2011 Infiniti M37 Review

Overview

The all new 2011 Infiniti M37 sedan embodies Infiniti's best thinking, design and quality showcasing Infiniti's advanced and used-focused technologies. It includes new technologies like Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, a four-mode driver-selectable control of throttle and transmission mapping that optimizes vehicle performance, Active Noise Control, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Forest Air System, Eco Pedal, Active Trace Control, Double-piston Shock Absorbers and Enhanced Intelligent Key. The 2011 Infiniti M37 is offered in two well-equipped models: the M37 (V6 rear-wheel drive) and M37x AWD (V6 all-wheel drive).

Power and performance

A 3.7-liter VVEL, 24-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V6 engine rated at 330 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 270 lb-ft of torque @ 5,200 rpm provides power to the new M37. Infiniti's refined 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching is standard. Infiniti Drive Mode Selector, a new integrated control system for the 2011 model year allows drivers to select from four driving modes (Standard, Eco, Sport or Snow), depending on mood or driving conditions, with a dial switch located on the center console. Each mode adjusts throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping to help optimize performance. A new Active Trace Control system, included with the Technology Package, enhances the transition from braking into and then accelerating out of corners. The M37x models feature Infiniti Intelligent All-Wheel Drive which uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100 up to 50:50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions. The estimated fuel economy for the 2011 Infiniti M37 is rated at 18 mpg City/26 mpg highway 17 mpg City/24 mpg Highway for the M37x.

Body and styling

The new M37 rolls on elegant 18-inch double 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/50R18 V-rated all-season performance tires and features automatic-on/off High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with wiper interlock and power sliding glass moonroof with one-touch auto-open/close, tilt feature and sliding sunshade. The interior is equipped with Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control system, leather appointed seats, Japanese Ash wood trim, 10-way power driver's and front-passenger's seats, including 2-way power lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, 6-speaker audio system, AM/FM/CD with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and speed-sensitive volume control. Listening to music or conversation in the M37 interior is a more easier now thanks to the new Active Noise Control system that uses sound to delete sound - generating "canceling" sound from four door speakers (and subwoofer for models equipped with a Bose sound system) to reduce unpleasant engine harmonics. A total of five packages - Premium, Deluxe Touring, Sport, Sport Touring and Technology - and a few individual optional features are available.

Safety Features

The 2011 Infiniti M37 is available with a number of new innovative safety technologies including the Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) systems, available as part of the M Technology Package. The BSW helps alert the driver if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area and the BSI is the world's first system which, in the event of unintended drift, enhances BSW with selective braking to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel away from the vehicle in the blind spot area. The other safety features include standard Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts, standard 3-point seat belts with Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) (driver?s seat ELR only), front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active Head Restraints with 4-way manual adjustments, along with Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren).