What is it?
2003 Infiniti M45
What's special about it?
When Nissan begat Infiniti some 13 years ago, it was comprised of the Q45 and M30. Now Infiniti's resurrecting the nameplate with the M45, to be snuggled in between the new G35 sport sedan and its flagship, the Q45. There's no corresponding Nissan counterpart here in the States but Gloria is the name of the car in Japan.
The M45 is a rear-wheel-drive sedan that rides on a four-wheel independent suspension and is motivated by the 4.5-liter V8 of the Q that makes 340 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automanual transmission. A sport suspension is standard in order to rein in all the power, and 18-inch wheels with an optional high-performance, low-profile tires and a pressure monitoring system are available.
Inside you'll find many elements of the Q in this sedan that's priced about 10 grand less than the full-size vehicle, with a LCD screen displaying vehicle information or an optional navigation system. Techno-wizardry found in the Q, such as a voice command system and intelligent cruise control system make their way into the M. All this resides in a rather bland-looking package with an excessive rear overhang, frameless windows (that really only seem to work on German sport sedans) and a front grille that somewhat evokes a Ford Crown Victoria.
Safety systems integrated into the M45 include vehicle dynamics control, active head restraints and four-wheel disc brakes supplemented by brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Why should you care?
The M45 seems nicely positioned to offer advanced safety and comfort systems at a price below its competitors. But with four vehicles in Infiniti's luxury sedan lineup, will the M45 find its niche without eating into its siblings' sales? -- Liz Kim
2003 Infiniti M45
What's special about it?
When Nissan begat Infiniti some 13 years ago, it was comprised of the Q45 and M30. Now Infiniti's resurrecting the nameplate with the M45, to be snuggled in between the new G35 sport sedan and its flagship, the Q45. There's no corresponding Nissan counterpart here in the States but Gloria is the name of the car in Japan.
The M45 is a rear-wheel-drive sedan that rides on a four-wheel independent suspension and is motivated by the 4.5-liter V8 of the Q that makes 340 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automanual transmission. A sport suspension is standard in order to rein in all the power, and 18-inch wheels with an optional high-performance, low-profile tires and a pressure monitoring system are available.
Inside you'll find many elements of the Q in this sedan that's priced about 10 grand less than the full-size vehicle, with a LCD screen displaying vehicle information or an optional navigation system. Techno-wizardry found in the Q, such as a voice command system and intelligent cruise control system make their way into the M. All this resides in a rather bland-looking package with an excessive rear overhang, frameless windows (that really only seem to work on German sport sedans) and a front grille that somewhat evokes a Ford Crown Victoria.
Safety systems integrated into the M45 include vehicle dynamics control, active head restraints and four-wheel disc brakes supplemented by brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Why should you care?
The M45 seems nicely positioned to offer advanced safety and comfort systems at a price below its competitors. But with four vehicles in Infiniti's luxury sedan lineup, will the M45 find its niche without eating into its siblings' sales? -- Liz Kim
Add A Comment »