Not to be outdone by its Japanese and European rivals, Nissan has developed a new hybrid system for front-wheel drive vehicles, the first details of which were released today along with the announcement of its next generation XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) for use with 2.0-liter to 3.5-liter engines.
Nissan came a bit late to the hybrid game and was forced to license hybrid technology from its Toyota rival for use in certain markets in 2004.
“It was a bit of a blow to our pride, but that was the right thing to do under the circumstances,” says Mitsunobu Fukuda, a senior powertrain engineer at NATC (Nissan Advanced Technology Center).
“Instead of rushing out a ‘copy-cat’ hybrid we wanted to take the time to develop our own hybrid, one that is clearly different – and better. I think we’ve managed to do that.”
Nissan’s new hybrid system comprises of supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine mated with a compact CVT package that incorporates a single motor and two clutches plus a lithium-ion battery.
The automaker said noted the no trunk or cabin space is sacrificed for the batteries and that the packaging is extremely compact.
Nissan has yet to release full details but is said that the FWD hybrid system will match “the performance of a full throated 3.5-liter engine but with vastly improved fuel economy” while also keeping the price tag low.
The system will make its world premiere in 2013 with models for North America and Japan. The next generation of the Altima is believed to be a prime candidate for the new hybrid system.
Along with the new hybrid system, Nissan revealed its next generation XTRONIC CVT that promises improvements in fuel economy through reducing friction and increasing the range of gear ratios.
According to the Japanese automaker, comparable models equipped with the new CVT will get up to 10 percent better mileage than earlier versions and almost eight percent better than current six-speed ATs.
The new generation XTRONIC CVT will make its debut in North America in 2012.
