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The 2011 Infiniti QX56 is redesigned, with freshened styling and more power. QX56 shares elements of its basic design with the Nissan Patrol, a large SUV sold primarily in the Middle East. For 2011, QX56 is longer, wider, and lower than the model it replaces. Production of this premium-large SUV also shifts to Japan from the United States. The sole powertrain teams a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission. This replaces a 320-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 and 5-speed automatic combination. QX56 is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading.

Maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. QX56 seats 7 with 2nd-row buckets, or 8 with an available 2nd-row bench. The power-folding 3rd-row bench is split 60/40. A navigation system with real-time traffic and weather information, rear-obstacle detection, and a surround-view camera that shows the entire circumference of the vehicle on the navigation screen are standard.

Dual-screen DVD entertainment is optional. A Deluxe Touring Package includes 22-inch wheels (20-inch wheels are standard), ventilated front seats, heated 2nd-row seats, and Infiniti’s Hydraulic Body Motion Control System, which is designed to reduce body lean in turns. A Technology Package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-departure prevention, blind-spot alert, and a collision-warning system. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

The 2010 Infiniti QX56 is largely unchanged for its final model year in its current design. A redesigned version is due in calendar 2010 as a 2011 model. QX56 is a luxury-trimmed version of the Armada SUV from Infiniti’s parent company, Nissan. The sole powertrain teams a 320-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

QX56 is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Maximum towing capacity is 9,000 pounds. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags.

QX56 seats 7 with 2nd-row buckets, or 8 with an available 2nd-row bench. The power-folding 3rd-row bench is split 60/40. A navigation system, rear-obstacle detection, wireless cell-phone link, load-leveling suspension, and a rearview camera are standard. DVD entertainment and adaptive cruise control are optional.

The 2009 Infiniti QX56 is largely unchanged. QX56 is a luxury-trimmed version of the Nissan Armada SUV from Infiniti’s parent company. The powertrain teams a 320-hp 5.6-liter V8 engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

QX56 is available in a single trim level with rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes a low-range gear for off-roading. Maximum towing capacity is 9000 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags.

QX56 seats seven with 2nd-row buckets, or eight with an optional 2nd-row bench. The power-folding 3rd-row bench is split 60/40. A navigation system, rear-obstacle detection, wireless cell-phone link, load-leveling suspension, and a rearview camera are standard.

The 2009 Infiniti M receives more V6 power, and certain versions get a new 7-speed automatic transmission. These V6 and V8 sedans are the larger and costlier of Infiniti’s two premium midsize cars. The M35 has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 303 hp, an increase of 28 over 2008 versions. The M45 has a 325-hp 4.5-liter V8.

Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. AWD versions are dubbed M35x or M45x. Rear-drive M35 models have a new 7-speed automatic transmission. All other versions use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Leather upholstery, sunroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and keyless entry and engine start are standard.

Optional on rear-drive models is a Sport Package, which includes firmer suspension tuning, Infiniti’s Rear Active Steer, sport bucket seats, and specific trim. Lane-departure warning, a heated power-reclining rear seat, and navigation system are among the options offered on all.

The 2010 Infiniti M is largely unchanged for what is its final model year in its current design. These V6 and V8 sedans are the larger and costlier of Infiniti’s two premium-midsize cars. The M35 has a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The M45 has a 325-horsepower 4.5-liter V8. Each is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Rear-drive M35 models have a 7-speed automatic transmission. The AWD M35 and all V8 versions use a 5-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Leather upholstery, sunroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and keyless entry/engine start are standard.

An optional Sport Package on rear-drive models includes firmer suspension tuning, Infiniti’s Rear Active Steer, sport bucket seats, and specific trim. Lane-departure warning, a heated power-reclining rear seat, and navigation system are among the options.

The 2011 Infiniti M is redesigned with freshened styling, more power, and new features. Dimensionally similar to the outgoing model, this premium midsize sedan slots above the brand’s G37 in size and price. V6 and V8 engines are available, and models so equipped are dubbed M37 and M56, respectively. M37 has a 330-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 while the M56 has a 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V8.

The sole transmission for both models is a 7-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are offered on both; AWD models are called M37x and M56x. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat memory, and, new for 2011, a rearview camera. A navigation system with a hard drive for storing digital-music files, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel are standard on the M56, optional on the M37.

An optional Technology Package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning/intervention, blind-spot alert/intervention, and adaptive headlights. A Sport Package for rear-drive models includes 20-inch wheels on summer performance tires, sport suspension, stronger brakes, Infiniti’s 4-Wheel Active Steer, and specific trim. Those so equipped are called M37S and M56S. No longer offered are a heated rear seat and DVD entertainment.

The 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible sees no major changes following its introduction for the 2009 model year. This premium-midsize car comes as a 2-door convertible with a power-retractable hardtop, and 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan versions (see separate report). Trim levels for the convertible include G37 Base and G37 Sport 6MT. G37 Convertible is powered by a 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine.

Base models use a 7-speed automatic. The G37 Sport 6MT has a 6-speed manual transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags.

Available on G37 Sport 6MT models are 19-inch wheels, performance brakes, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Adaptive cruise control, a navigation system, and a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital-music files are among the optional features. Newly offered on the 2010 G37 is a USB port and a 2-gigabyte hard drive for storing music files on models not equipped with the navigation system.