Nissan’s new front-wheel-drive hybrid system will be greener, just as powerful

For those who want to cut to the chase about the latest revelations of Nissan’s pending front-engine, front-wheel-drive powertrain – i.e. the FF Hybrid – it’s got the same power with less fuel.

That’s what Green Car Congress says, citing a presentation Nissan executive Owen Thunes, speaking at the recent SAE 2013 Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technology Symposium conference in Southern California. Thunes says the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder successor to the 3.5-liter V6 that’s now in the Infiniti M hybrid (pictured) will boost fuel economy while providing a similar amount of torque. The Japanese automaker will achieve this through advancements in making the transmission more efficient and by using a smaller lithium-ion battery, making the mill lighter thriftier with gas. The drivetrain will be suitable for a wide range of cars and SUVs, Nissan says.

Last October, Automotive News reported that the FF Hybrid may debut in the Infiniti JX three-row crossover, with a new hybrid model featuring the new powertrain debuting each year.