Remember Zevolution? It was a derogatory term in the car biz that described the gradual, inexorable inflation of a car's curb weight and silhouette, predicated on the Nissan Z-car's propensity to swell with each successive generation. Zevolution does to cars what foie gras does to your waistline.
That was years ago, when a looming coronary prompted the Z's caretakers to stem these deleterious effects of aging. Still, Zevolution left a bad taste in the mouths of sports car snobs and the term lives on.
Oddly enough, here we are with another Nissan cum Infiniti, the 2011 Infiniti M56, and the situation is eerily familiar. Increased weight. A bigger shadow. More to love, we hope, as we approach the taped-up test cars we will be driving during a sneak preview in Southern California.
Larger, Swoopier
Based on the second-generation FM platform that currently underpins the Nissan 370Z and Infiniti's FX50 and G37, the new 2011 Infiniti M56 introduces minor changes in overall length and height compared to its predecessor, while the front track increases 1.4 inches and the rear by 0.8 inch.
More significant, Nissan has widened the M by 2 inches and kept the same wheelbase as before. Thus the 2011 M56 suggests "premium" in the way that only a more spacious cabin can.
The soft, flowing lines of the redesigned M series are deadly effective at two things. One, they create visual ties to the Essence showcar (as well as the slightly smaller G37 sedan), and two, they instantly make the 2009 M appear dated, narrow and even a bit frumpy. That car's featureless flanks are replaced by a seductively curved midsection comprised of doors formed from aluminum. Gone are the awkwardly oversize taillights. The 2011 Infiniti M56 is elegant and easy on the eyes, though some might miss the brash chunkiness of the old M.
Featuring a seven-speed automatic transmission, the M56's powertrain is unquestionably capable.
Sold as the Nissan Fuga in Japan, this 2011 model of Infiniti's competitor for the BMW 5 Series is the first M to be sold in Europe, where it will be available with a diesel. Don't get your hopes up that the oil-burner will be sold Stateside, though.
Direct-Injection V8
Infiniti's suggestive model naming convention remains intact with the new M series, and in the 2011 Infiniti M56 this spells a 5.6-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 417 pound-feet of torque according to Nissan's preliminary numbers.
If you've been paying attention, this represents an increase of 1.1 liters and nearly 100 hp compared to the erstwhile M45's 4.5-liter V8. Lesser M37 models are equipped with the familiar VQ37 3.7-liter V6, churning out 330 hp (27 hp more than the current V6-powered M) and 270 lb-ft of torque.
The corporate VK engine architecture forms the basis of the M56's V8, which exists elsewhere in 5.0-liter and 5.6-liter form in the Infiniti FX50 and the company's trucky applications. The difference lies in the numerous details, starting with unique cylinder heads on the M56's power plant that feature direct injection and variable valve timing and lift. Nissan's eggheads report that these measures make the new V8 some 10 percent more efficient than the outgoing 4.5-liter lump despite the large increase in displacement.
Featuring a seven-speed automatic transmission, the M56's powertrain is unquestionably capable. Gearchanges are fluid and smooth and there's ample torque across the rev range. The way this hardware pairing goes about moving the big sedan is unobtrusive and effective, though more of the right kinds of sounds — an intake note or a bit of exhaust burble, perhaps — would be fine with us. We like a bit of sizzle to go with our steak.
Agility Belies Its Size
Nissan reckons the 2011 Infiniti M56 offers class-leading interior space, and we couldn't find any evidence to dispute this. And while greenhouses continue their miniaturization act elsewhere in the motoring world, the M's beltline throws this trend a French curve — outward visibility is refreshingly panoramic, at least from the front chairs. The open cabin layout, similar in philosophical concept to the current car, serves to emphasize the sense of volume inside.
The double wishbone front suspension is carried over from the previous car. In the rear, a mildly revised rear suspension geometry affords more lateral stiffness, and although four-wheel steering is available, it differs slightly from the system offered on the G37 in the interests of functional transparency. Indeed, when lobbing the M from apex to apex on some of Southern California's best driving roads, this big sedan shrinks around you. Its steering weights up less abruptly than in other Nissan and Infiniti sedans, and it exhibits a willingness to change direction that is downright feline for its size.
The lighter V6 in the nose of the M37 lends the chassis even more spryness, and the adaptive behavior of the seven-speed transmission as paired to the V6 is simply brilliant. We'd go so far as to say that in this stage of development, the M37x we drove — even in all-wheel-drive guise — gets the nod over the M56 as the more engaging drive.
We were driving development mules, however, and Nissan's engineers were still in the process of fine-tuning the M's character at the time of our drive. We've since been told that the personality of production versions of the 2011 Infiniti M56 will be enhanced through revisions to the throttle and transmission calibrations, and that they're taking another pass at its aural signature.
More Sport, Less Stink
M models equipped with the Sport package will receive sexy 20-inch wheels with 245/40R20 summer tires, firmer springs and dampers, bigger brakes (14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors, up from 12.6 and 12.1-inches in non-Sport models) with four-piston front calipers and the aforementioned four wheel-steering. Unique interior trimmings for Sport models include seats and gear selector, plus a steering wheel equipped with shift paddles. Even so, the M56 doesn't forget it's a luxury car — the Sport package's underpinnings absorb the harsh thumps of crappy roads gracefully.
