Infiniti killed off their front-wheel drive vehicles back in 2004, when the last I35 series hit dealer lots. Now, the Nissan-owned luxury auto maker is looking to resurrect the front-wheel entry level model. Infiniti left front wheels behind to focus on sportier rear wheel drive coupes and sedans. Well, the time is now for a new luxury FWD ride at an entry level cost to come from Infiniti. I mean, Toyota has a pretty good run on foreign FWD vehicles, but at least Washington DC and Infiniti are not butting heads at the moment – you know, that whole unwanted acceleration thing.

According to LeftLaneNews: Although Infiniti will soon launch a cheaper version of its G sedan – dubbed the G25 – the brand still lacks a true entry-level car.

As such, Infiniti is considering a plan to launch a new entry-level car based on a front-wheel drive platform. Although the addition of a front-wheel drive model could dilute the brand’s performance image, Larry Dominique, Nissan North America Inc.’s vice president for product planning, thinks the two platforms could coexist in Infiniti’s lineup.

“The core of the brand is very important to us, this kind of performance sedan,” he told Automotive News. “Can you have other vehicles in different segments around the core of your brand? Yes.

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Infiniti

Infiniti has turned over its cards and revealed pricing for two of its 2010 G37 models, and there is barely a bump in MSRP for the base models: the sedan’s price remains the same at $33,250, while the coupe goes up by $150 to $36,050 – for which you get the revamped outside and upgraded materials and electronics inside.

As usual, traveling higher up the food chain requires more dosh, but it’s interesting to see how much of a hit the more enthusiast-oriented models are taking. For the sedan, the Journey trim is upped by $750, the all-wheel drive model by $350, and the Sport 6MT surges by $2,750. The coupe increases by $850 for the Journey, $450 for the AWD, and a whopping $3,400 has been tacked onto the Sport 6MT. It isn’t immediately clear why the 6MT models have been targeted for comparatively large increases in price (we’re guessing it’s a volume thing), but you can get more details on both models in the press release after the jump.

UPDATE: Just got word from Infiniti that the reason for the significant price increase on the 6MT model is the substantial amount of additional kit, including Bose stereo, power moonroof, iPod interface, heated front seats, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, anti-glare mirror with Homelink and Bluetooth — all standard.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan – enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases

Infiniti prices facelifted 2010 G37 coupe and sedan – enthusiast 6MT models get big price increases originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

According the slinky sleuths at InsideLine, the 2011 Infiniti G series will be available with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 from the JDM-only Skyline 250GT (known as the Infiniti G in the States). But something’s amiss…

Infiniti informed IL that the small V6 will be sold beneath the G37 as an entry-level alternative (think BMW 328i versus 335i), although we’re a bit confused about the quoted power outputs. Nissan fitted its naturally aspirated, 210 hp 2.5-liter V6 (VQ25DD) to the Skyline through 2006, but the automaker’s turbocharged variant (VQ25DET) puts out 280 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The report doesn’t clarify which mill is on the way. Regardless, the 2011 Infiniti G25 will only be available as a sedan, so if you have dreams of a budget coupe or convertible, well, get comfortable with the ideas of four doors.

[Source: InsideLine]

Rumormill: 2011 Infiniti G25 coming with turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: New York Auto Show, SUV, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

The panjandrums behind the New York Auto Show are happy to announce that Nissan and Infiniti will both be there this April. Not only that, Infiniti will be bringing a new, and very large, toy to unveil: the redesigned 2011 QX56 SUV. New York is Nissan’s premier designated market area, which could mean a lot for the fortunes of an SUV some thought would have already shuffle off this mortal coil.

Last year Nissan sounded a little bearish on the entire auto show enterprise, but that sentiment appears to have been forgotten entirely – it has eight new models on the way this year and will need to show them off. Now if we could just get them to add a ninth, that Essence coupe, we’d be as happy as the NYIAS folks. You can have a look at a couple angles of the QX56 in the gallery below.

[Source: NYIAS]

Nissan and Infiniti coming to New York Auto Show with 2011 QX56 in tow originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Rumormill, Luxury

When the team over at Inside Line reported on Tuesday that the 2011 Infiniti G Series sedan will be offered with a turbocharged 2.5-liter V6 borrowed from the JDM Skyline 250GT (sold as the Infiniti G on our shores), we were left scratching our heads. Understanding that the car was intended to be an entry-level (and fuel-efficient) competitor to the BMW 328i and Lexus IS250, arming it with a 280-horsepower turbocharged powerplant simply didn’t make sense.

With a genuine apology for an erroneous report, IL is now reporting that the turbocharger will be left back in Japan. Sans turbo, the Infiniti G25 will arrive with a normally-aspirated 2.5-liter V6 rated at 210 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That’s more like it… maybe. According to our tipster, the engine will be rated at 235 hp and 187 lb-ft of torque. Don’t memorize those numbers either, because our sources say it’s 222 hp and 194 lb-ft of torque. Bottom line: There will be no turbocharged engine under the hood of the upcoming Infiniti G25. Thanks for the tip Dr. J!

