17 August 2009 - 12:00
Infiniti’s M-brio
Infiniti’s bird/x-ray/iron mystery has been solved. Last week’s mysterious teaser sketch has happily morphed into this, the new Infiniti M.
This is the third generation of Infiniti’s 5-Series and E-Class rival, and it’ll be the first to go on sale in Western Europe.
Which means it should reach the UK next summer, powered by a 3.7-litre V6 – the same basic engine as the Nissan 370Z – putting out 316bhp and 265lb ft of torque.
However, later next year the M will also get a new 3.0-litre V6 diesel, a unit closely related to the engine in the Renault Laguna. All Ms will be rear-wheel drive only, though four-wheel steer – again, as seen on the Renault Laguna – will be an option.
Performance from the petrol M should be on a par with the BMW 530i, with 62mph coming up in around six seconds.
As for the looks, we have to say we rather like the M. There’s a bit of ‘spot the design cue’ going on – we’re seeing a lot of Panamera in the side profile, a lump of Lexus IS around the front end and maybe even a bit of BMW 1-Series down the door panels – but it’s certainly a striking looking thing.
Would it tempt you away from a 5-Series?
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Hideous and grotesque! It will be one of the ugliest cars on the road, joining the 1-series and Ssangyong at the nadir of style.
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Just as ugly as its rivals. No thanks.
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The raised flanks up each side of the bonnet above the lights are far too large. And the grille looks like it hasn't actually been designed. Apart from that, not bad.
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love it! I miss Top Gear!
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If Infiniti disappeared as a brand, would anyone notice?
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I don't understand how the 5 - Series and friends is actually possible. Think about it. For that kind of money you could have a Vauxhall VXR8, a Porsche, a Lotus, or even an Ariel Atom....
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No need to buy a cheap Japanese wagon when you can afford a German tank. Honestly, you must really like Japanese gadgets if you go for this instead of the High-5-series.
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strangely enough i actually see how that teaser shot represents a car. It's the side view with the curve line and the roof, though the roof is much higher in reality than the sketch.
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strangely enough i actually see how that teaser shot represents a car. It's the side view with the curve line and the roof, though the roof is much higher in reality than the sketch.
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strangely enough i actually see how that teaser shot represents a car. It's the side view with the curve line and the roof, though the roof is much higher in reality than the sketch.
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strangely enough i actually see how that teaser shot represents a car. It's the side view with the curve line and the roof, though the roof is much higher in reality than the sketch.
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Hmm that sketch we saw last week was quite good and I was looking forward to seeing the actual car. Now I wish they hadnt bothered to be honest.
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PetrolheadViper: I couldn't have said it better myself.
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I liked the look of the previous M, though I first knew it as the Nissan Fuga, and whilst this looks newer and fits in with Infiniti's range better, I'm not sure it's any prettier. The grille is a lot squarer, making the whole thing look tall, and it looks a bit Jag-ish at the rear (http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/upload/20385/images/INF_193_09.jpg), which isn't aesthetically bad, but doesn't score points for outright originality. There must be an M45 coming eventually, with the V8 from the FX, or perhaps a new or reworked one, otherwise there isn't really enough to seperate it from the Nissan Skyline seda- sorry, Infiniti G37.
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infinity's are seriously stupid cars. they never look good. they are for poeple who have no taste.
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The current M is in my mind a much better car than the 5-Series. The new one looks better, has better engines, has new transmissions, and the dynamics will improve. A M50 with the FX50's engine would be great 400hp wouldn't be hard to achieve.
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Would it tempt me away from a 5 series? Depends on the price. If it's significantly cheaper, yes. If not, stick with the beemer.
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I can understand the flow-through design language from their "essence concept coupe" which I thought was very good and almost Aston Martin-like but the result here is not working.
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I think I'd rather take the bus, less embarrassing to be seen in. It looks lumpen and those... ..don't really know the right word. Love-handles maybe? just make it look like a fat man squeezing into a bad suit, and bulging out the seams. Take it away.
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I think I'd rather take the bus, less embarrassing to be seen in. It looks lumpen and those... ..don't really know the right word. Love-handles maybe? just make it look like a fat man squeezing into a bad suit, and bulging out the seams. Take it away.
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That's stunning! I'd much prefer this to a grey-porridge 5-series.
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When will Britian see an Infiniti?
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Better looking than the previous version
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Erm... let me think... No
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Although it looks fine it won't sell in the UK as Infiniti means zilch to anyone. Lexus made inroads into the UK market because (at the time) it could distinguish itself from other non-germanic brands by employing fantastic quality as its USP. Nowadays even Hyundai can produce quality/stylish products so what's the Infiniti brand got up it's sleeve to differentiate itself? not sure
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a 5 series is a 5 series this is like one of those copies that tries to be the 5 series and never is. the other thing japanese styling is terrible compared to that of what comes from bmw or mercedes. and their company logo looks really cheap and tacky like the tata logo. and im no fan of nissan i feel that in the past few years they have started to make flimsy cars. the car with the star on the bonnet is still the best
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It will certainly make you stand out from the BMW brigade but you'll also look like a "Ricer" which is probably not good for office cred.
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I just bought one of these and it doesn't look like that picture!! (ex-pat who moved to the US a couple of years ago). 2 of my last 3 cars were Mercs (C and E class) and I was originally looking for a new E-Class - I'd never heard of Infiniti before. I test drove the E-Class, 5-Series, A8 (okay, a little different there) and I was surprised how well this car drove compared to the others. I would put it closer to the E-Class than the 5-Series for feel, but the power was unbelievable - I got the M45 (V8 300 hp) - especially for the really fast speed limits over here:-S lol. This car is solid, quiet and has loads of room inside (boot is a bit smaller) and has an absolute ton of features that are all extras on the other models. All I suggest is take one for a spin, you will be surprised.
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The front looks rather ugly if i'm honest...
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Afaque commented on this article
17 August 2009
It looks nothing like that teaser shot. But again that teaser shot didn't look much of a car either...
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