2003 Infinity M45

Vehicle type: V8 Powered rear-wheel drive Luxury Sedan
Price as Tested: $42,905

Pros:
Acceleration
Handling
Workmanship
Value

Cons:
Complicated controls
Small interior
Styling

The new M45 fills the gap between the wonderful G35 and the nearly as wonderful Q45. Both the M and the Q share the same 4 cam 4.5 liter 32 valve V8 engine and it’s a piece of work churning out 340 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque. Enough power to propel the 3,851 lb M45 to 60 MPH in a claimed 6.1 seconds. Those are ‘Muscle Car’ numbers and, in fact, Infiniti calls the ‘M’ ‘The Muscle Car With Brains.’ The ‘brains’ part refers to all the gadgets in the M45. More on that later.

In terms of size the Japanese designed M45 measures out about 15 inches longer than the G35 and just a couple inches shorter than it’s big brother the Q45. Interestingly, the G35’s 112” wheelbase is 2 inches longer than the M45 even though the G35 is considerably shorter. Inside, the M45 ( called the ‘Gloria’ in the Japanese market) is smaller than both it’s stable mates with less head, leg and shoulder room than the other cars. Having said that, it is a very nice cabin if somewhat small. Long legged drivers like myself will wish for a little more room.

The M45 is laden with features like the ‘Vehicle Information Display’ which provides the driver with information. Voice recognition is available if you want to boss that car around without taking your hands off the wheel. The comfy leather seats have temp adjustable heaters for cold winter mornings and the tilting and telescoping steering wheel helps you find the best driving position. Other options include a DVD based navigation system, a tire pressure monitor and a radar guided cruise control that adjusts speed to match the car ahead of you. The ‘Bird’s Eye’ maple trim is a nice interior touch. Exterior styling is a little bland in my opinion but, of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

The only problem with the interior besides its somewhat small size are the overly complicated and poorly placed controls. For example, you have to press a button before you can change radio stations and the button itself is located too far to the right of the driver. Fortunately, the 225 watt Bose stereo sounds wonderful. Safety equipment includes front and side airbags and roof mounted bags located above the front doors.

Handling is quite good thanks to fully independent front and rear suspension. Speed-sensitive power steering improves steering ‘feel’ and parking. Vehicle Dynamic Control helps keep the M45 on course in bad weather or during spirited driving. Large 18” tires are mounted on nice 8 spoke alloy chrome wheels. ABS is standard with 11.5” discs all around. Braking is excellent. The ride is tuned a little on the soft side for my tastes but most will probably appreciate it. I noticed a little up and down movement while driving.

As an old muscle car guy I was pretty pumped when I heard I was getting this car. I loved the G35 and named it one of my top 5 cars of 2002 so I was ready for the M45. It’s a very nice car and it is fast but for some reason I didn’t like the M45 as much as I thought I would. To me, it feels a little big and bulky behind the wheel. Not a lot mind you, but just enough to give the impression. One of the things I really like about the G35 is the nimble feeling the car has. It just feels light on its feet and powerful even though it’s 3.5 liter engine has 80 fewer ponies under the hood. The M45’s additional 500 lbs and 15” length are factors here.

Ok, what’s the bottom line? The M45 is a darn nice car and offers Q45 performance for about 10K less money. It’s fast, handles well and has a lot of features. If you’re NOT a big farm boy from South Dakota you’ll more than likely find it to be quite comfortable too. My wife loved it. Nissan continues to lead the industry with its new and improved product line-up. The M45 is a worthy contender.

Tom Collins
3/11/03
tomcollinsaam@yahoo.com