Inifiniti M finally gets an invite to the dance
Inifiniti M finally gets an invite to the dance
August 2, 2010
BY JEFF TAYLOR – SearchChicago-Autos Correspondent
The previous generation Infiniti M sedan was a luxury car on the outside looking in.
The shindig was going full bore with Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, BMW and Audi having a great time mingling with luxury car buyers, but the previous Infiniti M was not part of the festivities.
For 2011 Infiniti worked hard to secure an invitation for the M sedans. On sale now, the M sedans offer two party favors: M37 (V-6) and M56 (V-8) with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. I tested these versions recently at a new model introduction and I have to say Infiniti is now part of the “in” crowd.
The M line begins with a base price of $46,250 (M37 RWD) and tops out at $60,050 (M56x AWD) before options are added.
For 2011 I have to say that Infiniti designers really crafted a new exterior design that is more expressive, appealing and luxurious than the previous model.
The new M design features the signature Infiniti double-arch upright grille, crystal-prism headlights, sharp-looking aluminum-alloy wheels and finishes with a wavelike trunk that Infiniti says acts like a spoiler to increase down force.
Buyers who select the optional sport package ($3,650) will receive (among other items) a unique front fascia, dark finish grille, dark headlight surrounds and 20-inch wheels and tires that would look at home on a sports car.
For 2011 the M wheelbase of 114.2 inches remains the same as last year’s model; however width has been expanded by 1.5 inches (72.6 inches), length increases marginally by 0.6-inch (194.7 inches) and overall height drops by 0.3-inch (59.1 inches).
Inside, the M’s interior has taken a big leap forward with a renewed emphasis on luxury and not sport. Infiniti has liberally fitted the interior with high-quality wood trim, supple leather and soft-touch pieces and reduced the heavy plastic content of the previous model.
A high-tech instrument panel features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, and a center-mounted LCD screen dominates the dash with supporting controls arranged below. The screen features great graphics and it is easy to navigate through. Overall the design is fresh, rich looking and has a high level of fit and finish.
Some of the standard technology features on the 2011 M include Bluetooth hands-free phone system, HomeLink universal transceiver, Infiniti intelligent key with illuminated push button ignition and rearview monitor. The intelligent key remembers the last used climate control, audio and navigation settings. An entry/exit assist system for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, heated front seats, sequential welcome lighting illuminated entry system and dual-zone automatic temperature help round out the M’s passenger pampering.
Some of the available options I was able to experience included a next-generation Infiniti hard drive navigation system, Bose studio surround premium audio system, and intelligent cruise control (full-speed range).
Infiniti provided us with comparative models and after a little evaluation I concluded that the M’s seating, interior layout and level of luxury was on par with the rest of the party. Drivers and front passengers have plenty of shoulder and headroom – even with the power moon roof.
A wide center console steals some legroom, but dual front-passenger 10-way power seat adjustment helps. Rear seat comfort and legroom is fine for two outboard passengers, but the center seat rider loses precious legroom due to drive shaft intrusion. The sloping roofline and smaller windows conspire to enclose rear passengers.
The word “blistering” best describes the power increases Infiniti worked into the two M versions. The M37 features a high-revving 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 engine – a 9 percent increase over 2010. Not enough for you? Well then step right up to the M56 with a mighty 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 – a 95-horsepower increase over last year. Torque for the M56 is way up, increasing 24 percent to 417 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm.
Both the M37 and M56 engines are backed with an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission offering a manual-shift mode, optional paddle shifters and rev-matching. This is an ultra smooth unit; the paddle shifters were responsive and thankfully did not exhibit a “light switch” feeling while flipping through the gears.
Infiniti’s drive mode selector is a sophisticated four-mode driver-selectable control for throttle and transmission mapping that helps optimize vehicle performance. The selector also adjusts the four-wheel active steer settings when buyers opt for the sport package ($3,650). Active trace control adjusts engine torque and the control of braking at each of the four wheels to help enhance cornering performance.
An eco pedal provides driver feedback to help to drivers maximize fuel economy. On that subject, the M37 checks in with Environmental Protection Agency numbers of 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway – increases of 1 mpg over last year. As you would expect, the EPA numbers for the more powerful M56 are lower, but they are respectable at 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway – an increase of 4 mpg highway over the previous model.
The driving experience begins in the rear, where the M rolls the power off. All-wheel drive is available on both the M37 and M56. The M sedans use an advanced front midship platform, which Infinity designed to set the engine behind the front axle to create a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance.