[Source: Inside Line]

Inside Line: Infiniti G25 still coming, but forget that turbo thing… originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Infiniti

Loyalists will accept a less powerful 2.5-liter G-Series in the model range, but how will they embrace a front-wheel drive model from Nissan’s upscale – and enthusiast targeted – Infiniti brand?

Larry Dominique, Nissan North America Inc.’s vice president for product planning, hinted during a recent interview that Infiniti is considering an entry-level vehicle (or a family of models) based on a front-wheel drive platform. This isn’t unfamiliar territory for the Japanese automaker. Shortly after the brand debuted, the front-wheel drive 1991 G20 (based on the JDM Nissan Primera) arrived on the scene. It was followed several years later by the 1996 I30 (a gussied-up Nissan Maxima). By 2005, in a strategy designed to compete with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti had reverted back to an all rear-wheel drive lineup led by the 3.5-liter G35, and later with a few all-wheel drive models.

According to Dominique, many buyers do not know, or care, whether their vehicles are FWD or AWD, citing the Acura TSX and TL models as examples. “Those buyers are OK with it… I think we could deliver Infiniti off a different platform and deliver the experience Infiniti customers expect,” he added without going into detail.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Infiniti considering front-wheel-drive vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Europe, Crossover, Infiniti, UK, Luxury

Miffed at having missed out on the Infiniti FX Millionaire Edition? The special run was unveiled in Amsterdam a couple of months back at a price roughly twice that of a stock FX. Only 100 were made, and they weren’t even available on this side of the pond. Now Infiniti’s European division is following up with a second run called, straight-forward enough, the Limited Edition.

Like the Millionaire, the Limited can be ordered in either FX37 or FX50 guise, in scratch-resistant Obsidian Black or White Moonlight paint and features a host of special touches inside and out, from the dark graphite trim and 21-inch turbine-shaped rims to the Alcantara and carbon fiber trim on the interior. The special crossover also comes packed with the Connectiviti+ package, packing everything from sat-nav with Michelin Guide to the 11-speaker Bose sound system and 10-gig hard drive.

Fortunately prices are considerably more reasonable than its predecessor special, with the FX37S Limited Edition coming in at £55,855 (the equivalent of about $88k) and the FX50S Limited Edition at £62,035 (just shy of a hundred grand). Another 100 examples will be offered exclusively across Western Europe. High-res images in the gallery below and press release below the fold.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading How the Other Half Drives: Infiniti launches FX Limited Edition in Europe

How the Other Half Drives: Infiniti launches FX Limited Edition in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

Sales of the all-new 2011 Infiniti M are still a few weeks away, but Nissan’s luxury arm has released pricing details on both the 2011 M37 and it’s V8-powered brother, the M56.

In standard, rear-wheel drive guise, the M37 starts at $46,250 – just $450 more than the outgoing model – and comes packing the 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, with considerably more grunt than the last generation’s 3.5-liter V6 and better fuel economy to boot. The all-wheel drive variant starts at $48,400, and both models come equipped with Infiniti’s Drive Mode Selector, Active Noise Control, RearView Monitor and Enhanced Intelligent Key memory.

Option up for the 2011 M56 and in addition to the 420-hp, direct injected 5.6-liter V8, the Premium Package comes standard, including the eight-inch VGA touch screen with navigation, Bose 10-speaker audio system, 9.3-gig Music Box hard drive, streaming Bluetooth audio, heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel. All told, the M56 comes in at $57,550 for the rear-wheel drive model and $60,050 for the M56x with all-wheel drive. That’s a sizable bump over the outgoing M45, but considering all the additional kit that comes with the new V8 model, it’s a justifiable increase and certainly in line with the competition. Make the jump for the full break down, including options pricing and detailed descriptions.

Continue reading All-New 2011 Infiniti M Sedan starts at $46,250

All-New 2011 Infiniti M Sedan starts at $46,250 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Japan, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Luxury

Tuners typically roll out one package at a time. When a big tuner show like SEMA comes around, maybe a couple at a time. But Japanese tuning firm Wald International is launching five body kits for some of the most desirable top-of-the-line luxury sedans, all at the same time.

Included in Wald’s plans are aero kits for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, Infiniti M, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 Series. Throw in a Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, maybe a Bentley and the Aston Martin Rapide in there and they’d have the whole kit and kaboodle covered. Not much in the way of details available as of yet on this quintet of modified luxury wheels, but from the looks of it, each has been lowered and mounted with new front fascias, side skirts and big ol’ alloys. Check ‘em out for yourself below.

[Source: Wald International via CarScoop]

Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti… all at the same time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Infiniti M Sedan Set for Spring Launch; Offers Tailored, Vibrant Experience for Driver and Passengers

– All-New Infiniti M56 and M37 Feature More Power, Magnetic Design, Luxurious Interior and World’s First Blind Spot Intervention™ System –

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.

via Infiniti PR