Infiniti M56: The Brand's Performance-Oriented Flagship Sedan

Highlights: This is a rear-wheel drive luxury sedan available in a variety of engine configurations: a 6-cylinder, a hybrid or an 8-cylinder. In 2014, the M will be renamed the Q.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $70,195 (Base M starts at $49,605 )

Seating Capacity:  5

Standard Safety Features: airbags (front, rear, side and curtain) ABS; electronic brake distribution system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a rearview camera

Standard Equipment (M37): 18-inch wheels; a 7-speed transmission; 10-way power front seats; leather seats; a power operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; automatic headlights; a dual zone climate control system; keyless push-button starter; power moonroof; HID Xenon headlights; and an analog clock

Standard Audio (M37): a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD with satellite radio

2012 Infiniti M37: The Luxury-Performance Brand Flagship Vehicle

Highlight: The M is outfitted with an optional eco gas pedal setting, which encourages the driver to drive green by applying additional force against the pedal to reduce jack-rabbit driving patterns.

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $59,375 ($49,850 before options)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: front, side and roof-mounted airbags; front seat active head restraints; ABS; electronic brake force distribution; vehicle dynamic control; traction control system; tire pressure monitoring system; and a rearview camera

New Designs, Increased Horsepower Drives Up Resale Values

2011 Jaguar XJ MSRP*: $71,650- $114,150

Category: 3-yr/5-yr Residual

  XJ's Average Residual: 53%/33% of MSRP

Jaguar's Average Residual : 48%/30% of MSRP

Premium Luxury Car Average Residual: 44%/28% of MSRP

2011 Highlight: new European limo-like design

2011 Infiniti M MSRP*: $45,800- $60,050

Category: 3-yr/5-yr Residual

M's Average Residual: 53%/37% of MSRP

Infiniti's Average Residual : 45%/28% of MSRP

Midsize Car Average Residual: 45%/29% of MSRP

2011 Highlights: new design, seven-speed transmission and more horses underneath the hood

Sneak Peak: Infiniti's New Flagship Luxury Performance Sedan

Since the Q45 is no longer around, the 2011 Infiniti M officially takes its place, becoming the luxury brand's flagship vehicle. The redesigned M will be offered in M37 and M56 model designations, when it goes on sale at Infiniti retailers next spring. The M37 features a refined 3.7-liter V6 engine with increased power and fuel economy (versus the previous generation M35’s 3.5-liter V6). The M56 also offers more power and better fuel economy from an all-new 5.6-liter V8 (versus the previous generation M45’s 4.5-liter V8).

As it relates to fuel economy, we believe that the new M will become the first mass produced vehicle to offer a gas pedal that will coach drivers into being more fuel-efficient. The pedal will be wired into the M's fuel management software and will put up a slight resistance to foot pressure when the car is being driven too aggressively for ideal fuel consumption. Heeding the car's directions should lead to a 5 to 10 percent improvement in fuel economy, according to Nissan officials. And if this new fuel saving technology isn't enough for you, look for Infiniti's hybrid M in 2011.