The previous generation’s independent double-wishbone design in front and multilink independent system in the rear is carried over from the previous generation along with the front and rear stabilizer bars. Infiniti revised the rear suspension geometry and the ride is a little firmer with less give this time around.
Infiniti adds a high level of technology to the driving experience with lane departure warning and lane departure prevention systems, distance control assist, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning and front pre-crash seat belts.
On the curvy roads Infiniti mapped out for the program I was able to open up the M37 and spirited M56. Both cars return a very satisfying driving experience – crisp, controlled and responsive – wrapped with a high level of luxury and passenger pampering.
The 2011 Infiniti M37 and M56 sedans will not dethrone the BMW 5 Series or Jaguar XF, but they will run with the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class competitors and stay ahead of the Lincoln MKS and upstart Hyundai Genesis.
Infiniti G37 vs Cadillac CTS Coupe
The last time the Infiniti G37 Coupe went head-to-head against a competitor in an MT test, it scored an upset victory against the longtime luxury sport coupe champ, the BMW 3 Series. That was approximately three years ago. Since then, the G has received several incremental improvements. So when we found both a 2010 G37 two-door and Cadillac’s new 2011 CTS Coupe in our garage at the same time — similarly equipped, at that — we decided to pit the two against each other in a good-old-fashioned vehicular duel.
The G37, meanwhile, focuses more on the sports aspect. It has sportier seats that feature adjustable bolsters in the back as well as the pad, along with a pad extender. It has column-mounted paddle shifters that feel like they were designed to be there from the start, as opposed to the Cadillac’s steering wheel-mounted “buttons” that come off as an afterthought. It has more power, too. Its 3.7-liter V-6 is good for 330 horsepower, while the Cadillac’s 3.6-liter mill puts out “just” 304 horsepower. (The Cadillac does enjoy a 3 pound-foot advantage in the torque department.) The Infiniti achieves slightly better fuel economy than the Cadillac, but it requires premium while the CTS gulps regular unleaded.
About Grubbs Auto Group
The Grubbs family has owned many franchises together. They currently own two dealership locations that represent four automotive brands in the Dallas and Fort Worth market. Eric Grubbs serves as dealer and owner of Grubbs Nissan-Chrysler-Jeep in Bedford, Texas. George Grubbs, Jr. and George Grubbs, III serve together as owners of Grubbs Infiniti in Euless, Texas. The family has now sold over 200,000 vehicles in the Dallas and Fort Worth area and continues to enjoy a reputation for integrity and family values.
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Grubbs Infiniti – Monthly Oil Change Give Away Winner
Congratulations to Jamie Hunt
Jamie is the winner of our July Facebook Oil Change Giveaway…
To win you just need to be a fan (or like) Grubbs Infiniti by the 1st of the month to be entered in the monthly drawing.
Congrats to Jamie and tell your friends!
About Grubbs Auto Group
The Grubbs family has owned many franchises together. They currently own two dealership locations that represent four automotive brands in the Dallas and Fort Worth market. Eric Grubbs serves as dealer and owner of Grubbs Nissan-Chrysler-Jeep in Bedford, Texas. George Grubbs, Jr. and George Grubbs, III serve together as owners of Grubbs Infiniti in Euless, Texas. The family has now sold over 200,000 vehicles in the Dallas and Fort Worth area and continues to enjoy a reputation for integrity and family values.
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Lance Armstrong – Nissan LEAF Spokesperson
You may have seen the latest Nissan Leaf commercial with Lance Armstrong while watching TV recently. Here is some additional information about his relationship with Nissan and the upcoming Tour de France.
2010 Nissan Altima Coupe: A driver’s car among the workaday choices
2010 Nissan Altima Coupe: A driver’s car among the workaday choices
By Lary Coppola
When you look at the myriad of choices for midsize sedan’s and coupes, the Nissan Altima stands head and shoulders above the rest as a real driver’s car. If you appreciate, good looks, power, and sharp handling you need to check the Altima out.
The 2010 Nissan Altima lineup offers significant changes, with both the Coupe and Sedan featuring new exterior styling, upgraded interior treatments, with more technology and entertainment features.
Powerplant choices include a four-cylinder, V6, and gas/electric Hybrid. The Altima comes in sedan and coupe versions that all offer a sportier alternative to other popular midsize cars such as the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, and venerable Toyota Camry.
The 2010 Altima Coupe — our test vehicle — comes in four well-equipped models: 2.5 S 6MT, 2.5 S CVT, 3.5 SR 6MT and 3.5 SR CVT. Our test version was the 3.5 SR Coupe, with the 6-speed automatic, so I’ll focus on that alone for the purposes of this review.
