It’s been 21 years since Infiniti started selling vehicles in the United States. While at first they were known to be selling rebadged Nissans (Infiniti’s parent company) at a premium price, Infiniti has grown-up and evolved into its own luxury brand with global operations that include more than 230 dealers in 15 countries. Infiniti also gives its competitors, including BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, something to worry about; this was most apparent with the 2003 introduction of the G35, when Infiniti swore that it would never take its eyes off of BMW. Read more …
Infiniti made quite a splash at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The company brought its gorgeous Essence concept car—a coupe whose proportions and grace would certainly land it on the lawn for the 2059 Concours—and also (virtually) announced the 2011 Infiniti M.
Not many details were shared about the 2011 M—indeed, no physical car was even present—but Infiniti says the car will be all-new and will be offered in M37 and M56 trims. Expect the 330-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 to power the M37, but we’re guessing the naming convention for the M56 is a little less straightforward. Although Infiniti does currently offer the 5.6-liter V-8 in its QX56 mongo-ute, a more likely powerplant for the M56 is the 5.0-liter V-8 from the FX50. Backing up this claim is Infiniti’s promise of “more than 400 horsepower” for the 56, which would be an 80-hp leap for the QX powerplant, but an increase of only 10 for the FX’s. In Europe, a V-6 performance diesel will be offered in place of the M56.
The few images of the car have us expecting a beauty. It is instantly recognizable as having descended from the current M, but more intricate surface detailing adds visual pop over the comparatively slab-sided predecessor. A long crease stretches from the front fender and fades into the flank just forward of the taillight, and the shoulder line itself gets a dramatic upkick toward the rear of the car. Although nobody has yet uttered the “four-door coupe” misnomer, the gentle sweep of the rear window into the trunklid recalls the most successful designs of that niche. With the curvaceous rump, a greenhouse set far back on the chassis, and wheels stuffed into bulging fenders, the Infiniti is one sensual, muscular sedan. Read more …
