[Year's_End]

Monterey 2009: 2011 Infiniti M makes virtual reveal in Pebble

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.

[TunedM2C]

I like it.

[MCMLXXXIX]

its actually pretty nice
and i badly want to push those door handles up to that line lol

[Year's_End]

I think this is a huge letdown looks-wise. Too soft, too pudgy - kind of like the G35 sedan. A pillowy dough ball with some aggressive details.

Infiniti simply doesn't know how to make attractive + interesting bumpers. I've honestly yet to see them do it.

The biggest improvement has to be the rear. They wisely downsized the taillights in comparison to the monstrous red jewels on the current M's rear. They also gave it some sort of duck tail lip, albeit it looks like a pudgy piece of clay that someone pinched.

I dunno. Color me unimpressed.

[Year's_End]

Oh, and the interior is pretty sweet. I like the wavy theme they have going on. And those seats look tight as hell, literally. Nice bolsters.

But it takes nothing from the Essence. The Essence is driver-oriented. This is bangle-era furniture styled.

[majin ssj eric]

I like it....

[Ender514]

i think it looks good. i wonder how it will perform with the 5.6 engine.

[Best-rider-77]

Nice wavy design i think i like it too. The tail lights reminds me the new Mercedes E class

[Gordon1080p]

I think it looks much better than the current Infinity M. The current model's tailights are WAY too big. Seems like Infinity is going for that CSL type trunk lip on all their latest sedan models. The new G sedan has it too.

GL

[amgthis]

Looking at the rear end from the sideview is like a Lexus ES, side reminds me of a Hyundai design. The rear is odd, however, cars tend to grow on me

[immiketoo]

Its a compilation of a porsche trans america, Audi S5, Hyundai Tiburon and a nissan of some type. Epic Fail

[nova_G]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Loyalist

I think this is a huge letdown looks-wise. Too soft, too pudgy - kind of like the G35 sedan. A pillowy dough ball with some aggressive details.

Infiniti simply doesn't know how to make attractive + interesting bumpers. I've honestly yet to see them do it.

The biggest improvement has to be the rear. They wisely downsized the taillights in comparison to the monstrous red jewels on the current M's rear. They also gave it some sort of duck tail lip, albeit it looks like a pudgy piece of clay that someone pinched.

I dunno. Color me unimpressed.

Obviously looks are subjective, but I disagree with you. IMO, the front is the most attractive part, resembles the M3's front. The sides and rear remind me too much of the current G sedan with a little twist. I do however, agree with you on the taillights, the older versions were way too busy. From the pics that have been provided so far, the biggest improvement IMO, is the interior.

[Inspired]

doesnt look half bad ..

nice interior though..

[TheAcAvenger]

I liked it until I saw the rear. It's like the Jag XF, just a lot curvier and a lot more feminine. I'll pass this time around. The car it replaced was a very bold looking vehicle. This one just doesn't have it.

[Boost Gomez]

I'm just gonna leave this here.

[ohaywood]

Fail, IMO. That looks like a wavier G sedan.

[Rick Hunter]

Looks OK. A little too curvy in some spots, and a little too much like the current generation Maxima in the front.

Should be packed full of good tech. And for that I'd hit it over a Lexus or Acura.

[touareg]

Originally Posted by Rick Hunter

Looks OK. A little too curvy in some spots, and a little too much like the current generation Maxima in the front.

+1 ...After seeing the 1st photo, I thought it looked kinda familiar, then after seeing the 2nd photo, the Maxima popped into my head. I think it's fairly good looking, hopefully it'll have more presence in-person than in these renderings

[TWiTCHY]

Wavy and bulbous...which I like

Will it carry the same VQ V6 found in their Gs?

[montreal red]

looks much better than the current one... the interior is kinda trippy.

[blue2fire]

I think the new Ack RL would do better with Tech (and everything else except power). Honda always leads that pack with that and it is rumored that they would style it in the vein of the CLS.

[335ifanatic]

I think it looks good as well.