2005 Infiniti M45 Review

Specifications

Refining the Modern Muscle Car

The Infiniti M45 is a modern muscle car dressed in a Brioni suit. Its 340 horsepower V8 makes it wickedly quick but as for styling, its not necessarily a trendsetter. Still it shows understated good taste combined with much better than average quality.

But what would happen if the M45 doffed its conservative image and suddenly showed up at Manhattans Tribeca Grand tonight sporting a new two-piece shaped by John Varatos? It would get the attention it deserves.

The automotive equivalent took place earlier this month at NYCs Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the home of the New York International Auto Show. The new car is anything but dowdy, a spectacle of modern design that makes most of its competition look in need of a makeover.

“The M45 Concept is an expression of power, refinement, technology and style - all the things that make Infiniti owners hearts pound,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division.

In similar fashion the new concept follows a pattern set out by the XVL concept that presaged the ultra-hot G35 sedan, giving little reason to believe the production M45 will vary a great deal from the general design of what we see in these pages. In actuality the M45 Concept started life as the Fuga, a concept that debuted in Tokyo late last year, and shows little change from its transition to its current prototype form.

Designed to entice potential buyers away from rivals such as Acura, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and most importantly Lexus, or at least delay their purchases until the real Infiniti becomes available, the M45 concept could cause the same problems for the midsize luxury benchmarks as the G35 did when it shook up the compact luxury segment upon its introduction - if it can be called compact.

The M45 will without a doubt win over a lot of fence sitters, impressed by Infinitis top-tier reliability, performance image and premium status, but so far not sufficiently wooed by the current cars sheetmetal.

The new car is much cleaner overall, tying in few styling elements from the current model. Carried over, more or less, is the four-slat bright metal grille, bound by two chrome strips top and bottom that gives the impression of two additional slats, and the jewel-like rear license plate surround with its finely crafted nameplate appliqué. The major changes include cues adopted from the popular G35 sedan, especially noticeable in the headlamps, arcing roofline, tall trunklid and L-shaped taillamps, but executing the design language even more cohesively.

But is improved styling all the M45 needs to compete head to head with Audis A6 and BMW 5-Series, to name only two? Unfortunately not. The first thing the new model will need is an upgraded chassis design. The current car isnt as nimble as some of its rivals, a problem the G35 doesnt share. Its heavy and shares its rather outdated undercarriage with the Q45. The new M will adopt an enlarged version of the Japanese brands next-generation FM (front-midship) architecture, that makes the G35 such a delight to drive. Its a double-wishbone independent front setup with a multi-link independent rear suspension, same as in the G, but with approximately sixty percent of its components upgraded and the addition of active rear control.

Active rear control allows the suspension to alter geometry calibrations in real time, adjusting to angle, lateral force and road surfaces to keep the car more evenly planted on the tarmac, reportedly resulting in improved overall grip. The ride quality should also be improved due to the sophisticated configuration, the best of both worlds, despite large diameter alloy wheel and performance tire package expected to debut with the new car. The concept boasts super-sized 19-inch rims.

The current M45 leaves room for improvement when it comes to interior quality as well. While all parts fit together well, and it is decidedly more upscale than most cars on the market, its plastics quality is not quite at the same level as some of its competitors. The M45 concept shows dramatic improvements in this criterion, featuring perceived quality levels that match, and in some cases surpass the competition. It also displays a much more attractive cabin, focused as equally on the driver as it coddles passengers.

“The interior of the M45 Concept provides a hand in-glove fit. It is the most indulgent, high-quality design that Infiniti has ever offered - one that indicates a new wave of Infiniti interior design,” added Igo. “It reflects a more passionate interior direction, which is already starting to appear in production Infiniti vehicles.”

Will Infiniti be able to keep the production car as upscale? Reports from those involved in the project say that if anything, tactile quality will improve when the production car hits the showroom floor.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the current M45s powertrain, with a state-of-the-art 4.5-L 32-valve, DOHC V8 producing an exhilarating 340 horsepower in standard trim and a smooth, yet quick shifting 5-speed automatic transmission with manual mode to get it through the gears. Infiniti made no mention of an upgrade to either the engine or transmission, but expect the lighter M to produce improved performance numbers from zero to 60 mph, plus greater eagerness to pass at speed.

The M45 Concept features some high-tech goodies that will definitely make production, starting with the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system that alerts the driver if the car leaves its lane (unless the turn signal is actuated). Designed to prevent accidents caused by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel, LDW will also motivate irresponsible lane changers who dont use their signals to do so. This system will most certainly save lives.

“Over 58 percent of fatal accidents in the United States are caused by lane departures, including single vehicle and head-on accidents,” said Igo. “The LDW system is an important advancement in vehicle safety technology.”

With pragmatism in mind, Infiniti claims the production M45 will have best in class interior volume, while its tall trunk should make for excellent storage capacity.

Optional all-wheel drive, currently available in the G35 and FX34 and 45 should also make the cut, as well as a V6 powertrain, although both were only hinted at by Infinitis Igo.

“As we transition the M45 from concept car into our 2006 production vehicle, well look at a range of models that will satisfy individual needs and preferences - V8 or V6, all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, sports or luxury.”

While the car shown yesterday in New York is a concept, expect a near carbon copy to arrive in dealership showrooms across the nation 2005.

“We have captured the soul of the Infiniti brand, expressing it in unique, forward thinking ways in the M45 Concept - most of which will appear in the new 2006 M45, which is scheduled to arrive in spring 2005,” stated Igo.

Soul is something the new car has in spades, a commodity that will no doubt finally ignite the Japanese prestige marques fortunes in the lucrative midsize luxury sedan segment.