Likewise, the M56's technology credentials check all the right boxes for a modern luxury sedan. Available features include lane departure correction, various settings for the powertrain's snappiness, intelligent cruise control and a blind-spot intervention system. There's even an air-conditioning system called Forest A/C that actively neutralizes stinky odors, modulates humidity and creates an oscillating breeze. You know, like in a forest.
More of a Good Thing
The 2011 Infiniti M56 reaches dealerships next spring, and with it you'll be getting more car for roughly the same money (although official pricing hasn't yet been announced). We'll have to reserve final judgment for when we drive the finished product, but our early experience suggests that most of the right notes have been struck. And it's all in a wrapper that is sure to bring new blood to the Infiniti fold.
More space, speed, shape and cutting-edge technology. It turns out we don't mind a little Zevolution when it comes to luxury sedans. In fact, we embrace it.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Add A Comment »
tonkatoytruck says:
09:55 AM, 03/21/2010
Infinity finally figured out that power does matter. At least it will get some consideration from shoppers of the 5 series, E class, Jaguar, and A6.
It may take some time but the engine is a good step in the right direction. Is is too little too late? Time will tell but with EPA standards constantly raising the bar, time is awaisting.
nicked says:
11:14 AM, 03/04/2010
It looks cheap - big "No No" for luxury cars.
rlyon says:
08:56 AM, 03/03/2010
The swooshing lines are too heavy and the they aren't balanced with the overall flow of the car. I don't like the exterior at all except that I'm happy to see that Infiniti finally gave the M flared fenders rather than cutting the side panels flat like the old version. Interior is nice, exterior, not so much.
nissmazlover says:
09:23 AM, 03/02/2010
No disrespect, but whoever says this car is ugly is utterly BLIND. This car is absolute GORGEOUS inside and out! I have been losing hope in all exterior car designs as of late since most just keep getting uglier and uglier (or, more boring), but this new M breathes new life to the whole automotive design world. It's beautiful, sexy and appeals to both masculine and feminine sensibilities. Infiniti did a GREAT job! Gorgeous. It doesn't remind me of an Elantra, or even a Maxima. If anything, its Maserati influences are apparent.
ptcdawg says:
06:59 AM, 03/02/2010
Nothing wrong with a polarizing design...not everyone is going to buy it anyways. I like it.....it doesn't look like every other 4 door on the market....
lawboy26 says:
08:28 PM, 02/26/2010
If the Maxima and G37 sedan mated this would be their child!
nutsaboutcars says:
07:50 PM, 12/03/2009
The rear end looks like a toyota camry and I here that the suspension in the non sport model is unrefined and harsh over imperfect roads for which Iam not a fan of
joker213 says:
05:08 PM, 11/29/2009
it just look ugly no exterior disign at all but don't take wrong inside looks pretty nice
greenacura says:
01:56 PM, 11/27/2009
Looks a lot like the 2010 Nissan Maxima inside and out. You can get a Maxima for a lot less!
attackofthepat says:
10:15 PM, 11/26/2009
NO MATTER how many times i look at this car....all I see is the Hyundai Elantra...google both cars and find a pic of each from the same angle, (it's especially evident from front 3/4) put them side by side on your monitor...you'll see what I mean...they have almost identical swoopy designs, and almost identical side window shapes, both respective to their size of course, and honestly....it looks cheap on both cars...that styling is what I imagine a design crew would resort to when they run out of ideas....When stumped, make it bubbly? meh....ill take my cars with sharp creases and character lines, thanks....at least the interior is a major improvement.
lions208487 says:
07:24 PM, 11/25/2009
A well taken care of Q45 has some similar traits to the design of this car, but if the evalution of design were a trait of total redesign then BMW, Mercedes, and Audi would all be out of business. These German engineered auto makers have descovered that subtle style ques while advancement in engineering go a long way, and Infiniti is the only Japanese auto maker to do that same thing. The new M is outstanding inside and out, and just like the first gen M, it will take the top spot over the 5 series. Just as the M35/45 did in reviews in C/D mag the first two years it came on the market. Yes it looks like a cross between the Maxima and the G37, but to me that's not a bad thing. This car is absolutley beautiful, and I would trade in my Audi to get one.
icecubefosho says:
04:17 PM, 11/25/2009
Yes it IS very Maxima-like which is also very 2002 Infiniti Q45-like but of course, nobody knows about that car.
gaspasser5 says:
01:26 PM, 11/25/2009
Yeah. I asked my 24 year old son to tell me what the new M reminded him of. First word out of his mouth....Maxima.
jazzor says:
06:39 AM, 11/25/2009
I admire and completely fell in love with that interior... But I'd be scared to get inside that car to beghin with... Exterior styling is like the newest Maxima... ugly as sin.
paulvincent1 says:
05:57 AM, 11/25/2009
Would it be too much to ask that this review be written in plain English?
