Just the Facts:

IL offers an early look at an Infiniti M coupe photo illustration.
Nissan officials have discussed the possibility of building an M coupe.
If Infiniti goes ahead with the coupe, it would likely be offered as an M37 and M56.

SANTA MONICA, California — Inside Line has learned that Nissan executives have discussed the expansion of the 2011 Infiniti M lineup from solo sedan to a three-model offering as well — sedan, coupe and ultimately convertible, too. This is a necessary move if the Japanese automaker intends to seriously compete in this segment, but then, we're not telling Nissan anything it doesn't already know.

Remember that Mercedes just finished the redesign of the E-Class sedan, coupe and convertible, and BMW is rapidly approaching the launch of its redesigned 2011 6 Series lineup, which will also include a coupe, sedan and drop top.

Infiniti first showed its sexy Essence concept car at last year's Geneva auto show, and there's no doubt that the showcar's design philosophy has already been considered as dressing for the possible future M coupe. And the computer renderings illustrating the promising design of the M coupe draw heavily from the Essence, including its unusual B-pillar and front fender side vents.

If Infiniti goes ahead with the project, it would probably be offered in both M37 and M56 variants, which would match the E350/E550 range closely, both in power and price. The M56 sedan already carries a competitive yet underutilized 420-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine, and is a well-suited opponent to the 342-hp Mercedes E550 coupe. And at $58,000, the M56 sedan is priced just $3,000 above the E550.

BMW has not yet announced final pricing and specs on its new standard 6 Series lineup, but the 500-hp V10-powered M6 currently starts at a cool $102K.

Inside Line says: Infiniti's M coupe is more than a model that's being considered, it's a car Infiniti needs to become a real player. — Kelly Toepke, News Editor