2011 Infiniti M56 S: Knocked Down, but it Can Get Up and Go

In 2010 Motor Trend
tested the a 303 horse-
power seven-speed
Infiniti M35 S and it
finished eighth out of
eight cars. Dead last
is not a good thing!

The Infiniti was knocked
down but the automaker
has basically said forget
about the past, get up,
and move forward!

And for 2011, the auto-

maker has introduced a third generation Infiniti M56 S that is more powerful,
stylish, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced. The result is an upper level
car that will be formidable in a luxury sedan showdown.

So, what does the new M56 S have to offer? For starters, it is up 0.6 inch
in length and 1.5 inches in width but down 0.3 inch in height. Additionally,
the car has more curvaceous sheet-metal with up to 20 inch optional wheels
(18 inch wheels are standard). Of note is that many of the car's styling cues
(sculpted fenders and low-slung upright grille) are derived from the visually
appealing Essence concept that grazed the 2009 Geneva Auto Show.

On the interior, the refinements include lots of premium leather and wood
grain providing a richer driving environment than the last M. Furthermore,
for drivers who are aesthetically demanding, a new deluxe touring package
includes super soft semi-aniline leather, a suede-like headliner plus unique
ash trim that includes hand-buffed genuine silver powder. The package is
a $3900 option.

The new 2011 M56 S also has a more user-friendly center upper consol
that not only has fewer buttons but it is also better oriented towards the
driver. All the occupants in this M will appreciate the available Forest
Air HVAC system. This premium system provides humidity control,
a breeze mode that alternates the airflow, and auto recirculation that
detects dust and odors and cleans the 103.6 cubic-foot (class leading)
interior.

For motivation, the M56 S has dropped the previous 3.5-liter 303 hp
V6 and the 4.5-liter 325 hp V8 engines, and now it comes equipped with
a 3.7-liter 330 hp V6 or a direct injected 5.6-liter 420 hp V8. And in the
spring of 2011, a 3.5-liter V6 will be paired with a lithium-ion battery
pack as the hybrid version.

The transmission is a seven-speed automatic that is available in two-wheel
and all-wheel drive. Additionally, a sport package is available and includes
double-piston dampers, four-wheel active steering, four-piston front brake
calipers, steering wheel shift paddles, sport seats and steering wheel/shift
knob, and 20 inch alloy wheels.

On the road, the V6 M sounds so robust that the V8 engine might not
really be needed. The V6 engine's 0-60 time is 5.6 seconds and the V8
does it in 4.8 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 18/26 for the V6 and
16/25 or the V8.

Enthusiasts will enjoy the 2011 M's magnesium shift paddles. As part
of the sport package, the paddles enable manual gear changes which in-
clude downshift rev matching. Additionally, the sport package includes
larger Akebono brakes that provide progressive and linier pedal feel and
no quit performance. Last, but not least, a new four-mode (standard,
economy, sport, and snow) Infiniti Drive system comes standard.

Depending on the engine and equipment level, expect the base price
of the new M to be priced from $46,250 to $60,050.

Does the new Infiniti M56 S have enough to compete with the new
BMW 5-Series, the Mercedes E-Class, Jaguar FX, etc.? Well, let's just
say that the class just become more competitive than ever!

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.