2011 Infiniti M

Press release

Performance reshaped to ignite invigoration. Luxury alive to the human touch. Industry-first technology honed to anticipate. Of all the ways used to describe Infiniti’s all-new halo sedan, the 2011 Infiniti M, it all perhaps comes down to one word – Inspired. Like the dramatic Infiniti Essence Concept, which served as a blueprint for the new M’s designers and engineers, this next-generation M embraces the essence of all things Infiniti – style, performance, luxury, craftsmanship and technology.

“The 2011 Infiniti M embodies all of our best thinking, design and quality to date,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “It builds on the strengths of the previous generation, delivering a performance luxury experience crafted to a higher standard.”

The 2011 Infiniti M will be offered in M37 and M56 model designations when it goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in spring 2010. The M37 features a refined 3.7-liter V6 engine with increased power and fuel economy (versus the previous generation M35’s 3.5-liter V6). The M56 also offers more power and better fuel economy from an all-new 5.6-liter V8 (versus the previous generation M45’s 4.5-liter V8). Both the M37 and M56 engines feature Infiniti’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) system and all models are equipped with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission. The M56 engine also utilizes Direct Injection Gasoline™ (DIG) technology. The M37 and M56 are available in both rear-wheel drive and with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system. A special Sport Package, offered on rear-wheel drive models only, offers 4-wheel Active Steer (4WAS), sport-tuned suspension, Sport Brakes and 20-inch wheels and tires.

The new M is a showcase for Infiniti’s advanced, user-focused technologies, carrying on the tradition of the previous generation M. New technologies include:

• Infiniti Drive, a four-mode driver-selectable control of throttle and transmission mapping that helps optimize vehicle performance
• Active Noise Control, which reduces undesirable engine harmonics, providing a quieter cabin
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW), which helps alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area
• Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI), a world’s first system that, enhances BSW by helping the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel away from the vehicle in the blind spot area
• Forest Air™ system, which helps reduce the intrusion of unpleasant odors into the cabin and provides a more natural breeze-like airflow
• Eco Pedal, which provides driver feedback to encourage eco-driving behavior
• Active Trace Control, which adjusts engine torque and the control of braking at each of the four wheels to help enhance cornering performance
• Double-piston Shock Absorbers that control damping force according to frequency of input from the road surface

The 2011 M also offers a next-generation Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Bose® Studio Surround® premium audio system, Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

“The new M utilizes technology that enhances the driving experience, rather than intrudes upon it, adapting to changing conditions or the driver’s mood to provide optimized performance,” said Poore. “The same philosophy holds true for the design of the M’s luxurious interior, which blends comfort and technology in an intuitive, completely harmonious way to provide both driver and passengers with an unforgettable experience, every time they enter the cabin.”

Magnetic Styling With an Unexpectedly Spacious Cabin

The story behind the exterior design of the all-new M is multi-layered, just like the body surface itself, which was conceived to mirror reflections from different angles to create a sense of mystery and magnetic allure.

Building on the previous M’s balanced, rear-wheel drive proportions and stance – with a long, low hood and high rear deck – the new M maintains the roomy cabin of its predecessor while providing a longer, lower and wider shape. The M wheelbase is unchanged at 114.2 inches, but the width has been increased by 2.0 inches (to 72.6 inches), the length increased by 0.6-inch (to 194.7 inches) and the overall height lowered by 0.4-inch (to 59.1 inches). The front and rear tracks have been increased by 1.4 and 0.8 inches respectively (to 62.0 inches front and rear).

Along with the more aggressive dimensions, the new M’s sportier appearance can be attributed to the deep body shape of the fenders and doors that give the M sedan a powerful look unlike anything on the road. The new wave-style doors are constructed from aluminum for light weight, despite the material’s difficult formability. The stamping dies for each door are hand polished to maintain their precision and every door undergoes an exacting human inspection, providing a handcrafted level of quality.

Like the previous M, the new design optimizes both luxury and sport styling cues – with an expressive, signature Infiniti double-arch upright low grille and crystal-look headlight clusters, large aluminum-alloy wheels, and a wave-like trunk with a high aerodynamic performance that works like a spoiler to increase downforce. Infiniti M37 and M56 models equipped with the optional Sport Package also feature a unique front fascia, dark finish grille, dark headlight housings and 20-inch wheels and tires.

