Infiniti M

Less than two years after the mid-life facelift of its 'M' series luxury sedan range, Infiniti has taken the wraps off an all-new 2011 version. Launched 'virtually' at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the third-generation M is scheduled to be publicly unveiled later this year bearing toned-down styling cues from the company's Essence concept.

The influence of the Essence is most apparent in the sedan's undulating character line and the way that the hood plunges down to meet a low-set front grille complete with concave outer edges. The car's basic proportions are similar to the previous version's, but the haunches are more muscular and the surfacing altogether more fluid, flowing back to form an almost ducktail-style rear with a pronounced step down to the bumper, as seen on the Opel Insignia.

The interior is defined by a triple-layer IP that rises from the center console like a pair of wings and which wraps organically into the doors. Design boss Shiro Nakamura also promises that, like the Essence, the newcomer will feature innovative materials, although a glance at these first official pics confirm that we won't be seeing the beautiful analogue and digital instruments that made the concept's cabin so memorable.

Infiniti's answer to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class will go on sale worldwide in Spring 2010. 

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