The huge, optional 20-inch wheels on the M56 have precious little sidewall flex, which doesn’t help the ride over bumpy terrain. Over smoother pavement, our M56 was very serene.
RWD models equipped with the Sport package feature “four wheel steering.” When the system detects the vehicle is being pitched left and right, you get one degree of steering at both rear wheels, to help you fling the car into corners, with less steering angle, and great composure.
But we were anxious to climb into a M37x, which will surely be the most popular variant in Canada. Forsyth noted that V6 models outsell V8 models, three to one, and all-wheel-drive models outsell RWD models, four to one.
Our M37x tester (with 18-inch wheels) gave us a great ride, and the 330 horses on tap motivated the M sedan beautifully. The only time I could see this motor coming up short, is after a taste test of the 5.6. So don’t do that and you’ll be extremely satisfied. Note also, that it’s quite a price hike to the V8 models. But in this segment you must have V8 availability; if you’re so inclined, this direct-injection V8 is killer.
Blind Spot Intervention — and more
Infiniti has developed an incredible suite of electronic safety and convenience features for the 2011 M, some carried over, and some brand new.
Infiniti already has Blind Spot Warning (BSW), which alerts the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which beeps when you veer over to another lane without signaling.
But now there is Blind Spot Intervention, which Infiniti characterizes as “an industry first”.
If you are still swerving into a vehicle, after first warning you with lights and beeping, then it will activate the brakes on the opposite side of the vehicle, to pull you back into the lane.
Also new is Active Trace Control (ATC), which adjusts engine torque and the control of braking at each of the four wheels to enhance cornering.
“Technology is part of what these cars are all about… That’s what’s in these cars and what people want (from them),” said Forsyth. He added that if people don’t want or need this level of technology, the automaker would be happy to sell them a base Versa 1.6.
Prices stay the course
Infiniti is keeping 2011 prices more or less in line with 2010.
Sticker Prices for the V6 models shake out like this: M37 — $52,400; M37 Sport — $63,400; M37x —$54,900; M37x with Premium Package — $58,700; M37x with Premium Package and Deluxe Touring and Tech Packages — $63,800.
Note that the Premium Package is standard on all V8 models. Their sticker prices shake out like this: M56 — $66,200; M56 Sport — $73,400; M56x — $68,700; M56x with Deluxe Touring and Tech Package — $73,800.
RWD models equipped with the Sport package feature “four wheel steering.” When the system detects the vehicle is being pitched left and right, you get one degree of steering at both rear wheels, to help you fling the car into corners, with less steering angle, and great composure.
But we were anxious to climb into a M37x, which will surely be the most popular variant in Canada. Forsyth noted that V6 models outsell V8 models, three to one, and all-wheel-drive models outsell RWD models, four to one.
Our M37x tester (with 18-inch wheels) gave us a great ride, and the 330 horses on tap motivated the M sedan beautifully. The only time I could see this motor coming up short, is after a taste test of the 5.6. So don’t do that and you’ll be extremely satisfied. Note also, that it’s quite a price hike to the V8 models. But in this segment you must have V8 availability; if you’re so inclined, this direct-injection V8 is killer.
 |
| Our M37x tester gave us a great ride, and the 330 horses on tap motivated the M sedan beautifully. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
Blind Spot Intervention — and more
Infiniti has developed an incredible suite of electronic safety and convenience features for the 2011 M, some carried over, and some brand new.
Infiniti already has Blind Spot Warning (BSW), which alerts the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area, and Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which beeps when you veer over to another lane without signaling.
But now there is Blind Spot Intervention, which Infiniti characterizes as “an industry first”.
If you are still swerving into a vehicle, after first warning you with lights and beeping, then it will activate the brakes on the opposite side of the vehicle, to pull you back into the lane.
Also new is Active Trace Control (ATC), which adjusts engine torque and the control of braking at each of the four wheels to enhance cornering.
“Technology is part of what these cars are all about… That’s what’s in these cars and what people want (from them),” said Forsyth. He added that if people don’t want or need this level of technology, the automaker would be happy to sell them a base Versa 1.6.
Prices stay the course
Infiniti is keeping 2011 prices more or less in line with 2010.
Sticker Prices for the V6 models shake out like this: M37 — $52,400; M37 Sport — $63,400; M37x —$54,900; M37x with Premium Package — $58,700; M37x with Premium Package and Deluxe Touring and Tech Packages — $63,800.
Note that the Premium Package is standard on all V8 models. Their sticker prices shake out like this: M56 — $66,200; M56 Sport — $73,400; M56x — $68,700; M56x with Deluxe Touring and Tech Package — $73,800.
Article Gallery