Underneath and unseen, though contributing to the new M’s low coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero lift front and rear, are a series of aerodynamic enhancers including front tire deflector, engine under cover (front and rear), center floor cover, rear tire deflectors, exhaust cover, floor side fairings and rear diffuser.

“The look of the new M is distinctively Infiniti – vibrant, aggressive and comfortably complex to hold your interest over the life of ownership,” said Poore.

Standard exterior features include a power sliding tinted glass moonroof with one-touch open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade, automatic on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional Xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock, dual exhaust with chrome tips, power-folding heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt-down feature, rain-sensing variable intermittent front windshield wipers and courtesy lamps built into the outside door handles. Auto-leveling headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) are available as part of the Technology Package.

For 2011, the Infiniti M is available in eight exterior colors: Malbec Black, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Blue Slate, Storm Front Grey, Black Obsidian, Moonlight White and Harbour Blue.

An Interior That Fits Like a “Second Skin”

Unlike other performance luxury sedans that prioritize the impression their vehicles make on others, Infiniti’s intention is different – with the focus centered around the individual driving the car. Nowhere is this philosophy more apparent than in the new M’s interior that adapts to different driver conditions. Created almost as a “second skin,” the carefully tailored and crafted M cockpit becomes an extension of the driver.

The M’s engineers and designers researched all areas of the M interior, from the space between and shape of switches and controls to the response of occupants to material softness and textures. The result is what its creators describe as a “warm human accuracy with sensuality.”

“The goal of the new M’s interior is to present an elegant yet functional design that combines artistry with precision, comfort with innovation – all in support of enhancing driving performance and passenger enjoyment,” said Poore. “From the handcrafted wood accents to the custom leather appointments, we’ve made luxury more sensory and alluring.”

Careful attention was paid to identifying the precise location for key controls, using consistent shapes and groupings for controls that work in the same manner. There are three areas of operability – the sight information area, the operation area and the easy access area.

The M instrument panel features “Fine Vision” electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters, a 7.0-inch vehicle information display, Infiniti analog clock and unique aluminum trim surface texturing. Leather-appointed, 10-way power driver and front passenger’s seats with adjustable lumbar support are standard, along with a dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors, HVAC and audio settings – which are linked to the individual Intelligent Keys. An entry/exit assist system for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, heated front seats, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone automatic temperature also contribute to the M’s outstanding level of standard luxury appointments.

Standard technology equipment includes Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor.

Other interior highlights include a large center console, power windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, power auto door locks, power trunk release, retained accessory power for windows and moonroof, standard XM® Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD, Radio Data System (RDS), USB Connection Port for iPod® and other compatible devices, steering wheel audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control.

Listening to music or conversation in the M interior is a little easier thanks to the new Active Noise Control system. Standard on all 2011 M models, Active Noise Control uses sound to delete sound – generating “canceling” sound from four door speakers to reduce unpleasant engine harmonics. The cabin noise levels are monitored by two microphones located in the M’s ceiling, with no action needed from the driver and passengers except to enjoy the quiet, comfortable cabin.

For buyers seeking a slightly higher level of features and technology, the Premium Package adds the next-generation Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8.0-inch VGA color touch-screen display, XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Zagat® Restaurant Guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive.

The Premium Package also adds a Bose® 2-channel 10-speaker premium audio system, heated steering wheel and climate-controlled front seats. All Premium Package equipment is standard on the M56 and M56x AWD.

The Touring Package adds such notable features as the Bose® Studio Surround® sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers (including two personal speakers mounted in the shoulders of each front seat), power rear sunshade, unique quilted seat pattern with contrasting piping, additional seat bolstering, suede-like headliner and a stitched, synthetic leather meter hood.

The Touring Package also features semi-aniline leather, which feels soft and firm like premium sofa material, in two available colors – Java or Stone. Also utilized is specially developed soft synthetic leather for the armrests, door inserts, center console and kneepads. The Touring Package’s genuine White Ash wood trim has been enhanced with real silver powder. Japanese Ash wood trim is offered on base and Sport models.

