Available in Europe for the first time, the M37 performance saloon in all-new third-generation form brings everything that Infiniti stands for into the heart of the European executive car market. Delivering driving pleasure, passionate design and world-first technology, the M37 mixes contemporary luxury with traditional Japanese craftsmanship for a character distinct from that of rivals – and one calculated to offer free-thinking individuals a welcome respite from the surfeit of Germanic autobahn-stormers. Prices start at £35,150
At a glance
• All-new and designed and engineered for European roads and drivers
• Mould-breaking looks inspired by dynamic Essence coupé concept
• Charismatic 320 PS (316 bhp) V6 and strong sporting flavour
• 155 mph, 0-62 mph in 6.2 seconds, 27.7 mpg (combined), 235 g/km CO2
• Rear-drive front-midship platform with available four-wheel active steering
• Long wheelbase for spacious five-seat cabin
• World-first side collision protection system with Blind Spot Intervention™
• Suite of further intelligent technologies as part of Dynamic Safety Shield standard on all Premium versions
• Soft-feel interior a new benchmark for Infiniti quality
• Unique technologies available include Forest Air™ climate control and Eco Pedal™ to help save fuel
• M30d diesel and M35 Hybrid models to follow
• Prices from £35,150, now available at Infiniti Centres in Reading, London, Birmingham and Glasgow
OVERVIEW: A SPORTS SALOON TO STIR THE SOUL
Athletic looks, a spacious cabin and the greatest evocation yet of Infiniti’s passion for driving pleasure, craftsmanship and technology mark out the Japanese luxury brand’s eagerly anticipated, and very exclusive, alternative to the traditional big names of the executive car class.
The M37 saloon from Japan’s newest luxury automotive manufacturer takes the brand’s unswerving commitment to soul-stirring looks and driving ability up a level, while offering technology unavailable in rivals. New features include Active Noise Control, a world-first side collision avoidance system and state-of-the-art Forest Air™ climate control. There’s even a smart accelerator pedal to help save fuel. They join a host of proven Infiniti innovations in the M37, the first M ever to be made available in Europe.
The M37’s body combines vibrancy with presence and, like all Infinitis, is a design that cannot fail to elicit an emotional response. Its sweeping contours and complex surfaces draw inspiration from the 2009 concept coupé, Essence, with its stunning interpretation of wind and wave forms. The M37 is front engine/rear wheel drive and has the classic sports saloon proportions to underline the fact.
An all-new car, the third-generation M Line has been designed and engineered from the beginning to compete in Europe, with European levels of ride and handling. Infiniti’s accomplished FM (front-midship) platform is the key to the M37’s cornering poise and exceptional stability and ride comfort.
High performance, and a strong sporting character, is guaranteed by Infiniti’s iconic 3.7-litre VVEL petrol V6. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift, the 320 PS (316 bhp) V6 provides a top speed of 155 mph and a sports car’s sprinting ability, with 0-62 mph in just 6.2 seconds. VVEL valve technology ensures the performance is not at the expense of efficiency, with fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 27.7 mpg (10.2 l/100km). CO2 emissions are 235 g/km.
One of the longest wheelbases in the class (2900mm) means there is ample room for passengers in the rear seats, while a fresh take on interior design and natural materials, including the availability of the most delicate and supple of all leather finishes, results in a soft-feel cabin that sets a quality benchmark even by Infiniti’s exceptional standards.
Apart from being well specified in the Infiniti manner, the M37 comes with the features, often unavailable in rival models at any price, which have already proven highly valued by Infiniti owners – features such as Connectiviti multimedia, self-repairing Scratch Shield paintwork and Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience pledge of unrivalled customer service. Then there’s the standard equipment…
PRICES AND EQUIPMENT
M37 – from £35,150 OTR
The entry model in the M37 line-up is a well equipped car – to the extent that there are just two options: metallic paint (£665) and a temporary spare wheel (in place of repair kit, £90). Standard features include:
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• Bi-Xenon lights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS)
• Bluetooth mobile connectivity and audio streaming
• Colour dashboard display
• Cruise control
• Drive Mode Selector
• Dual zone adaptive climate control
• Eco driving indicator light
• Electric glass sunroof
• Electrically adjustable steering column
• Headlight washers
• Heated multifunction steering wheel
• I-Key “smart access” with memory
• Infiniti controller
• Japanese White Ash wood trim with silver powder finish
• Light sensor
• Parking sensors, front and rear
• Rain sensor
• Rear view camera
• Seven-speed Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) automatic transmission
• Speed limiter
• Ten-way power driver’s with electric lumbar adjust
• Ten-way power front passenger’s seat with electric lumbar adjust
• Two GB Infiniti Music Box with CD reader
• USB/iPod connectivity and AUX-in RCA
M37 GT – from £37,650 OTR
The GT builds on the M37 spec with an emphasis on even more luxury, gaining semi-aniline leather and heated and ventilated front seats. Optional (at £2350) is the Connectiviti+ HDD multimedia navigation system.
