2011 Infiniti M37

Having driven both eight- and six-cylinder versions of Infiniti's biggest sedan, it's clear that the M37 makes virtually no compromises compared to the 420-hp M56. Perhaps the only need to step up to the V-8 is the six-cylinders slightly unpolished power delivery. The 330-hp V-6 isn't as silky as or as torquey as the turbocharged BMW inline six-cylinder. Still, the 3.7-liter V-6 makes plenty of power and is agreeable when you aren't stressing it. I particularly like that the rear-wheel steering isn't as invasive and the transmission shifts a touch smoother in the V-6. Other than that you get the same great Infiniti M with a beautiful interior, functional controls, and great styling. In the M, Infiniti has a broad array of active safety devices such as blind-spot assist, lane departure warning, and distance warning. The last one is a feature that pushes the gas pedal upward when you've started tailgating someone. It's annoying when it activates, but that's the point. A normal, safe driver would rarely have the pedal fight their right foot and the feature can be deactivated. Still, I imagine it could be particularly useful as a driver training aid. Eric Tingwall, Associate Editor