The Touring Package also offers the new Forest Air™ system, which recreates the refreshing climate and natural breezes of a relaxing forest setting. System sensors automatically open and close air intake ports to reduce the intrusion of dust, exhaust or unpleasant odors into the cabin, while the special grape polyphenol filter and Plasmacluster™ air purifier help filter allergens, mold and viruses out of the cabin. Humidity control prevents the over-drying of air from the air conditioner, while the breeze mode provides a natural airflow feeling, gently and subtly varying the airflow from the upper and front air vents.

Four interior colors are offered – Graphite, Stone, Wheat and Java (availability varies with option packages). Sport Package-equipped models receive unique front seat designs, sport steering wheel and shift knob stitching, and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

“With materials designed to provide a more premium feel and technology that anticipates the needs of the user, the new M provides the highest level of luxury of any Infiniti to date,” said Poore. “This is an interior that makes you want to just keep driving.”

Two Advanced Powerplants, A Naturally Dynamic Driving Feel

Infiniti engineers envisioned the all-new M to deliver a more fluid, naturally dynamic performance feeling, sculpting the power of the VVEL-equipped 3.7-liter V6 and 5.6-liter V8 to release like a rising wave.

The engines’ VVEL systems combine hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. The VVEL systems also offer improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over the non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.

The M37’s 3.7-liter VVEL, 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 is rated at 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm, increases of 27 horsepower and 8 lb-ft of torque versus the previous 3.5-liter V6. The engine also features rigid ladder frame construction, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, molybdenum coated lightweight pistons, Iridium spark plugs and a symmetric twin air intake system.

The M56’s 5.6-liter VVEL, 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Injection Gasoline™ (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 is rated at 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, increases of 95 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque versus the previous 4.5-liter V8.

The new DIG™ system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offered more precise injection control.

All 2011 Ms come standard with Infiniti’s refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Downshift Rev Matching and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are standard with the Sport Package (RWD models only).

A unique new feature of the 2011 M is Infiniti Drive, an integrated control system that allows drivers to select from four driving modes, depending on mood or driving conditions, with a dial switch located on the center console. Each mode, Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow, adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance.

In addition to the standard mode (suitable for normal driving conditions), the fuel-efficient Eco mode utilizes green and yellow lights on the instrument panel to provide feedback on driving efficiency. The system also provides feedback directly through the accelerator pedal, giving a slight pushback if driving inefficiently. The Sport mode allows engine rpm to rev higher and extends transmission shift points for more power and quicker response.

The new M utilizes the advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle, resulting in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance. In addition to increasing the number of places where the body joints are welded, laser welding is now performed at critical locations to help enhance lateral bending stiffness, torsional stiffness and suspension mounting point stiffness (versus the previous M design).

The M suspension continues the previous generation’s independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. The rear suspension geometry has been updated to provide a quieter ride.

The Sport Package’s sport-tuned suspension includes new double-piston shock absorbers that provide a high damping force at low frequency vibrations for a flat ride and low damping force at high frequency vibrations for a smoother ride.

Also available with the Sport Package is the 4-Wheel Active Steer system, which helps provide lower steering effort and agile handling at low/medium speeds and a more stable feel at higher speeds. Depending on the vehicle speed and the steering angle, the rear wheels are steered in-phase with the front wheels.

The Infiniti M’s large diameter wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to enhance handling. Standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P245/50R18 V-rated tires are offered on all models. Unique 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with aggressive P245/40R20 low-profile summer tires are available with the Sport Package.

Every 2011 M utilizes standard 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes (12.6-inch front, 12.1-inch rear) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The Sport Package includes larger 14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear rotors with 4-piston front/2-piston rear opposed calipers.

The steering system is an electronically controlled vehicle-speed-sensing variable-assist power rack-and-pinion design. Every Infiniti M includes Infiniti’s advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS). VDC automatically adjusts brake pressure and engine torque during certain situations where the vehicle is near its handling limit, helping the driver to maintain control of the vehicle.

For drivers seeking the enhanced performance of all-wheel drive, the M37x and M56x models feature Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. The system uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 up to 50:50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions.

“The new Infiniti M is designed to take the driver to a deeper level of performance, whether on a winding mountain road or navigating more efficiency through city traffic,” said Poore. “It’s a completely balanced performance, maximizing power, handling and ride comfort on one exceptional package.”

Advanced Safety and Security Systems

The 2011 Infiniti M is available with a number of innovative technologies designed to help avoid potentially dangerous situations. The M again offers Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. The LDW and LDP systems use a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual display and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes.