M37 S – from £39,650 OTR
The more sporting choice, the S introduces 4-Wheel Active Steering (4WAS), sports suspension, sports seats (also heated and ventilated), gearshift paddles and 20-inch alloy wheels. Optional (at £2350) is the Connectiviti+ HDD multimedia navigation system.
M37 GT Premium – from £43,000 OTR
M37 S Premium – from £45,000 OTR
Premium versions build on the respective GT or S models by adding every M Line feature available, including Blind Sport Intervention, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and other technologies comprising the Dynamic Safety Shield. Both Premium versions get Infiniti’s new fuel-saving device, the Eco Pedal. Also included are Forest Air, a 16-speaker Bose® sound system, Infiniti’s acclaimed Connectiviti+ information and entertainment platform supporting a 30GB HDD navigation system with high-res touch screen, 3D graphics and Michelin Guide information.
INFINITI M37 IN DETAIL
Design and engineering
Long bonnet, short front overhang, raked back windscreen, short tail: the M37 follows classic sports saloon proportions and as such is every inch a true Infiniti. The powerful, flowing shape exudes dynamism along with something of the stunning Essence: the distinctive crease below the glasshouse is the clearest of many design cues picked up from the 2009 coupé concept, a car acclaimed by one major UK magazine as being what a new Aston Martin should look like.
With its Essence influences, the 4945mm-long four-door body shows Infiniti design DNA evolving, with a sense of intrigue to accompany the characteristically seductive shape. There’s also a sophisticated new take on familiar design cues, many of which draw their inspiration from traditional Japanese arts and crafts – an important part of any Infiniti’s character.
Being an Infiniti, light weight is vital: the M37’s kerb weight is a trim 1765kg. The M’s doors, bonnet and boot lid are all made of aluminium, as is the petrol V6.
The design is notably aerodynamic, both in terms of low drag (Cd: 0.27) and zero lift at high speeds, thanks in part to the vestigial “ducktail” design of the boot lid which contributes much to the car’s high-speed stability. S versions have a slightly different front-end design (Cd: 0.28) to underline their more overt sportiness. The S can be identified by its unique front bumper design and black headlight housing, while on the inside it is set apart from other M37s by its aluminium pedals and black lacquer trim.
The M37 is based on the FM (front-midship) platform that positions the engine low down and far back in the chassis, giving the M37 natural balance when it comes to negotiating twisting roads. Much development went into making the M’s steering as intuitive as possible, with the last word on steering feel going to the test drivers. The M37 S and M37 S Premium are the most driver-focused of all variants and come equipped with Infiniti’s proven sports handling technology – with the acclaimed four-wheel active steering (4WAS) system at its heart.
Always responsive and unfailingly comfortable – thanks in part to the use of double-piston shock absorbers – the new Infiniti M also delivers the greatly enhanced stability essential for Europe’s more demanding drivers and higher speeds. In the comfort stakes, the sophisticated shock absorbers, in league with a new multilink rear suspension design, provide a flatter ride with less “head toss” for passengers.
The M37 is powered by Infiniti’s charismatic 3.7-litre V6 with efficiency guaranteed by its VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) cylinder heads. To go with its potent 320 PS (316 bhp) is a smooth-building wave of torque which peaks at 266 lb ft. Infiniti’s 7-speed Adaptive Shift Control automatic transmission is standard, with sporty S versions gaining solid magnesium shift paddles behind the steering wheel for when precise manual gear control is needed. Or simply when the driver needs a fix of high-rpm engine noise.
Interior
The 2011 M37 is among the most spacious five-seaters in the class, as well as possibly the most alluring on the inside thanks to an even higher new standard of interior design and finish. This is Infiniti’s best-ever interior, which is saying something for a company known for its sumptuously sporting cabins and use of the best natural materials.
The M37 cabin is “soft-feel” and then some. Every surface, switch, nook and cranny was scrutinized so that a consistency of quality, both to the eye and to the touch, could be achieved. Priority was given to those areas seen and touched most often, for example the armrests and dashboard both of which benefit from newly developed materials that combine utmost softness with durability. The armrest material, Sofilez, is designed to replicate the softness of a baby’s skin.
