First Drive: 2011 Infiniti M37 & M56
Inspired Performance
Review and photos by Russell Purcell
Infiniti has now been with us for over two decades, and during this time has managed to build a dedicated following of loyal customers. However, it was time for the brand to change things up and become a more aggressive player in the luxury segment, as 21st-century buyers demand a car that can deliver exhilarating performance, optimal safety, and opulent luxury in one fuel-efficient package. Infiniti’s product and engineering teams answered the challenge with the totally redesigned 2011 Infiniti M.
Design
The previous M was rather bland in the styling department, and this no doubt had a negative effect on sales. The new car features a stylish new skin with aggressively flared fenders, a shapely hood, and sinister looking lighting units front and rear. The wide rectangular grille is mirrored by a narrow air intake on its aerodynamically engineered chin, and an almost coupe-like greenhouse accentuates the long hood and short tail design. There are obvious cues derived from the company’s “Essence” show car throughout, making this one slick-looking sedan.
The car is lower and wider than the previous iteration of the model, which translates to vastly improved handling and aerodynamic efficiency.
Interior Impressions
Fit-and-finish has moved decidedly upmarket as the M represents the flagship for the Infiniti brand. The attention to detail is evident on every surface as the top-grain leather, plush carpeting, and soft-touch plastics exude an atmosphere of quality, enhanced by interesting touches like real wood trim that has been infused with actual flakes of silver. The end result is the car now looks and feels like a proper luxury vehicle rather than a dressed up Nissan. In fact, the M recently walked away with the Ward’s Auto Interior of the Year award for the premium price category.
The cabin feels roomy and airy, and there is more than enough room for five regular sized adults. Although I am rather tall (6’2”) and of larger stature, I found myself comfortable in all seating positions save the centre seat in the rear compartment. My favourite perch however, was the driver’s seat, which offers seemingly infinite adjustability and excellent sightlines to all the instruments, switchgear, mirrors, and of course, the road ahead.
Technological Powerhouse
Consumers seem to have an unquenchable hunger for technology and gizmos, so the car features a very long list of electronic devices to help with safety, comfort and vehicle performance. All the expected luxury equipment is on board like power windows, mirrors and seats (heated and cooled), navigation and a premium surround sound audio system engineered by Bose. The unexpected treat is a climate control system that is so advanced that it delivers fresh filtered air to the cabin while mimicking the effect of a natural breeze.
Other standard features include a rear camera system, Bi-Xenon lighting, power folding mirrors, iPod connectivity, and Active Noise Control (more on this to follow).
A host of new electronic nannies are on call as part of Infiniti’s “Safety Shield” to keep you alert and focused on your driving, including the combo of Blind Spot Warning and Intervention systems, Lane Departure Prevention, Distance Control Assist, and Active Trace Control. While as a support team they prove impressive, some drivers may find themselves distracted by the beeps, whistles, and at times, the odd sensation that the car has taken over control of its operation. Luckily, Infiniti product planners made them easy to switch off should you want a temporary reprieve from computers and technological intervention.
The car also features Infiniti Drive, an electronic system that offers the user the choice of four separate drive modes – Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow – to customize engine, transmission and throttle settings based on the specific wishes of the driver. Eco mode will make commuters happy, as this setting optimizes the car’s performance for better fuel economy by slightly reducing throttle response and promoting quicker up-shifts. Sport mode, on the other hand, increases throttle and transmission response.
Performance
The big news is obviously under the hood. Both cars receive a big bump in power but improved fuel economy as well.
The M56 now has 420 horsepower (up 95 ponies from the previous 4.7-litre V8 model) and delivers an exhilarating, yet refined, driving experience, whether sprinting away from a stoplight or navigating a twisty mountain highway. The M 37 is no slouch either, as its 3.7-litre V6 now delivers 330 horsepower (an increase of 27 hp over the 2010 model) and out performs the old V8 model in the performance department (0-100 km/h is achieved in a mere 5.6 seconds).
Both cars feel poised and powerful, and although the V8-powered M56 would be my choice on paper, after spending time behind the wheel of both cars, I was more smitten by the V6-powered M37. This seemed to be the general consensus of the journalists involved with this drive program, as the lighter M37 felt more nimble and downright sporty when tossed into a corner or navigating a series of mountain switchbacks. Buyers selecting the optional Sport package benefit from enhanced handling prowess due to a firmer suspension (double-piston shocks and firmer springs), 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels, and an innovative rear-steer system. I found the steering feel in all the test vehicles on hand to be highly communicative, but those equipped with the active rear-wheel steering system (which can turn the rear wheels up to one degree when cornering) are blessed with a level of road-carving precision usually reserved for sports cars.
There is no manual transmission option available for enthusiast buyers, but I must admit that the standard 7-speed automatic transmission was silky smooth, and when operated in manual “sport” mode, it was impressive. The transmission features Downshift Rev Matching and Adaptive Shift Control, two technologies designed to help you as the driver extract maximum performance from the car’s potent pair of engines.
Mo
st enthusiast drivers will choose a rear-wheel drive layout when given the choice, as handling is predictable and power delivery relatively efficient, but those buyers looking for a four-season vehicle can select either the M37X or M56X which both feature all-wheel drive.
Refined touring
Our very scenic drive route bisected Vancouver Island and included all the elements needed to reveal a car’s true handling and performance prowess. The M37 and M56 both made for exceptional touring machines, and the level of refinement was immediately evident at higher speeds.
Our drive route featured some areas where harsh winter weather had degraded the road surface and riddled it with ruts and pits. Luckily, the M features double-piston shock absorbers which have been engineered to reduce the effect of the initial impact felt when the wheels encounter irregularities in the road surface as well as the effects of high frequency vibrations.
The intrusion of wind and road noise was noticeably absent as active noise cancellation has been engineered into the car. This system easily masked the noise of heavy rain showers and blowing coastal crosswinds encountered during our drive experience.
Conclusions
There are a lot of great automobiles available at this price point, but you would be making a huge mistake if you did not take a long, hard look at Infiniti’s latest offerings as they are worthy competition to more storied marques such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, as well as inherent rival Lexus.
Related Posts
© Copyright RPM Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Site Designed by JC Design