New for 2011 is the addition of the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) systems, which are available as part of the M Technology Package. BSW illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then uses the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sound. BSI is another world-first safety feature from Infiniti and takes blind spot technology to the next level. If the vehicle gets close to the lane marker and another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area, the indicator flashes, an audible warning sounds, and selective braking is applied to one side of the vehicle to help the driver bring the vehicle back to the center of the driving lane. BSI operates regardless of turn signal usage.

Other available safety features include Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

In addition, all 2011 Infiniti M models come equipped with standard Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; standard front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; and standard roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.

The Infiniti M also includes standard 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s seat ELR only), front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints with 4-way manual adjustments, along with Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).

Four Well-Equipped Models

The 2011 Infiniti M is offered in four well-equipped models: the M37 (V6 rear-wheel drive), M37x AWD (V6 all-wheel drive), M56 (V8 rear-wheel drive) and M56x (V8 all-wheel drive).

The Sport Package, offered with M37 and M56 rear-wheel drive only, adds 20-inch wheels and tires, Sport Suspension, Sport Brakes, 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS), paddle shifters, sport seat, aluminum pedal accents, stitched synthetic leather meter hood, sport steering wheel and shift knob, unique front fascia with dark finish grille and dark headlight housings.

Other available 2011 M option packages include the Premium Package, Touring Package, Sport Touring Package and Technology Package.

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Specifications

Models:

• Infiniti M37 RWD, M37x AWD
• Infiniti M56 RWD, M56x AWD

Engines:

• 3.7-liter VVEL, 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm (+27 hp, 8 lb-ft of torque vs. previous 3.5-liter V6)
• 5.6-liter VVEL, 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Gasoline Injection™ (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 420 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 417 lb-ft of torque @4,400 rpm (+95 hp, 81 lb-ft of torque vs. previous 4.5-liter V8)

Transmission

• 7-speed automatic with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual mode with Downshift Rev Match (DRM), DS mode and available solid magnesium paddle shifters

Drive Configuration

• Front engine/rear-wheel drive
• Available Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
• Standard 4-mode Infiniti Drive (with Standard, ECO, Sport and Snow modes)

Wheels/Tires

• 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/50R18 V-rated allseason tires
• 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/40R20 W-rated summer tires (Sport Package)

Suspension

• Independent double wishbone front, updated multi-link rear, stabilizer bars

Braking

• 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• Available Sport Brakes with 14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear rotors with 4-piston front/2-piston rear opposed calipers (Sport Package)

Steering:

• Vehicle-speed-sensing power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• Available 4-Wheel Active Steer (Sport Package)

Dimenssions

• Wheelbase 114.2 inches (no change vs. previous generation M)
• Length 194.7 inches (+0.6 inch)
• Width 72.6 inches (+2.0 inches)
• Height RWD 59.1 inches (-0.4 inch); AWD 59.6 inches (-0.4 inch)
• Seating Capacity 5-passenger

Select Exterior Features
Deeply sculpted fenders and doors, wave-like grille, aluminum doors, hood and trunk, LED taillights, power moonroof, High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional Xenon headlights, 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels or 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, dual exhaust with chrome tips, power-folding outside mirrors, courtesy lamps built into outside door handles, unique sport front fascia with dark finish grille and dark headlight housings (Sport Package)

Select Interior Features
Leather-appointed seating, 10-way power heated driver’s and front passenger seats, driver’s entry/exit system, sequential welcome lighting system, dual-zone automatic temperature control, Infiniti analog clock, power windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, RearView Monitor, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8.0-inch VGA touchscreen display and 9.3GB Music Box® hard drive, climatecontrolled front seats, heated steering wheel, Bose® Studio Surround® sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers, Forest Air™ system with auto circulation, breeze mode, Plasmacluster™ air purifier and grape polyphenol filter, semi-aniline leather seating, genuine wood trim with silver powder coated finish, aluminum pedal accents

Select Safety and Security
Blind Side Warning (BSW) and Blind Side Intervention™ (BSI) Systems, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts

Available Packages:

