Monterey 2009: 2011 Infiniti M makes virtual reveal in Pebble
by Damon Lavrinc on Aug 14th 2009 at 9:30PM 
2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you distill Monterey's week-long extravaganza into a single word, it's "luxury." Sybaritic pleasures are the order du jour in and around Pebble, so Infiniti's decision to reveal the 2011 M on the Monterey Peninsula is a clear indication of the brand's interminable pursuit of recognition and respect in the world of up-market automobiles.
Infiniti is well aware that becoming a major player in the segment doesn't begin and end with creating a dynamically engaging and aesthetically pleasing entry-level luxury sedan and coupe. It's got to go big – or at least bigger – filling a niche that falls somewhere between the BMW 5 Series/Mercedes-Benz E-Class and 7 Series/S-Class.
Taking all the right cues from the Essence concept, the all-new M successfully distills the organic shapes and angular creases of its conceptual forbearer into a traditional sports sedan shape. The front fascia's engorged maw blends well with the aggressive headlamps and curvaceous lower valence, and while things are somewhat subdued in profile, the real action starts with the shapely swage line beginning in the middle of the rear door and sweeping back into the Jaguar-esque tail lamps and pinched rump. The exterior's sinuous lines carry over to the inside, with a duo of convex interior compartments accentuated by a smattering of wood and aluminum. There's also some new technology, including a unique take on the blind spot intervention system that actually helps the driver back into his original lane if another car is detected alongside.
We're hoping to snag more details when we take a look at Infiniti's "virtual M" tonight, where the automaker is employing a bespoke "video mapping" system to display the M's details and colors onto a full-scale model of the sedan. Infiniti's third-generation flagship is set to go on sale in 32 markets in the spring of 2010 and will be available in either V6 M37 trim or a 400-hp V8-powered M56 variant. Full details in the press release below the fold.
UPDATE: Click here to watch a live stream of the 2011 Infiniti M being unveiled in Monterey.
Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M
PRESS RELEASE
2011 Infiniti M Makes Virtual Debut at Concours d'Elegance
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2009) – Infiniti today provided an advanced look at the all-new 2011 Infiniti M performance luxury sedan at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. This is the third generation of Infiniti's popular M and the first to be sold across all of Infiniti's 32 markets around the world, including Western Europe.
Like the current Infiniti M, the next-generation design will be offered with V8 and V6 engines. The 2011 M models will be designated the Infiniti M56 and Infiniti M37 respectively, reflecting their more powerful, larger displacement engines. The M56 V8 is expected to offer more than 400 horsepower. For Western Europe, the M56 will be replaced by a V6 performance diesel.
The 2011 Infiniti M also features a completely redesigned body, with authentic sports sedan proportions and evocative new styling with a low front end and deeply sculpted fenders inspired by the Infiniti Essence concept car. The new M interior promises to be pure Infiniti, highlighted by the use of innovative materials, an advanced climate control system, superior audio and an enhanced quality feel. Despite improved performance from the new engine lineup, fuel consumption will be reduced.
In addition, the 2011 M will continue Infiniti's technology innovation leadership with a blind spot intervention system. This industry-first system is designed to help alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in an adjacent lane during an intended lane change, and then help assist the driver in returning the vehicle toward the center of the original lane of travel.
The 2011 Infiniti M, which is scheduled to go on sale across the world starting from spring 2010, was revealed through a unique "video mapping" process – in which a "virtual M" was created on a 3D form. It is the world's first "virtual only" (no physical vehicle) automotive application of this cutting-edge technology. The 2011 Infiniti M will make its official public debut later this year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
jcnspots 9:35PM (8/14/2009)
Oh please. BORING looks- could be from anyone- including Hyundai or Kia.... totally anonymous. Like 99.9% of all other new cars on the road. Yawn.
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nastinupe 9:48PM (8/14/2009)
Looks like they took the previous M and put it in the microwave for 20 seconds.
mr.ed 10:13PM (8/14/2009)
A blown up Hyundai Elantra, fersure.
Farmboy 10:06PM (8/14/2009)
oh s***, there was ketchup in there.
inteller 10:08PM (8/14/2009)
extremely disappointed. The brush stroke profile hinted at a shooting brake like the EX35...this is just more of the same.....lame.
and a 5.6L? really Infiniti? ever heard of turbos?
HotRodzNKustoms 10:17PM (8/14/2009)
I think M stands for Maxima cause it looks just like a Maxima
PJ 12:21PM (8/15/2009)
Boring and anonymous? Really?
This is actually huge change for the M. If you remember the 2003-2005 version, which was basically a rebadged Nissan Gloria (and thus extremely conservative-looking, in keeping with the JDM's traditional luxury-car preferences), the flame surfacing and long-hood/short-deck proportions of this new model are very brave stuff.
Maybe it's time to take the F40/Diablo SV/McLaren F1 posters off your bedroom walls, guys... ;-)
Tyler 1:34PM (8/15/2009)
It doesn't look bad IMO it's just that they could have done a lot more. It looks like a facelift.
drew 9:14PM (8/16/2009)
so ugly, I expected more
Xa 10:18PM (8/16/2009)
@ inteller
i can't tell if you're 15 year old internet ricer or just stupid. an NA 5.6L is torque and horsepower where you want it, when you want it. this is an adults car, not a honda civic with altezzas.
on topic, this redesign is acceptable. it excites me more than the new e-class or the up coming 5 series....... THOSE are boring designs.
pickles 9:39PM (8/14/2009)
Buick.
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Jamarr 10:36PM (8/14/2009)
Man I was thinking the same thing! Its almost as if they looked at the 09 Lacrosse, snapped their fingers and clapped their hands, and pressed the easy button.
AMcA 7:54PM (8/15/2009)
NO, that shape doesn't have the coherence of the LaCrosse.
Black Assassin 9:41PM (8/14/2009)
Just a bigger "G" to me. Was hoping for more!
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Michael 11:09PM (8/14/2009)
I second that thought....
hyundaifans.com 8:58AM (8/15/2009)
Yep i agree. While not necessarily a bad thing, i was also hoping for more.
Jung 9:42PM (8/14/2009)
Interior looks like everything is melting....
kind of reminds me of salvador dali's paintings... lolz..
I think they went a bit far on the door panels, but the I still like it. Love the exterior!
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Richard 2:19AM (8/15/2009)
Brilliant!
I was thinking the same thing, but didn't see how Dali-esque it is. I must need MORE acid!
Ligor 12:45PM (8/16/2009)
love the interior
I can say the S-class, 7-series wish their interior looked this good. the 5-series and squared off E-class are definitely not on par to this
the exterior - It's good. I expected a bit nmore up-front. No way do I like the upfront looking like the G37 coupe just bigger
the rest is fine by me, just no outstanding.
overall - i'd pick this over a 5-series, E-class, GS, A6 without hesitation
those looking at Buick, phuuuleaseee don't put Buick in the same sentence, no where near 50% as good as this one
Taglane 9:42PM (8/14/2009)
OMG The rear deck looks like a Kizashi! That's so weird. (mainly the lights and integrated spoiler)
Overall it looks the same with curvier styling and is the interior basically the same????... Like I said before... weird.. Maybe it'll grow on me.
weird....
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