Just saw this on MSNBC this morning.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26051059/

G35 Hybrid... interesting, but it sounds like it needs a little more work.

Dave

 

hybrids can be used for awesome performance...

battery down low can offer awesome torque.

 

whoa....that be pretty chill

 

In.

 

Where can I get those HYBRID stickers and EV ones are pretty slick, too.

 

I'd like to see comparison between the strictly fuel powered and the hybrid, such as power and overall driving experience. Also by how much does the hybrid increase mpg? Theres numerous hybrids that only increase mpg by a few, making it practically useless to spend the added $$'s for a very small increase, specially since you may not ever make up for that with difference in fuel costs.

 

You should not be buying a hybrid to save money on fuel. You buy a hybrid to be "green".

 

 

Depends on the duty cycle....and the type of hybrid (LS hybrid gets a whopping 3 mpg advantage over its gasoline counterpart).

If you do a ton of city driving/driving in congested areas then you'll see gas savings.

 

lol i just read the article and was about to post the same picture on here, you just beat me to it.

 

 

TOKYO (August 6, 2008) - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today unveiled all-electric and original hybrid electric prototype vehicles, both powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries. Under the NISSAN GT 2012 business plan, the company has committed to zero-emission vehicle leadership, and has announced plans to introduce an all-electric vehicle in 2010 and mass market globally in 2012.

Electric Vehicle (EV)
Powered by advanced lithium-ion batteries, the EV prototype is part of Nissan’s substantial research and development programme on zero emission vehicles. This latest generation vehicle features a front-wheel drive layout and uses a newly developed 80kW motor and inverter. The advanced laminated compact lithium-ion batteries are installed under the floor, without sacrificing either cabin or cargo space.

The production vehicle to be introduced in 2010 will have a unique bodystyle and is not based on any existing Nissan model.

Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)
The Nissan original HEV delivers two breakthrough technologies – a high-performance rear-wheel drive hybrid system and parallel-powertrain hybrid system. The hybrid employs Nissan’s own originally developed hybrid technology and its first rear-wheel drive hybrid powertrain.

The parallel-powertrain system comprises an energy-optimising system with two clutches, where one motor is directly connected to an engine and transmission via two separate clutches. Under changing driving conditions, the motor switches between the two clutches to optimise and conserve energy utilisation as well as improve fuel-efficiency.

The parallel-powertrain hybrid system eliminates the need for conventional torque converters, contributing to higher responsiveness and linear acceleration for improved driving feel.

The dynamic characteristics of the clutches are as follows:
Idle-stop: The battery is used to power the motor to save on fuel.
Regular driving: The engine is used to power the motor as well as regenerate the battery.
Acceleration: Both the engine and battery (power assist) is used to power the motor to achieve smooth acceleration.
Deceleration: Energy from braking is conserved and re-routed back to regenerate the battery.

Lithium-ion Battery
The advanced lithium-ion batteries used in both prototypes are sourced from the Nissan-NEC joint-venture, AESC (Automotive Energy Supply Corporation). These advanced batteries offer superior performance, reliability, safety, versatility and cost competitiveness, compared to the conventional nickel metal-hydride batteries. Its compact laminated configuration delivers twice the electric power compared to conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries with a cylindrical configuration. The compact batteries also allow for improved vehicle packaging and a wide range of applications.

Nissan has long experience in electric-powered vehicle development, commencing from the first EV "Tama Electric Vehicle" back in 1947. The company introduced the world’s first application of lithium-ion batteries to the Prarie Joy EV in 1996, followed by the ultra-compact electric vehicle, Hypermini, released in 2000. Nissan also introduced its first original hybrid vehicle Tino Hybrid back in 1999 in Japan. In 2006, the Altima Hybrid was introduced in North America using licensed technology.

Under the Nissan Green Program 2010 environmental plan, the company aims to develop new technologies, products and services that can lead to real-world reductions in vehicle CO2 emissions, cleaner emissions, and recycling of resources. Nissan continues to invest substantially in a wide range of technologies including CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), clean diesels, biofuels and fuel cell vehicles.

 

Now my car has gone green

 

I just hope it's not like the lexus GS. You spend 4-5k more for the hybrid to save 3mpg. Doesn't add up for me. But, it's a trend, and some people like to go with the trend at any cost.

 

I was thumbing through my copy of Car and Driver today and they estimated that the electric motor could put out 125-150hp for a combined output of 350-375hp and a combined fuel economy of high 20's. not too bad at all. They also say that the engine might be a 3.5 liter V6? Either way, sounds good to me