Infiniti has released pricing information today on the all-new 2011 M sedan, starting the base MSRP at $47,115 for the rear-drive 2011 M37. The entry-level 2011 M37 features Infiniti’s 330-horse 3.7-liter V-6 and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Those looking for improved all-weather driveability can step up to the all-wheel-drive M37x at a starting price of $49,265. Standard equipment on both models includes power-folding side view mirrors, front door handle courtesy lights, Active Noise Control, RearView Monitor, and Enhanced Intelligent Key memory – now including audio, navigation, and climate control settings.

Those with a bigger budget and a heavier throttle foot will likely opt for the M55 and all-wheel-drive counterpart, M56x, starting at $58,415 and $60,915, respectively. The two top-flight versions are distinguished by an all-new 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 paired to the same seven-speed automatic as the six-cylinder variant, though with revised gear ratios. Both M56 models also include the previously-optional Premium Package (a $3,350 value, says Infiniti) as standard. The Premium Package includes Infiniti’s hard drive navigation system with an 8-inch touch screen, a Bose two-channel, 10-speaker audio system, streaming audio via Bluetooth, climate controlled front seats, and a heated steering wheel.  All standard M37 equipment is also included.

Prices for 2011 Infiniti M models represent an increase of $450 over the current 2010 models for the M37 series, while the M56 gets a $2050 bump and the M56x gets a $750 bump – increases that Infiniti says are negated by the additional standard equipment offered.

“The all-new M represents the kind of inspired design, performance, technology, and craftsmanship that luxury buyers are asking for,” said Ben Poore, vice president of Infiniti’s Business Unit. “Along with our other great vehicles, the 2011 M puts Infiniti right in the sweet spot of today’s performance luxury market.”

It may be late to the four-door coupe party, but Audi officials promise it’ll be well worth the wait. Our spy shooters caught the German brand’s upcoming A7 undergoing a battery of winter testing in Europe. Unfortunately, thanks to haste of Audi’s engineers, only two of the shots really show the car’s profile and size.

It’s poised to compete head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz CLS and newly released BMW 5 Series GT and is something of an A6/A8 hybrid build. The platform is said to come from the next A6, while its powertrains from both the A6 and bigger A8. Inside its cabin will be all the usual high-end Audi features.

The best idea of what the A7 will look like comes via the automaker’s Sportback Concept first shown at the 2009 Detroit show. Its sleek styling was largely welcomed by both the press and public. Like the 5 Series GT, the Sportback touts a five-door hatch configuration, a feature most likely to be found on the production A7.

Between floor mat and throttle pedal issues, Toyota has an 8.1-million-vehicle worldwide recall on its hands – but that number could be poised to grow. Reports are now in that Japan has ordered the troubled automaker to start an investigation into potential braking issues in the automaker’s top-selling Prius hybrid.

Automotive News says complaints of brake issues on the current Prius have been filed in both Japan and North America, with most complaints filed since the end of last year.

“All the complaints were nearly the same,” Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi told Automotive News. “They are usually about driving in bumpy or icy conditions and when you push the brake, there is an unusual feel.”

We’re used to an odd sensation when a hybrid vehicle transitions from hydraulic braking to regenerative (i.e. using the electric motors to slow the vehicle) braking, but complaints registered with the U.S. National Highway Traffic & Safety Administration (NHTSA) suggest a momentary pause in braking over loose surfaces that, according to complaints filed, has led to at least one accident.

Japan’s Ministry of Transportation hasn’t commented on its directive, and NHTSA has yet to issue an investigation of its own.

Meanwhile, the NHTSA is launching an investigation into the drive-by-wire electronics of several Toyota models, in a search to determine if floor mats and sticky pedal actuation are actually the end story with regards to unintended acceleration issues.