With the G35 Sport Coupe, Infiniti upstaged its own M45 debut at the New York Motor Show this year. The G35 sedan supports Infiniti's claim that it's a legitimate sport-sedan maker by winning comparisons to the BMW 330i and others. Infiniti hopes its new M45, riding on the Q45's platform and bridging the price gap between G and Q, will upstage BMW's 540i--an admirable, but tough, goal.
Aggressive gear ratios help the 4.5L V-8 feel like it's delivering the advertised 340 hp. But the Q45 (126 lb heavier) gets the M's 3.133:1 final drive for 2003, too, leaving mostly size, styling, equipment, and price as distinguishing qualities. The U.S.-spec M45 has the home-market Gloria/Cedric bodyshell, but with a new nose and tail, interior, suspension, and the V-8.
The M45's handling persona is self-assured and confident, although it lacks the 540i's athleticism. Compliant, with moderate roll and mild understeer, this Infiniti is more luxury than sport. The steering is nicely weighted, with good feel. The interior offers the comfort you need (including a clever heating and cooling system for the nicely bolstered sport buckets) and no more than you'd expect in an Asian luxury car designed to undercut the German competition by $10,000.
SPECIFICATIONS
2003 Infiniti M45| Price | $41,000-$50,000 (est) | | Vehicle layout | Front engine, rwd, 4-door, 5-pass | | Engine | 4.5L/340-hp V-8, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl | | On sale in U.S. | October 2002 | | 0-60 mph, sec | 5.8 (est) |
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Infiniti promises a 0-60-mph time about a quarter second quicker than its G35, so if you're looking for a comfortable, understated V-8 freeway-stormer, the M45 bears consideration. It works best, though, as another way to validate Infiniti's status as a premium nameplate--if not necessarily an autobahn attacker.