Nissan may have not been the fastest to pump out green technology. But the automaker is now developing a brand-new hybrid system that Cole Nissan believes is well worth the wait. Combined with the already popular, mass produced electric Nissan Leaf, this engine could push Nissan ahead of the ranks.

"Instead of rushing out a 'copy-cat' hybrid [system] 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,"¹ Senior Powertrain Engineer Mitsunobu Fukuda said.

The new Nissan hybrid system is made up of a supercharged 2.5-liter gasoline engine with CVT transmission, single motor, two clutches and a lithium-ion battery. While supercharged engines do have more baseline power than turbochargers, coupled with a hybrid system, they could produce large amounts of low end torque. Also, hybrid skeptics need not worry about space. The engine does not cut out trunk or cabin room and is actually quite compact.

Scheduled to appear first in 2013, the new system will most likely show off its performance in the next generation Nissan Altima or Nissan Maxima. According to some reports, it will work on engines between 2.0 and 3.5 liters. In addition to the hybrid, Nissan has also released information regarding a new XTRONIC CVT engine. The next-gen CVT will increase gear ratio range and reduce friction in order to advance fuel economy. For those just itching to get their hands on new Nissan parts, the CVT will be available a year earlier than the new hybrid system.

Pretty exciting huh? Cole Nissan surely thinks so. We also think that some of the engines found in our new Nissan lineup are pretty noteworthy as well. To try one out for yourself, feel free to stop by for a test drive at Cole Nissan, 3003 Stadium Drive Kalamazoo, MI. Also, if these hybrid system specs leave you with any additional questions, contact us online. We are always happy to provide any Nissan information that we can.

Source: ¹http://gas2.org/2011/10/17/nissan-develops-supercharged-hybrid-system/