The leather seat upholstery standard on all models from the GT up is a sensual semi-aniline type noted for being the most supple leather available. For the M37 it is treated with a newly developed protective coating to enhance durability while retaining the same luxurious feel as a premium quality leather sofa.
Every Infiniti stands out for the authentic natural materials used in its cabin: real leather, real wood, real aluminium, and real magnesium. For the M37, the interior designers went a stage further by introducing, for the first time in an automotive application, a silver-powder finish to the wood trim on console, dashboard and door panels. Why silver? Because nothing else brings out the full brilliance and depth of the grain after the silver-treated wood has been sanded, polished and buffed. All by hand. This special wood, more akin to that of a premium quality string instrument than a car, is standard on every M37 for the UK.
The luxury wow factor is not at the expense of driver focus which is stronger in the Infiniti M than ever, with ergonomic excellence the hallmark of a driver-centric new dashboard. No details have been overlooked; the M Line even introduces a new generation of switchgear, perfectly matched in weight and feel, and a fresh interpretation of Infiniti’s dashboard clock. Analogue of course.
The cabin has a practical side too with ample storage facilities including a cubby with cupholders in the large rear seat armrest. When down, this armrest reveals a lockable ski hatch opening through to the large and well shaped 500-litre boot.
THE A-Z OF INFINITI M37 TECHNOLOGY
The M37 is Infiniti’s most technologically advanced car, with several industry-first features and one, Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI), that represents a world first. Standard on all Premium M37 derivatives, BSI doesn’t just warn of vehicles in adjacent lanes but actively prevents the car being steered into their path. Like all Infiniti technology, BSI is executed with characteristic attention to detail and requires nothing new to be learnt. Features available in the M37 (depending on model) include:
Active Noise Control
Active Noise Control ensures the Infiniti M’s cabin, already extensively soundproofed, remains free of unwanted low-frequency engine noises. Sounds of opposite phase are played through the speakers to create a noise cancelling effect – making the cabin an even more peaceful place to be. M models with the 16-speaker Bose® Studio Surround® sound system are equipped with Bose Engine Harmonic Cancellation (EHC) which is even more effective at controlling unwanted noises.
Blind Spot Intervention
For the 2011-model year M37, Infiniti’s 360-degree “bubble of protection” around the car known as the Dynamic Safety Shield becomes more complete than ever with the addition of Blind Spot Intervention, a world-first technology which is standard on all Premium models. BSI takes blind-spot technology to another level by introducing an element of side collision protection. As well as giving the driver both visual and audible warnings of another vehicle in the blind-spot area, BSI intervenes if the driver ignores the warnings and attempts to steer into the other vehicle’s path. The intervention is in the form of a directional adjustment, executed automatically, achieved by selective braking on one side of the car to create a “yaw” effect that eases the vehicle back into its original lane. BSI uses radar to detect the presence of other vehicles and a camera to detect lane markings.
Eco Pedal
A new Infiniti concept known as the Eco Pedal is fitted as standard to the M37 Premium versions. If driving too aggressively, the driver will feel the accelerator pedal “push back” to indicate fuel is being wasted. No other car in production has this effective, non-intrusive device to assist the driver in achieving the lowest possible fuel consumption. If the driver prefers not to use it, the Eco Pedal can be switched off.
ESP with Dynamic Cornering Enhancement
The M37 benefits from Infiniti’s latest electronic stability program which optimizes control of braking and engine torque on individual wheels to achieve smoother and more stable cornering. The system can apply selective braking to help create increased steering response when rapid changes of direction are required, such as in S bends or fast lane-change manoeuvres.
Forest Air
Infiniti believes the quality of the air within a car’s cabin has a direct bearing on the well-being of driver and passengers. Which is why it developed Forest Air, one of the world’s most sophisticated climate control systems. Standard in the Premium versions, Forest Air offers extremely fine temperature, humidity and pollution control while re-creating the gentle breezes and subtle scents of an environment known to promote alertness and relieve stress: the forest. An aroma diffuser subtly scents incoming ventilation air with fragrances chosen for their specific drive-enhancing qualities. For instance, scent from the tropical borneol tree has a calming effect but in addition aids concentration. Instead of blasting air into occupants’ faces, the Infiniti M delivers a gentle breeze with air air randomly modulated so it feels far more natural. Forest Air also incorporates Infiniti’s familiar Plasmacluster ioniser, now more powerful and sensitive than ever.
Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Brake Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control
Using the vehicle’s laser range finder, Forward Collision Warning alerts the driver to a potential collision with a vehicle ahead via audible and visual signals. It also pre-pressurizes the powerful all-disc braking system in readiness for an emergency stop, should that become necessary. If the driver doesn’t respond and a collision cannot be avoided, Intelligent Brake Assist automatically engages the brakes to reduce speed and mitigate collision damage. Another key Dynamic Safety Shield element, Intelligent Cruise Control, manages speed and distance to the car in front to ensure there is always a safe gap. ICC’s Low Speed Following (LSF) function allows for a relaxed drive even in slow-moving traffic.
Infiniti Drive
The M’s throttle sensitivity and transmission mapping are fine tuned according to which of four driver-selectable modes is engaged: Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow. The Eco mode utilizes green and yellow lights on the instrument panel to provide feedback on fuel efficiency.
Lane Departure Prevention
This operates in a similar fashion to Blind Spot Intervention, automatically introducing a yaw effect to bring the vehicle gently back into its correct lane if it should stray over the line markings. LDP only operates at speeds higher than 45 mph and only if there is no steering action or use of indicators. It is also programmable to suit different drivers’ preferences. LDP represents considerable extra peace of mind for M37 drivers: half of all accidents in Europe in “lane departure” situations are caused by either lack of concentration or drowsiness.
LIVING WITH THE M37
Safety
Passive safety – how the M37 keeps occupants from harm if the worst should happen – is as equally important a component of the Dynamic Safety Shield as the active safety features. As with all Infiniti models, high levels of passive safety were a priority from the design stage, with crumple zones integral to what is an immensely strong structure.
Active head restraints for the front seats feature, along with seatbelt sensors and passenger seat occupancy sensor. Infiniti’s Advanced Airbag System (IAAS) provides dual-stage front airbags incorporating hip and thorax bags, while there are front-to-rear curtain airbags for protection of all passengers in a side impact.
Quality
Infiniti is synonymous with vehicle quality, and that’s something that doesn’t happen by accident.
On the Tochigi production line in Japan every vehicle – not just every tenth – is laser scanned to ensure that panel gaps are within prescribed limits.
During the design and development phase, new models are exhaustively tested not just at Infiniti’s Hokkaido proving ground but also at the Tochigi and Motegi test and race complexes in Japan. Infiniti also has a vast 12.34 million square metre hot weather testing base in Arizona.
Testing every Infiniti in the harshest of conditions and over thousands of kilometres ensures the durability and peace of mind that buyers can expect from the products.
Total Ownership Experience
Infiniti does not just offer a new range of cars in the UK but also a new way of looking after their owners. The Total Ownership Experience – a system honed to perfection around the world since Infiniti’s inception 21 years ago – is a bespoke approach to meeting individual owners’ needs which applies at every stage of choosing, buying and running an Infiniti.
To ensure life with the Infiniti M37 flows totally smoothly, every Infiniti owner is assigned their own Customer Account Manager who becomes their single point of contact throughout their period of ownership. A mobility package offers both roadside and touring assistance and, by focusing on the owner rather than the car, ensures they are never left stranded even when they are not in their Infiniti.
VIP-type levels of service care are based on a free car pickup and delivery service within a 150-mile radius of an Infiniti Centre, wherever in the country they live.
The showrooms, like the service, are not like those of other brands, either. Infiniti Centres epitomise modern luxury and are built on a grand scale to be aesthetically stunning but also welcoming and relaxing. Infiniti’s partners in these Centres means that Infiniti cars are sold by staff experienced in selling luxury goods to discerning clients.
There are Infiniti Centres near Reading, close to the M4 motorway, and in central London at 77 Piccadilly, with Centres in Birmingham and Glasgow due to open before the end of 2010. Another four are due to open by the end of 2011. Europe-wide, the target is for 80 Infiniti Centres, located in some of Europe’s best addresses, by the end of 2010.
An unmatched online experience at www.infiniti.co.uk complements the Infiniti Centres.
(ends)
• Infiniti comes from Japan. Its line-up of performance sedans, coupés, convertibles, SUVs and crossovers is now being launched across the globe through a dedicated network of Infiniti Centres or dealerships which share a commitment to individualised and exceptional customer service. For more information, see Infiniti.com
Press information, Photographs and videos are available from www.infinitipress.eu. no password is required.
For further information, please contact:
Wayne Bruce
Global Communications Director
M: +44 7768 802176
E: wayne.bruce@infiniti.eu