Walkaround: While the profile remains similar, the Altima Coupe has a distinctive, 
sportier look than the Sedan, with the same contours as its cousin, the Infiniti G37 Coupe. It features a new hood, grille, and front bumper, along with new projector beam headlamps and new 17-inch alloys. There’s a nice balance between the long hood, cabin, and short trunk lid, with cleanly outlined wheel arches.
The headlight and taillight clusters have been redesigned, with irregular, soft-edged, vertical trapezoids outlining the halogen headlights. Four lamps control the high beam, low beam, turn signal and parking lights. The LED taillights are sheathed with clear plastic like the headlamps, and contain a lamp cluster with the red lamp, a round white backup beam and a big orange piece for the parking lamp and turn signal.
The arc of the roof flows toward the trunk lid for a design that increases high-speed stability but does give the tail a somewhat stout look. The large rear glass offers decent rear visibility from the driver’s seat.
Interior: All models of the Nissan Altima offer a roomy, comfortable interior, with front passengers getting priority — especially in the Coupe, which because of the four-inch reduction in the wheelbase, is essentially a one or two person car. The overall fit, finish and interior refinement of the Altima is exceptionally good, featuring new fabrics for both Sedan and Coupe. The available leather has a rich feel, with soft materials used for touch surfaces like padded armrests.
The comfortable front seats in the Coupe have more aggressive bolsters than the Sedan, befitting its sporty aspirations.
The Coupe’s instrumentation has been changed and incorporates white illumination with Nissan’s signature amber. The gauges are arranged in a practical configuration, with lettering that’s sharp and easy to read. LCD insets display trip information, outside temperature, safety-related data and personalized settings.
The center stack includes three big climate control knobs at the bottom that are easy to understand and operate. Controls for the base and up-level audio systems are positioned just above. The base audio system is more than adequate, but the optional nine-speaker Bose system, which our test vehicle had, kicks butt.
The biggest change is the availability of the new premium audio upgrade, including a 4.3-inch color display, hands-free Bluetooth phone, USB port with iPod connectivity, XM Satellite Radio, a RearView Monitor, and an Intelligent Key that allows the car to be started with the key in your pocket or purse.
Another change includes an advanced Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with a 9.3GB Music Box for digital music storage and playback with a standard 6.5-inch color touch-screen display. A rearview camera is also optional.
Standard safety equipment on all 2010 Altimas include the full complement of airbags, anti-lock brakes, Nissan’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Traction Control.
Under The Hood: Our test vehicle was equipped with the V6 — a version of the same engine in Nissan’s 370Z sports car. It delivers terrific performance, with 270 ponies and 258 pound-feet of torque. It was married to Nissan’s 6-speed automatic that also features a manual shift mode.
Behind The Wheel: Great handling and the strong 3.5-liter powerplant make the American-built Nissan Altima Coupe lots of fun to drive — and at least as much fun than most of its imported competition, except perhaps its Infiniti G37 cousin.
Acceleration is strong, with the six-speed automatic delivering sharp, precise gear selection and tight shift patterns akin to those in some more expensive European sports sedans.
Although buyers shouldn’t expect pure sports car handling, the chassis feels tight, with minimal noise and vibration, while the suspension delivers responsive handling, with steering that’s true and responsive. Torque steer — the tendency of front-wheel drive cars for the steering wheel to jerk under hard acceleration — is well managed, which is saying something with a 270-hp V6. When pushed, the Coupe’s dominant characteristic is nice, safe understeer — the car wants to go straight instead of turning — which intuitively encourages the driver to ease up on the accelerator.
The strong brakes are vented discs in front and solid discs in the rear. All Altimas come with four-channel, four-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes the front/rear brake balance depending on load condition.
Whines: Even when it’s not engaged, the handbrake sits at just about the right height to trip the bottom of a coffee cup as it’s lifted out of one of the cup holders situated between the shift lever and the bi-level center storage bin. The Altima should lose the lever and go to a pedal.
Bottom Line: The Altima model line is tailored to fit a wide range of tastes and budgets. The base vehicle begins with the essentials, while the generous list of options, most grouped into packages, allows equipping the Altima at luxury-class levels. If you’re in the market for an above average daily driver that’s sporty, powerful, comfortable, handles well, is fun to drive, and offers numerous creature comforts along with state of the art technology, the 2010 Nissan Altima Coupe should be on your short list.
