LA AUTO SHOW: Infiniti's M Makes A Non-Foam Appearance, Do The 5, E, XF, GS, A6 Have Something To Worry About?

For the 2011 model year, it looks like it is going to be a ferocious battle over market share. Across every segment competition is hotter than ever. Mid-level executive sedans are no exception.

With Mercedes-Benz's E-Class hitting showrooms earlier this year, BMW's new 5-Series unveiled within the past couple of weeks and now the all-new Infiniti M making an appearance, things are heating up. While Lexus' GS, Jaguar's XF and Audi's A6 are now looking dated, it seems like the new fight will surge on between Mercedes, BMW and Infiniti.

The new M is no slouch, neither.

The top-of-the-line M56 is now equipped with an all-new 5.6 liter V8 producing 420-horsepower and the M37 will be putting out a respectable 330-horsepower. In addition, the M features a sensual and curvacious body that will put all Shakira lovers on alert.

The question remains, however, is this striking your fancy?

What say you, SPIES?

Press release follows:

All-New 2011 Infiniti M Makes World Debut – Set for Early Spring Rollout at Infiniti Dealers Nationwide

– Infiniti’s Next Generation Halo Sedan Features Magnetic Styling, Advanced “Blind Spot Intervention™ System and Choice of Powerful V8 or V6 Engines –

Infiniti today unveiled the all-new 2011 Infiniti M sedan at a media event in Beverly Hills, Calif. Infiniti’s halo sedan, which is scheduled to go on sale in late March 2010, will be available in two model designations – the Infiniti M56 with an all-new 420-horsepower 5.6-liter VVEL Direct Injection Gasoline™ V8 and the Infiniti M37 with a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter VVEL V6. Both engines are designed to offer more power and increased fuel efficiency versus the previous generation M’s V8 and V6 engine offerings. The Infiniti M56 and M37 will be offered in a choice of rear-wheel drive or with Infiniti’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system.

The 2011 Infiniti M’s completely redesigned body offers authentic sports sedan proportions and evocative new styling with a low front end and deeply sculpted fenders. Inside, the new M’s interior is pure Infiniti, combining vibrant, Japanese-influenced design, luxury materials and amenities and premium entertainment systems with driver-oriented sports seating and controls.

The new Infiniti M continues its predecessor’s tradition of offering an array of advanced technology systems, including Active Noise Control, an innovative Forest Air™ climate control system, “Infiniti Drive” selectable drive mode control, Active Trace Control, Eco Pedal and enhanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System. The Infiniti M also introduces the new Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) System, a world’s first system that alerts the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area and helps return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel away from the other vehicle.

“The 2011 Infiniti M embodies all of our best thinking, design and quality to date,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “It’s a truly inspired design offering invigorating performance, luxurious comfort and the highest levels of craftsmanship and style ever offered in an Infiniti.”

Other available 2011 Infiniti M features include a Bose® 2-channel 10-speaker premium audio system or 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), heated steering wheel, climate-controlled front seats, semi-aniline leather and genuine White Ash wood trim that has been enhanced with real silver powder.

Also making its debut today was the revised 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan, which goes on sale December 17th at Infiniti retailers nationwide. The G Sedan features a new front exterior design, refined interior treatment and enhanced technology, including an advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System. The Infiniti G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible also receive interior and technology refinements for the 2010 model year. The G Coupe also goes on sale this month, with the G Convertible scheduled for an early February 2010 release.

About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles, including the G Coupe, Sedan and first-ever Convertible, M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, and the QX full-size SUV. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at www.InfinitiUSA.com.

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Deutschland - 12/2/2009 3:02:14 PM

-1 Boost

The back of the car seems off, proportions appear to be off from the pictures.

Agent63 - 12/2/2009 9:40:38 PM

0 Boost

I think the car overall looks good with the sport package. The base car looks horrific in my opinion. It gives the GS a run for it's money I think but anything in the LS range it has no chance. Infiniti needs to revitalize the Q45 with a bang. They need that marquee name otherwise who will take an M serious against the big 3 from Germany?. Well at least it's guaranteed the M will take out the Acura RL.

dlin - 12/3/2009 1:53:59 AM

+2 Boost

http://www2.nissan.co.jp/FUGA/special.html

NISSANINFINITI - 12/2/2009 3:21:42 PM

+1 Boost

I like it, but it puts me in the mindset of Buick LaCrosse a little bit.

dlin - 12/2/2009 3:25:45 PM

-3 Boost

Still don't understand why they didn't go for that 5.0 V8 of new FX. Factory production capacity issue?

I hope this means NISSAN is planning for future FI engine and that 5.6 V8 is just a temp solution.

Agent00R - 12/2/2009 4:48:58 PM

+5 Boost

Why would you want to see the 5.0 FX engine used?

LACMAN - 12/3/2009 1:22:47 AM

+2 Boost

Why isnt the 5.0L V8 tuned to 420 HP to begin with (might be his real question).

***Hopefully that is his concern, otherwise he is on his own***

M35MT - 12/2/2009 3:30:39 PM

+4 Boost

Interior - good, very good.

Exterior - liked the previous one more. why did they make the headlights look less complex? Makes it look less special...

Agent00R - 12/2/2009 4:50:13 PM

-1 Boost

I disagree, I think this exterior has a better flow and is put together in a nicer package.

