2011 Infiti M-Series Test Drive

Relaunching your flagship is a risky maneuver, but it is time for the 2011 Infiniti M. BMW's new 5-series has set sail; Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class has left the dock; Audi's latest A6 is motoring under its own power. The Infiniti M has had the Germans in it sights -- does this new edition torpedo the competition? The 2011 Infiniti M will arrive in four different configurations priced from $47,115 to $73,920 (including options), and EPA fuel economy estimates from 16 city/23 highway to 18 city/26 highway. Let's drive.

First Glance: Evolution of an M

The original Infiniti M, the M30 coupe, was part of Infiniti's birth in 1990, and lasted through 1992. The "M" marque went into hibernation until the 2003 M45 sedan emerged. In 2006 the second-generation M sedan emerged as a true contender, replacing the soon-to-be axed Q45 as Infiniti's flagship. 2011 brings us the third generation M, and it's a winner.
Where the second-gen M looked like a sedate, blend-into-the-background sedan from the outside, the 2011 M stands out in sharp relief as a fitting big brother to the distinctive G37. Infiniti's advertising and marketing emphasizes a silhouette that they like to refer to as "the gesture" -- a two-line brushstroke that recalls the elegance and flow of Japanese calligraphy. Muscular fenders and a bulging hood look like they can barely contain the beast within. The rear balances the front's muscularity with big LED taillights unifying rear corner and trunk lines. M has gone from a good-looking sedan to a gorgeous, exotic-looking car from the future.

Infiniti has always been praised for its exterior fit and finish, and M benefits from the very best levels of craftsmanship. I'm particularly enamored of Infiniti's paint jobs, which always look deep and rich to me, especially in grey tones. It's interesting to note that Infiniti has not expanded the application of the "self-healing" paint that was such a big deal when it was introduced on the EX crossover. Apparently, customers were disappointed in the functionality of the coating. In other words, it didn't work. Back to the drawing board.

source :  http://cars.about.com/od/infiniti/fr/jf_11mseries.htm