Happenings

To Infiniti, Not Beyond | Infiniti Experience 2011

BY Joel Tam

It's not often one gets to drive a brand new car from a brand new, er... brand. Well that's what we did last week with Wearnes Automotive, distributors of the latest premium luxury marque, Infiniti.

Photos: Low Fai Ming

It was an exclusive opportunity for the media to get a taste of what the marque had to offer in what would likely be its largest volume seller, the M37 premium sedan. Powered by a 3.7-litre V6, the 5-Series contender was subject to a series of tight twists and turns that made up a unique circuit designed by Denis Lian, Wearnes' Motorsports Manager.

Aside from driving, journalists got a chance to experience the awesome Bose sound system that is found in all M37s. Featuring 16 speakers and advanced noise cancelling technology, the system replicates a home theatre effect, no matter where you sit in the car. This is further enhanced with double plated glass on the passenger side windows of the M37.

The highlight of the day had to be going sideways in the rear-wheel driven M37 with former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard.

With mutiple sensory treats from superb music, good food and a great drive, this was truly an Infiniti experience to remember.

The M37S comes with huge 20" alloy wheels, paddle shifters, sport suspension, 4 wheel active steering, and a host of safety technologies like, lane departure warning and lane departure prevention systems.

Regular M37 makes do with 18" wheels. Other than that, exterior is pretty much the similar. Both cars get the awesome 16-speaker Bose audio system.

Interior is gorgeous. Bespoke wooden panels feature silver dust embedded into the grain. The effect is a one-of-a-kind grain that looks classy without coming across as tacky.

Fit and finish may not be up to the Germans, but it's close.

The interior of the M37 is overall a nice place to be in. Piano-black finishing found in the M37S was truly exquisite. Controls have a nice touch to them and operated with smooth and precise movements.

Two cars. Two different directions. The first car to reach the starting point after one lap, wins!

4 wheel active steering in the M37S only requires minimal steering input from the driver. Rear wheels turn up to 3 degrees to aid turn in.

Car rolls about quite a bit. But it is a large sedan after all. Seen from that perspective, it's a rather agile drive - with a punchy and vocal V6 power-plant to boot.

Press conference with the Red Bull guys. "I was Tom Cruise's stunt man for all his movies" jests David Coulthard.