Nissan To Intro 370Z Hybrid as 2011 Model

Tokyo May 6, 2009; According to Japanese sources, Nissan is working on a Hybrid power system for larger high performance cars and will introduce it on the new Fuga Sedan (our Infiniti M35/M45) which is due in the 2009 as a 2010 model. This hybrid system will be offered in the new Fuga one year after its launch as a 2011 model. Nissan is also planning to use this system for a hybrid version of the 370Z sports car a little later in 2011. This will make the 370Z the first high performance hybrid sports car on the market

The 370Z hybrid will be powered by a version of the VQ engine displacing 3.7 liters and an electric motor. A hybrid drive system will use two separate clutches, one between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor with another clutch between the electric motor and the drive wheels. This system will optimize performance and efficiency depending on operating conditions. The new hybrid system will also feature a full plug in EV mode for city type conditions where charging stations are available to maximize economy.

The Hybrid 370Z will run on a lithium ion battery pack built by a joint venture between Nissan and electronics giant NEC that has twice the energy density of conventional batteries such as the nickel metal hydride batteries found in most current hybrids.

The new hybrid 370Z sports car is projected to have remarkably high fuel economy; an average of 35 mpg in mixed cycle use vs. the current average of about 23 mpg. We eagerly await the Hybrid 370Z. This might be a vehicle where you can have your cake and eat it too: fast, green and economical. Stay tuned to 370Z.com for more developments.