Infiniti’s top-of-the-line M will gain size, power and, the company hopes, inch closer to the prestige of more established luxury automakers next year. The company unveiled its next flagship luxury sedan this weekend at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance…at least in spirit.
Automobile Magazine explains, “There wasn't an actual 2011 Infiniti M on hand for the event, it was revealed using a 3D video mapping process and an actual car will be shown by the end of the year.”
The next M is a more curvaceous car than the model it replaces. Autoblog comments, “The front fascia's engorged maw blends well with the aggressive headlamps and curvaceous lower valence, and while things are somewhat subdued in profile, the real action starts with the shapely swage line beginning in the middle of the rear door and sweeping back into the Jaguar-esque tail lamps and pinched rump.”
It’s also significantly bigger than the outgoing M. Autoblog notes, “Infiniti is well aware that becoming a major player in the segment doesn't begin and end with creating a dynamically engaging and aesthetically pleasing entry-level luxury sedan and coupe. It's got to go big – or at least bigger – filling a niche that falls somewhere between the BMW 5 Series/Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 7 Series/S-Class.”
Edmunds Inside Line reports, “Infiniti says the 2011 M's interior has been upgraded using higher-quality materials, and will offer advanced climate control and upgraded audio.”
Jalopnik notes that the M will debut a new safety system that is an industry first. While many cars now feature a blind spot warning system that alerts the driver to the presence of a car in the adjacent lane, the 2011 M will actually attempt to prevent its driver from hitting a car in a lane change. The car’s blind-spot intervention system “is designed to help alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane during an intended lane change, and then help assist the driver in returning the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel.”
Under the hood, Motor Trend reports, two powertrain choices will be offered. The M37 will carry a 3.7-liter V6, while the M56 will be driven by a 5.6-liter V8 – pushing the M over 400 horsepower for the first time.
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