Rear active steering and a sport-tuned suspension are also available on the Sport Model, providing even greater assistance in the attempt to apex a corner at full speed.

Handling is a specialty of the new Infiniti as a recent drive through Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona demonstrated. These cars long for the open road, devouring asphalt like a cruise ship vacationer at an all-you-can-eat dinner buffet. Cornering limits are high for a sport sedan, with excellent steering wheel feedback and tire squeal at the limit. Many thanks go to the engineers at Infiniti who know a thing or two about high performance driving and fast cars.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are ABS, brake assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, (EBD). Adaptive front xenon headlights track their course according to driver input and vehicle speed, keeping the light focused on the road ahead.

Research indicates that most, but not all, North American drivers prefer to let their automobile make the appropriate gear selection. The new Infiniti M responds with a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission that also includes a manual shift mode. When the urge to take control is just too strong to ignore, sequentially selected manual gearshifts and downshift rev matching offer a true sport sedan experience.

Inside, the Infiniti M reveals it is as committed to driver and passenger comfort as it is to handling the road with athletic dexterity. Doors close with a solid resonance, while the quality and fit of each material used is superb. Rich, supple leather graces the surface of the 10-way adjustable driver’s seat and 6-way passenger front seat. To further encourage long trips, optional climate-controlled front seats heat up or cool down depending on your preference. Sumptuous rosewood trim tempts you to caress the jewel-like surface of the sculpted dash, while the available aluminum trim of the Sport model adds a serious tone to the business-like interior.

Rear seat passengers aren’t left feeling second class, as molded contours provide excellent leg and back support. Power heated reclining rear seats with both audio and climate controls are offered as an option. A rear 8” screen DVD entertainment system is also available on the new Infiniti M. Riding in the back has rarely been this luxurious.

A six-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a single-feed, in-dash 6-disc CD changer is standard, as is an MP3 player with WMA playback. Upgrades include a superb 2-channel Bose® premium audio unit or the “you won’t believe your ears” Bose® digital 5.1 surround sound system with 14 speakers.

Trunk space is efficient in design, but not over the top in size at 14.9 cubic feet. It allows for several golf bags or multiple suitcases depending on where the road takes you.

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