More power and efficiency
Both engines are new, as well as the transmission, now a 7-speed.
The M37 and all-wheel drive M37x get the 330-hp 3.7-litre V6 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). So enabled, the valves can control all aspects of air and fuel (the throttle actually stays open all the time), for more tailored combustion. VVEL also allows for faster warm up, which significantly helps both fuel economy and emissions.
M56 and M56x get the 420-hp 5.6-litre V8, with VVVEL and Direction Injection. As you can imagine, this engine is a monster, but is surprisingly fuel-efficient. Forsyth noted that the previous V8 was subjected to Ontario’s gas guzzle tax to the tune of $1,200. The 5.6 V8 will only be subject to the $75 worth of gas-guzzler tax. The M56’s highway fuel rating, at 8.0 L/100 km, is not appreciably more than its V6 counterpart (7.6).
New 7-speed tranny
Like the previous 5-speed transmission, the new 7-speed features rev matching downshifting, adaptable shift control, and four drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport, Snow).
If you already practice an economical driving style in Standard, selecting Eco won’t get you any more efficiency. But for those that need a bit more help, Eco has a slower throttle response, and will remind you, via a dash light, when you’re contravening the green line.
And get this — there is also the optional Eco Pedal, which actually pushes back just a bit, when you're depressing it too much, to further help you stay in an ecological mindset.
On the Road
While the body and interior are all new, the rear-drive platform is essentially the same one underneath the previous car, but with upgraded rigidity. So generally, the cars retain their chassis dynamics, with improvements in some areas.
Our first mount of the day was a black M56S. As advertised, the V8 is a truly, serious engine. A mere dip of the accelerator pedal will thrust the M into “whoa!” mode.
To keep it competitive, Infiniti needed to impart M with a more luxurious and quiet ride. Extra chassis stiffness and some suspension tuning were part of the plan, as was Active Noise Control (ANC), which introduces sound frequencies into the cabin, to counteract unwanted NVH intruders. (ANC is part of a hugely powerful new optional Bose sound system, specially developed for M.)
Both engines are new, as well as the transmission, now a 7-speed.
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| VVEL also allows for faster warm up, which significantly helps both fuel economy and emissions. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
The M37 and all-wheel drive M37x get the 330-hp 3.7-litre V6 with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). So enabled, the valves can control all aspects of air and fuel (the throttle actually stays open all the time), for more tailored combustion. VVEL also allows for faster warm up, which significantly helps both fuel economy and emissions.
M56 and M56x get the 420-hp 5.6-litre V8, with VVVEL and Direction Injection. As you can imagine, this engine is a monster, but is surprisingly fuel-efficient. Forsyth noted that the previous V8 was subjected to Ontario’s gas guzzle tax to the tune of $1,200. The 5.6 V8 will only be subject to the $75 worth of gas-guzzler tax. The M56’s highway fuel rating, at 8.0 L/100 km, is not appreciably more than its V6 counterpart (7.6).
New 7-speed tranny
Like the previous 5-speed transmission, the new 7-speed features rev matching downshifting, adaptable shift control, and four drive modes (Eco, Standard, Sport, Snow).
If you already practice an economical driving style in Standard, selecting Eco won’t get you any more efficiency. But for those that need a bit more help, Eco has a slower throttle response, and will remind you, via a dash light, when you’re contravening the green line.
And get this — there is also the optional Eco Pedal, which actually pushes back just a bit, when you're depressing it too much, to further help you stay in an ecological mindset.
On the Road
While the body and interior are all new, the rear-drive platform is essentially the same one underneath the previous car, but with upgraded rigidity. So generally, the cars retain their chassis dynamics, with improvements in some areas.
Our first mount of the day was a black M56S. As advertised, the V8 is a truly, serious engine. A mere dip of the accelerator pedal will thrust the M into “whoa!” mode.
To keep it competitive, Infiniti needed to impart M with a more luxurious and quiet ride. Extra chassis stiffness and some suspension tuning were part of the plan, as was Active Noise Control (ANC), which introduces sound frequencies into the cabin, to counteract unwanted NVH intruders. (ANC is part of a hugely powerful new optional Bose sound system, specially developed for M.)
 |
| Generally, the cars retain their chassis dynamics, with improvements in some areas. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |