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Along with the more aggressive dimensions, the new Infiniti M56's sportier appearance can be attributed to the deep body shape of the fenders and doors that give the Infiniti M56 sedan a powerful look unlike anything on the road. The new wave-style doors are constructed from aluminum for light weight, despite the material's difficult formability. The stamping dies for each door are hand polished to maintain their precision and every door undergoes an exacting human inspection, providing a handcrafted level of quality.

Like the previous M, the new design optimizes both luxury and sport styling cues - with an expressive, signature Infiniti double-arch upright low grille and crystal-look headlight clusters, large aluminum-alloy wheels, and a wave-like trunk with a high aerodynamic performance that works like a spoiler to increase downforce. Infiniti M56 equipped with the optional Sport Package also features a unique front fascia, dark finish grille, dark headlight housings and 20-inch wheels and tires.

Underneath and unseen, though contributing to the new Infiniti M56's low coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero lift front and rear, are a series of aerodynamic enhancers including front tire deflector, engine under cover, center floor cover, rear tire deflectors, exhaust cover, floor side fairings and rear diffuser.

A Roomy, Welcoming Interior

Unlike other performance luxury sedans that prioritize the impression their vehicles make on others, Infiniti's intention is different - with the focus centered around the individual driving the car. Nowhere is this philosophy more apparent than in the new M56's interior that adapts to different driver conditions. Created almost as a "second skin," the carefully tailored and crafted Infiniti M56 cockpit is intended to be an extension of the driver.

The Infiniti M56's engineers and designers researched all areas of the M56 interior, from the space between and shape of switches and controls to the response of occupants to material softness and textures. The result is what its creators describe as a "warm human accuracy with sensuality."

"The goal of the new M56's interior is to present an elegant yet functional design that combines artistry with precision, comfort with innovation - all in support of enhancing driving performance and passenger enjoyment," said Poore. "From the handcrafted wood accents to the custom leather appointments, we've made luxury more sensory and alluring."

Careful attention was paid to identifying the precise location for key controls, using consistent shapes and groupings for controls that work in the same manner. There are three areas of operability - the sight information area, the operation area and the easy access area.

The Infiniti M56 instrument panel features Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges, gear-like rings on the instrument cluster meters, a 7.0-inch color vehicle information display and Infiniti analog clock. Leather-appointed, heated 10-way power driver and front passenger's seats including 2-way power lumbar support are standard, along with a dual occupant memory system for the driver's seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors - which can be linked to the individual Intelligent Keys. In addition, each 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 also contribute to the M56's outstanding level of standard luxury appointments.

Standard technology equipment includes Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Infiniti Intelligent Key with Illuminated Push Button Ignition, HomeLink Universal Transceiver and RearView Monitor.

Other interior highlights include a large center console, power windows with one-touch up/down and auto-reverse feature, power door locks with automatic locking feature, power trunk release, retained accessory power for windows and moonroof, standard XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately) and 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD, Radio Data System (RDS), USB Connection Port for iPod interface and other compatible devices, steering wheel audio controls and speed-sensitive volume control.

For buyers seeking a slightly higher level of features and technology, the Premium Package adds the next-generation Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8.0-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM subscription required, sold separately), Zagat Restaurant Guide, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.

An Advanced Powerplant, A Naturally Dynamic Driving Feel

Infiniti engineers envisioned the all-new M56 to deliver a more fluid, naturally dynamic performance feeling, sculpting the power of the VVEL-equipped 5.6-liter V8 to release like a rising wave.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve. The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine's throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.

The M56's 5.6-liter VVEL, 32-valve, DOHC, Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) aluminum-alloy V8 is rated at 420 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque, increases of 95 horsepower and 81 lb-ft of torque versus the previous 4.5-liter V8.

The new DIG system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offered more precise injection control.

All 2011 M56 models come standard with Infiniti's refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching, which allows for sportier shifts during spirited driving. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are also included in the Sport Package (RWD models only).

Estimated fuel economy for the 2011 M56 is rated at 16 mpg City/25 mpg Highway (an increase of 4 mpg City), while the M56x achieves fuel economy of 16 mpg City and 23 mpg Highway - increases of 2 mpg City and 3 mpg Highway.

A unique new feature of the 2011 M56 is Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, an integrated control system that allows drivers to select from four driving modes, depending on mood or driving conditions, with a dial switch located on the center console. Each mode, Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow, adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance.

The Infiniti M56 suspension continues the previous generation's independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear, along with front and rear stabilizer bars. The rear suspension geometry has been updated to provide a quieter and improved ride.

The Sport Package's sport-tuned suspension includes new double-piston shock absorbers that provide a high damping force at low frequency vibrations for a flat ride and low damping force at high frequency vibrations for a smoother ride.

Also available with the Sport Package is the 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system, which helps provide lower steering effort and agile handling at low/medium speeds and a more stable feel at higher speeds. Depending on the vehicle speed and the steering angle, the rear wheels are steered in-phase with the front wheels.

Active Trace Control System

A new Active Trace Control system, included with the Technology Package, helps enhance the transition from braking into and then accelerating out of corners. The system utilizes the M's VDC system to help improve cornering feel by automatically applying the brakes so that load is increased on the front wheels. The system also modulates engine torque to further enhance control.

The Active Trace Control system also applies selective braking to help create increased steering response in S-turns and other steering operations. When Sport mode is engaged (on the Infiniti Drive Mode Selector), the level of braking applied by this feature is reduced.

Advanced Safety and Security Systems

The 2011 Infiniti M56 is available with a number of innovative technologies designed to help avoid potentially dangerous situations. The M56 again offers Infiniti's Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. The LDW and LDP systems use a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual display and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes.

New for 2011 is the addition of the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) systems, which are available as part of the M Technology Package. BSW illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then uses the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sound. BSI is another world-first safety feature from Infiniti and takes blind spot technology to the next level. If the vehicle gets close to the lane marker and another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area, the indicator flashes, an audible warning sounds, and selective braking is applied to one side of the vehicle to help the driver bring the vehicle back to the center of the driving lane. BSI operates regardless of turn signal usage.

Other available safety features include Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

Infiniti M56: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications