NISSAN’S LUXURY ARM Infiniti has released the first teaser image of its upcoming replacement for the M45 luxury sedan, a car which will be sold in Japan, Europe, the United States and possibly Australia.

Infiniti doesn’t mention any technical details of the new M, but the company has confirmed the model will be making its official debut at a private event at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 15.

The stylised rendition of the new M’s profile above shows that Infiniti is breaking new ground with its latest road car, borrowing heavily from the sweeping lines of its recent Essence concept (below).

Powertrain options will be announced after the car’s Pebble Beach debut, but we can expect to see the 370Z’s VQ37VHR V6 and possibly a 5.0 litre VK50DE V8 from the FX50 SUV underhood. Like its predecessor, the new M sedan will be rear-wheel-drive.

The new Infiniti M is locked in for the US and European markets, and the car will likely head to Japan badged as a Nissan.

The global financial crisis has delayed Nissan Australia’s efforts to bring the upmarket brand back to this country, but Nissan spokesman Jeff Fisher told TMR that an Infiniti revival remains on the company’s long-term agenda.

“At some time in the future we will launch the Infiniti brand in Australia and, at that time, offer a comprehensive Infiniti product range,” Mr Fisher said.