Infiniti unwrapped the new M45 at the 2002 New York Auto Show and unlike the G35, which left FA editors enthused, the M45 leaves us slightly perplexed. The premise, though, sounds interesting. A V-8 powered large RWD sedan at the price of many competitor’s V-6 models. But before we begin to analyze this “new” vehicle, lets get down to the specs.
Style wise, there’s nothing new here. Nissan enthusiasts probably know this vehicle very well. Why? Because this vehicle is basically a rebadged version of the Nissan Cedric/Gloria twins sold on the Japanese domestic market. The design was out well before the Nissan Revival Plan, and Renault. That is probably why it looks an awful lot like the last generation Infiniti Q45. Despite its age, the design is very crisp and bulky, something popular with large
luxo-sedans. This vehicle shares many components with the current Q45, and as a result shares design bits like its 18-inch wheels and side mirrors. Xenon headlights, dual chrome exhaust, and an Infiniti style grille round out the fairly brick-like package.
Inside, the design is actually fairly reminiscent of the current Q45’s pod-like design. Seats are finished in the praised Sojourner leather, with an 8 way power driver’s seat and 4 way power passenger’s seat. Both front seats feature optional heating and cooling. Real Birds Eye Maple wood is used, with a smoked tint. The instrument cluster feature gauges silhouetted by orange lighting. Directly from the Q45, the Vehicle Information System with multi-function LCD is available with optional DVD-based Nav system and voice recognition.
A 240-watt Bose audio system with 7 speakers comes standard. Same goes for the 6-disc CD changer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Also standard is a dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents. The traditional analog clock will make an appearance in the M45 as well. Other trick features include a Telematics system, laser guided Intelligent Cruise Control, and tire pressure monitor. Standard safety features include front and side airbags, and side curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.
Performance comes from a 4.5L V8, shared with the Q45, that features
340 bhp and 333ft-lbs of torque. That power is sent through a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. An independent strut suspension with coil springs up front and an independent multi-link setup in the rear along with standard 18-inch rolling stock help to hold this hulking sedan up. Standard 4-wheel disc brakes with Electronic Brake force Distribution and Brake assist keep things under control when needed. For safety, Vehicle Dynamic Control and traction control are standard.
All of this sounds pretty good, right? Perhaps, taken on its own merits, it is. But there’s a bigger picture here that we just can’t help but look at. This platform is aging. It already received it’s midlife facelift in Japan. It came out before the current Q45, and way before the G35. We have to wonder if this platform may not be up to the standards of today’s models. Speaking of, on the way very soon is an entirely new Mercedes Benz E-Class, one which is amazingly
advanced. Can a lower price and good power be enough to sustain sales for an entire life cycle?
Another problem we have is this vehicle’s looks. Yeah, it has that new Infiniti style grille to some extent. But it really just doesn’t fit into the lineup very well. We have two very similar looking cars, the G35 and Q45, and then we have this. To some, this design does nothing but muddle the emerging but still weak Infiniti image.
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