FIRST LOOK ~ 2011 INFINITI M

Curvier 2011 Infiniti M offers more power, more technology

LOS ANGELES, Ca: Just prior to the press opening of the recent 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, Infiniti took the wraps off its all-new 2011 M sedan.
What we saw was a much curvier, more sensual exterior design, and with a boost in power, better fuel economy, a more refined interior and loads of leading-edge tech, there's little doubt the new M is worthy of its role as Infiniti's halo car.
The 2011 M is available in four models: the M37 and M56, both in rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive. And with several available option packages, the new M offers many variants, depending on your needs, wants and budget.
The M37 gets a 3.7-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 with the Variable Valve Event and Lift system (VVEL) that helps improve performance and response, not to mention emissions and fuel economy. This engine is rated at 330 hp and 270 lb/ft of torque, up 27 hp and 8 lb/ft versus the previous 3.5-litre V6.
Replacing the M45, the M56 benefits from a larger powerplant. Infiniti's 5.6-litre, 32-valve, DOHC V8 also uses VVEL, and gets Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) for better wide-open throttle performance, fuel economy and emissions. This engine is rated at 420 hp and 417 lb/ft of torque for a boost of 95 hp and 81 lb/ft over last generation's very capable 4.5-litre V8.
The M is also standard equipped with a seven-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching and Adaptive Shift Control for more responsive shifting.
New for 2011 is Infiniti Drive, which allows you to dial in one of four driving modes: Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow.
The system adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping accordingly. Eco mode, for example, is mapped for fuel efficiency and provides feedback in two ways: an instrument panel display, and an accelerator pedal that pushes back lightly when you push too hard.
Suspension is an independent double-wishbone with stabilizer bar in front and multi-link independent system with stabilizer in rear. On rear-drive models, you can also order a special sport package, which offers a sport-tuned suspension. This includes double-piston shocks for stronger damping at low frequency vibrations - for a flat ride - and lighter damping at higher frequencies for a smoother ride.
Also available with the Sport Package is the 4-Wheel Active Steer system, which, depending on the vehicle speed and the steering angle, steers the rear wheels in-phase with the front wheels.
This provides more agile handling at lower speeds, and a more stable feel at higher speeds. Also included are larger rotors (14-inch front/13.8-inch rear instead of 12.6/12.1) and 20-inch alloys instead of standard 18-inchers.
Every Infiniti M gets four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, as well as Vehicle Dynamic Control and traction control.
Unfortunately there was no opportunity for driving impressions, as this was only a reveal, but I did climb into the driver's cockpit and took in the warm and inviting surrounds that included handcrafted Japanese Ash wood accents (sporting an attractive an interesting grain), double-stitched leather appointments, well laid out soft-touch controls, and chrome and aluminum trim.
Some of the standard interior features include heated, leather-appointed, 10-way power front seats with a dual occupant memory for the driver's seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors, HVAC and audio settings.
There's also an entry/exit assist system for the driver's seat and steering wheel, sequential welcome lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, seven-inch information display and a nifty chrome-ringed analog clock.
There's also a lot of the stuff you'd expect in this segment, such as power locks, windows and trunk, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Intelligent Key with push-button start and rearview monitor. The six-speaker AM/FM/CD/XM audio system has speed sensitive volume control.
Infiniti has included an impressive suite of technologies in the M with some of them standard, like Active Noise Control, which monitors cabin noise with two mikes in the ceiling and then generates sound from the four door speakers to cancel unwanted noise.
Much of this wizardry is dependent on trim level, but in the interests of space, here are a few highlights:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP): These work hand-in-hand using a small camera to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle and then warn the driver if he or she begins to drift into another lane.
If the driver doesn't correct, the system gently applies the brakes.
Blind Spot Warning (BSW) alerts the driver if there is another vehicle in the blind spot area and then audibly warns the driver (while flashing an indicator) if the turn signal is used. If the vehicle gets close to the lane marker, Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) selectively brakes on one side of the vehicle to help bring it back to the centre of the lane.
Everyone seems to be talking about Infiniti's new Forest Air system. This uses sensors to open and close intakes to reduce dust and unwelcome odours, as well as a grape polyphenol filter and new Plasmacluster air purifier to filter out allergens and mold.
The system also prevents the A/C from over-drying incoming air and then distributes the airflow in a pattern that supposedly mimics the "natural breezes of a relaxing forest setting."

BODY STYLE: mid-size luxury sedan
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, rear drive or all-wheel-drive
ENGINE: 3.7-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 (330 hp and 270 lb/ft of torque) or 5.6-litre, 32-valve, DOHC V8 (420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque)
FUEL ECONOMY: n/a
PRICE: not available, but the 2010 model starts at $55,500