• Premium Package (standard on M56, M56x): Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Voice Recognition, 8-inch VGA color touchscreen display, Bose® 2-channel 10-speaker premium audio system, 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive, climate-controlled front seats, heated steering wheel
• Deluxe Touring Package: Bose® Studio Surround® sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 16 speakers, power rear sunshade, Forest Air™ system, semi-aniline leather seating, quilted seat pattern, genuine wood trim with silver powder coated finish, suede-like headliner, soft synthetic leather trim
• Sport Package (RWD only): 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P245/40R20 summer tires, Sport Suspension with doublepiston shock absorbers, Sport Brakes, 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS), aluminum pedal accents, sport steering wheel and shift knob, unique front fascia with dark finish grille, dark headlight housing
• Sport Touring Package: Sport Package content plus Bose® Studio Surround® sound system, power rear sunshade, Forest Air™ system
• Technology Package: Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane Departure Warning and Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) systems, Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Active Tracking Control, Eco Pedal, auto-leveling headlights with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS)

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Prices and options

Packages

Popularly equipped models

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Competitors and press reviews

"A feature absent in the 2010 model that we certainly appreciated in the M56 S were steering wheel-mounted magnesium shift paddles. Part of the aforementioned sport package, the paddles allow for manual gear changes of the seven-speed automatic, which also sports downshift rev matching. The larger Akebono brakes, another upgrade of the sport pack, offered up progressive pedal feel and stout performance, and the M’s steering proved quick, linear, and communicative." (MotorTrend)

"The difference lies in the numerous details, starting with unique cylinder heads on the M56’s power plant that feature direct injection and variable valve timing and lift. Nissan’s eggheads report that these measures make the new V8 some 10 percent more efficient than the outgoing 4.5-liter lump despite the large increase in displacement. Featuring a seven-speed automatic transmission, the M56’s powertrain is unquestionably capable. Gearchanges are fluid and smooth and there’s ample torque across the rev range. The way this hardware pairing goes about moving the big sedan is unobtrusive and effective, though more of the right kinds of sounds — an intake note or a bit of exhaust burble, perhaps — would be fine with us. We like a bit of sizzle to go with our steak." (InsideLine)

"The M56 prototype we drove was the Sport version, which also includes 20-inch wheels, four-wheel active steering, sport suspension and four-piston caliper, vented-disc brakes. Infiniti admitted that the M56 we had driven earlier was not quite ready for prime time, but engineering changes since then were evident as soon as we got on the throttle in a more recent test drive. Power-train engineers changed the shift-program software for more responsive part-throttle operation which holds lower gears longer and makes better use of the available torque. The result is that the standard setting of the four-mode M drive is more assertive off the line, while the sport mode responds even more aggressively when you mash the throttle or downshift. In short, despite a more discreet exhaust note than on previous models, you can feel the added punch of the larger, more powerful V8. The M37 V6 prototype we drove had an authoritative growl and an enthusiastic throttle response." (AutoWeek)

Competitors

Audi A6

The 2010 Audi A6 is offered with a choice of four engines: 3.2 FSI V6 with 255 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque, 3.0 TFSI V6 with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, 4.2 FSI V8 with 350 hp and 325 lb-ft and a 5.2 FSI V10 with 435 hp and 398 lb-ft for the S6 versions. Prices for the 2010 Audi A6 $45,200 and go up to $59,150.

BMW 5-Series

The 2011 BMW 5-Series will be offered with a V8 as well as an assortment of six cylinder engines burning both gasoline and diesel. The new car’s lineup will range from the fuel efficient BMW 520d making 184 HP, the 535i powered BMW TwinPower Turbo using High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing that cranks out 306 HP as well as the top of the line 550i powered by a 407 HP eight cylinder engine. prices will range from $45,950 to $63,900.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The US market get only two versions for the Mercedes E-Class. The first one is E350 powered by a 3,5 liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 268 hp. The second one is E550 with a 5,5 liter V8 engine and a total output of 383 hp. Prices are $48,600 and $56,300 respectively.

Conclusion

With a new design and improved technologies, the 2011 Infiniti M is a very strong competitor for any model in its segment line-up. Also according to the first driving reports the luxury sedan, driving is aggressive and sporty, while steering feel and response is very good, with a small lag under aggressive cornering in tight turns.

Bottom line: the new Infiniti M is a sedan with a sporty look, a luxury interior, solid handling and a firm but comfortable ride. Audi A6 and BMW 5-Series you’re in serious trouble!