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Plug-In Hybrid Infiniti in the Works?

Nissan Motor Co.’s high-end Infiniti arm is developing a plug-in hybrid model based on last year’s Q80 Inspiration concept vehicle, Automotive News reports.
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Nissan Motor Co.’s high-end Infiniti arm is developing a plug-in hybrid model based on last year’s Q80 Inspiration concept vehicle, Automotive News reports.

An unnamed Nissan source tells the newspaper plug-in hybrid variants of the Mercedes S500 and Porsche Panamera are being used as benchmarks for the Infiniti model. Initial development work is being done at Nissan's research facility in Cranfield, England, according to AN.

The Q80 Inspiration teamed an electric motor with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that produced a combined 550 hp and had an estimated fuel efficiency of 42 mpg.

The stylized concept included a panoramic roof, rear-hinged rear doors and a plush interior loaded with high tech displays and gadgets. Infiniti has said a production version of the vehicle could be launched before the end of the decade.

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