Previous generation looked like a mish-mosh.

1dott8 - 12/2/2009 3:50:41 PM

+2 Boost

this, i can say i don't like. they should've kept the last model for another couple of years if they couldn't come up with a good idea instead of stretching the G sedan, audi did the same thing with the A8 (a long A4). not sure what's going on in the design departments of Infiniti and Audi but they need to work that out.

nikejk - 12/2/2009 3:51:05 PM

+4 Boost

this car looks great. The M and 5 series are my top 2.

theoptimisticpessimist - 12/2/2009 4:05:40 PM

-3 Boost

Do The 5, E, XF, GS, A6 Have Something To Worry About?

Unfortunately no.

While this “M” is a tad over-stylized for my taste bit I have no doubt that the majority will find it to there liking. This car still doesn’t address Infiniti problem; Infiniti build brilliant cars beautifully designed, near benchmark in performance, and solid values, yet nobody by them. The last “M” was consistently rated as one of the best in class, yet sales never rivaled the competition. Maybe it’s a image problem that goes back to its goofy “rock and twig” campaign that never allowed them to take a real foothold in the luxury markets, who knows.

Infiniti keeps building better and better cars and their sales continue to slide, I can’t figure it out.

JUGNU - 12/2/2009 4:07:19 PM

+4 Boost

The car looks great and numbers are very good. It fixed all the styling problems of outgoing M and also successfully extending the family look started by new G and then EX350 crossover.
New M is looking lot less bulky and the previous car's rear end was ugly, this one got arguably the best looking rear end in it's class.
Also can't wait to try the 420BHP motor.

JUGNU

Dodgeyaussie - 12/2/2009 4:15:34 PM

0 Boost

Yupper's they do. This car has the best interior out of the lot. The new E Class is particularly disappointing. Hell, a new Dodge Ram has a classier interior than the E Class. The 5 Series is same ol' same ol', and the GS is the new Buick.

chris357 - 12/2/2009 4:33:18 PM

+7 Boost

they have the worst advertising company on the planet .. they were the first with a camera yet nobody knows.. they were the first with alot of great stuff you see but nobody knows and lexus takes creidt for it.. its the damndest thing

tattedtwice - 12/2/2009 4:54:36 PM

-5 Boost

I'd say infiniti has more to worry about than the competition. Problem one will be getting people to distinguish this thing from the maxima. And those few who will be able to tell it from the max, will likely think its just another g37.

Problem two is image; this company has none, and no prestige. Everything they have feels like a breathed-on, and expensive nissan. Im sure they feel HP will help move it, but it didnt help move the previous model, and it wont this one either.

GTR35 - 12/2/2009 5:25:47 PM

+5 Boost

you are wrong. First off - the current M was a success from the beginning and it's still outselling some of the competition despite being in its last year. Second - the current Maxima is a badass machine so sure go ahead and compare them. Third - Infinities are RWD and Nissans are FWD (enough said). Uhm... yeah, enough said.

TauronB2G - 12/2/2009 6:46:15 PM

+1 Boost

The 5.6 seems to be a beast of an engine, but the looks of the car will stop it from being a real threat to the Germans.
T

maximafan1 - 12/2/2009 8:06:34 PM

+3 Boost

i think the car looks great! it looks like they toned if down without losing its unique character. for the people who arent to sold on the look of it, i think when it is seen on the road it will change their minds and grab your attention and keep it!

NISSANINFINITI - 12/3/2009 12:55:31 PM

+2 Boost

I agree... like the Maxima did! (photos dont due it justice)

PerformanceGuy - 12/2/2009 9:38:29 PM

+3 Boost

Looks pretty hot and has the numbers to back up the aggressive styling. Out of the choices in this class, I have to say the new M looks to be the king of this segment. Good job Infiniti.

delan - 12/2/2009 9:59:09 PM

+3 Boost

Mmmmmmm! I want one!!!

dlin - 12/2/2009 10:45:30 PM

+1 Boost

Because VK50VE is more efficient than VK56VD.

The only reason INFINITI didn't put in VK50VE is because output is 'only' 390hp, and 'somewhat' too close to 330hp of VQ37VHR.

onetime - 12/3/2009 12:04:00 AM

+4 Boost

Looks gorgeous! Those masculine muscular looks appeal more than any other German brands' design...

Anthony - 12/3/2009 1:12:16 AM

+2 Boost

The front is a little off to me but the overall look of the car is gorgeous. This is the Japanese equivalent of the Jag XF in terms of design, in my opinion.

LuxuryFan - 12/3/2009 7:19:15 AM

0 Boost

With those lines and proportions, it looks like some bulbous Korean monstrosity - not a vehicle from Nissan's premium brand.

M53R - 12/3/2009 8:23:55 AM

+2 Boost

I think it looks great from the front and the rear. The only thing that doesn't look Infiniti-ish is the side profile. Unlike the older generation which had a strong, sporty looking side profile, this one looks more on the luxury side... It doesn't really fit with the Infiniti image. But overall, its a nice design. I can't wait for the comparisons between this and the new 5 series.

LuxuryFan - 12/3/2009 3:49:14 PM

-1 Boost

The cabin is a grotesque amalgam of ideas better executed in more competent design studios.