luxurycarlover says:
03:40 AM, 11/25/2009
I think it looks amazing
cino_iconic says:
08:52 PM, 11/24/2009
Oh there is nothing less from Infiniti. Nissan is the best Japanese company in designing.
deandre94 says:
08:10 PM, 11/24/2009
I absolutely love everything about the car
and I also respect the design
Infinti wasn't scared to design the car, they gave it character
And they tried things that no other company would
Car are starting to look more and more alike everyday but if I see this car in person I know it would stand out to me
Some people are going to like it and some people won't but I love it !!!!
drewsrx says:
08:02 PM, 11/24/2009
Really nice looking car. Really like the flowing lines, and it looks aggressive. It is rather interesting that they are using Edmunds input for finishing the final product. The 420 HP V8 sounds pretty awesome. The new 550i vs. new M56S comparison is going to be good.
mozzz77788 says:
06:12 PM, 11/24/2009
sexy!!!
cr_driver says:
05:59 PM, 11/24/2009
I`ll pass definitely. Nice interior thou.
icecubefosho says:
04:50 PM, 11/24/2009
Thats one great interior!
Heres to hoping theres also an aluminum trim! Black Leather + Aluminum with Gray exterior = Drool
avus9 says:
04:44 PM, 11/24/2009
i recently drove an M35 rental for about a week.
it left me a rather pleasant impression -- good ride quality, high grade of interior materials, sporty nature. the only thing that soured it all was the rather reluctant automatic -- here's hoping the new 7spd auto is smoother and 'smarter'. if so, i'd be in the market for one later next year
zoolander1 says:
04:11 PM, 11/24/2009
Yes, the headlights have been swallowed by the body, the C-pillars/rear doors remind me of my Lexus IS350, the rear end reminds me of the Elantra and in some angles it reminds me of the TIBURON!!! Wow, the melting pot of asian automotive industry.
I LOVE the quality, reputation, reliability of most Japanese automoviles, but Lexus, Infiniti and Acura have failed to build appealing automoviles with only some glorious excemptions. I have owned them all but mainly because of the reliability and technology but they lack soul.
wizard8873 says:
02:17 PM, 11/24/2009
I like the look but the back, even though it did have those oversized lights, did give it character. now it just reminds me of the Jaguar XF. As for the M56 vs 5 Series, it's one that comes down to a personal taste. I'd take the M over the 5 since it has a much nicer and pleasing interior, it handles great (comparing the M45 Sport to current 550i), and a lot of the features are standard where in the 5 series, you have to pay extra.
gaspasser5 says:
02:05 PM, 11/24/2009
I agree with bankerdanny. The first thing that came to mind when I saw the first picture of the new M was Maserati. Definately a sexy departure for a Japanese car. I'll pass final judgement when I see the car in person next spring.
caroftheweek says:
02:03 PM, 11/24/2009
The headlights and grill look like they're being swallowed up by the car, as if the body were made of marshmallow it cooked under the heat lamp for a bit too long. Puffed up and droopy. Maybe it'll look better, muscular rather than bloated, in a brighter metallic shade. In black it kinda reminds me of this..
http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/12/2009/11/500x_fat-car.jpg
adavis2493 says:
01:39 PM, 11/24/2009
I have actually always preferred the Infinti M Series over the current 5-Series (I must admit, I LOVED the previous Generation), but I must say, this is another foul face coming from Asia.
The rear looks like the new E-Class, while the front looks like it is over-styled, like the FX. The silhouette of the new M has that hatchback look to it, similar to that of the Panamera (which is a Hatchback).
Just because it's a Porsche, doesn't mean it looks good.
bankerdanny says:
01:31 PM, 11/24/2009
I like it. Very Italian. I see hints of the Quatroporte, which is a good thing.
dnoodles says:
01:22 PM, 11/24/2009
seems like people really like the look of this car... but there has to be one in every crowd, and i guess this time it's me.
i think this car is wall to wall hideous. aside from the headlamps, not one single line, curve or bulge appeals to me.
alman08 says:
01:21 PM, 11/24/2009
don't know what they're thinking about, but M56 has always been better than the 5 series minus MAYBE the M5... and it's a big maybe.
DLu says:
12:31 PM, 11/24/2009
the '09 G37 sedan's auto takes a long time to adjust to new driving habits, and still shifts abruptly in an eager attempt to hold a lower gear when you try to drive (with the in-laws?) smoothly. the ride is also somehow more uncomfortable than the 3-series without any added control. hope the M is more refined!
firstclass says:
12:04 PM, 11/24/2009
It's much more aggressive than the outgoing model and what surprises me is that they did it without a single striate edge. A lot of manufactures have gone with angular lines to give their cars a masculine look. All the curves and budges say there's muscle under the skin without being robotic. Good to see they gave the M soul. And obviously want to attract more male buyers.
zoomzoomn says:
11:12 AM, 11/24/2009
This looks like a pretty aggressive styling departure from the current M. The overall cues are there, but in a much more fluid and dynamic form. I like it.
ducman43 says:
11:04 AM, 11/24/2009
very nice, now put the v8 in the coupe, lighten it up and go after the m3. put a manual on it and i will be hunting one down in 5-7 years