybrid vehicle drivetrains represent. As previously reported, Nissan is working on a hybrid drivetrain paired with a supercharged engine. Now comes word that this system will make its debut in the 2014 Infiniti JX crossover.
This system is reportedly an upgrade to the current hybrid system used in the powerful Infiniti M35h rear-wheel drive sedan, but will be modified for use in front-drive applications. But while the M35h has a 3.5 liter V6 engine, the new system will use a single electric motor setup with a 2.5 liter supercharged four-cylinder engine. This will allow for more power, but less fuel consumption.
Nissan’s decision to forgo turbochargers in favor of a supercharger is an interesting one. While turbos are powered by exhaust gases, and sales of turbocharged vehicles could triple by 2017, superchargers run directly off of the crankshaft, allowing for more immediate delivery of low-end torque.
The M35h currently makes a combined output of 360 horsepower between its V6 engine and electric motor, and Nissan engineers are probably hoping for at least 300 horsepower combined from this new supercharged setup. Honda tuner Mugen recently put a supercharger to work on the Honda CR-Z hybrid with powerful results, so the performance potential is definitely there.
Nissan hasn’t been as keen on hybrid vehicles as other automakers, betting instead on pure electric vehicles. But that bet so far hasn’t paid off, perhaps leading the Japanese automaker to re-evaluate their game plan. Personally, I love the idea of a supercharged hybrid setup, and it could even be used in the next Nissan Z car, which is rumored to be smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than the current V6-powered 370Z.
Is this the first wave of forced-induction hybrid vehicles? Will other automakers hop on board? This writer certainly hopes so. We’re at a point where hybrid cars shouldn’t be boring anymore. Once more drivers realize the potential for fun and excitement in hybrid vehicles, I believe we’ll see the market for hybrids really take off
Source: AutoWeek
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