Infiniti M45 Review

2008 Infiniti M45 Sedan

Though high-end vehicles now come in more shapes and sizes than ever, the midsize luxury sedan segment remains the heart of the luxury automobile market. Nissan's luxury division, Infiniti, has been around since 1990, yet it had no real presence in this key segment until 2003, when it launched the V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive M45.

The first Infiniti M45 was little more than a Japanese-market Nissan sedan that was rebadged and slightly "Americanized" in order to give Nissan dealers something with which to compete against the high-profile German nameplates that dominate this class. But although it offered a credible amount of luxury and performance, the original M45's relatively uninspired design and cramped interior kept it from registering anything more than a faint blip on luxury buyers' radar screens.

In mid-2005, the current Infiniti M45 was introduced to wide critical acclaim. With substantially more space, a tremendous amount of technology and comfort features, and a bold, imposing exterior design, today's M45 is a high-tech powerhouse with plenty to offer midsize luxury car shoppers. Its performance capabilities have been raised significantly due to things like available four-wheel steering, a precisely tuned suspension and strong brakes. All told, the current M45 is a swift, stylish, superbly executed luxury sedan that should be considered with the top players in the segment.

Today's Infiniti M45 luxury sedan debuted as a 2006 model and comes in two trim levels: M45 and M45 Sport. Both are motivated by a powerful, 4.5-liter V8 that sends up to 325 horsepower and 336 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. The M45's five-speed automatic transmission has manual shift control and a sporty rev-matching feature that imparts a particularly lively feel to downshifts. Infiniti also offers a 275-hp, V6-powered version of the sedan called the M35. All M45 models are rear-wheel drive only. (The M35 is available with rear- or all-wheel drive.)

Base M45 models are geared more for luxury than sport and offer a long list of standard amenities, including climate-controlled seats, adaptive xenon headlights and tasteful wood and metal trim, among other things. The M45 Sport swaps the wood for aluminum trim, but otherwise is identical inside to the standard M45. Mechanical enhancements on the M45 Sport that raise its performance potential include 19-inch wheels and tires, firmer suspension tuning and active rear-wheel steering.

Options for the M45 line are consistent with its high-tech image, including adaptive cruise control; a lane-departure warning system; a Bose surround-sound DVD audio system with front-seat, shoulder-level surround speakers; heated and reclining rear seats; and a navigation system with voice-activated destination entry.

In road test reviews, editors have praised the Infiniti M45 for its explosive power and sharp handling and its bounty of luxury features. Criticisms of the M45 include overly intrusive road noise and complicated center-stack controls that are hard to master.

The original Infiniti M45 debuted in 2003 and was basically a Japanese-market Nissan Cedric luxury sedan brought over to fill the gap between Infiniti's near-luxury G35 and the larger, technology-laden Q45. Engineered for the narrow streets of Japan, the M45's cabin proved too narrow to hold corn-fed Americans comfortably, and the backseat was scant on legroom for a car of this size. Even worse, the M's exterior design was bland to a fault.

However, it was fast. The original M45 was available only with a 340-hp V8 and rear-wheel drive. Unlike today's model, there were no separate standard and Sport versions from which to choose, and the only suspension offered was on the sporty side. Combined with big, 18-inch wheels and performance tires, the M45 delivered respectable handling. Equally important, the original M45 was equipped with nearly the same number of safety features as today's model.

Competitively priced even when new and available with most of the luxury features found on the larger Q45, first-generation M45s generally represent strong used-car values in terms of feature content and performance. For shoppers who like the car's combination of stealth speed and luxury, and don't need a lot in the way of interior room, the first-generation Infiniti M45 could be a good match

Read more »

Infiniti G35 Review

2008 Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan Shown

These days, we've come to expect a lot from Infiniti. But in years past, the Japanese luxury brand actually struggled to find an audience. Only with the Infiniti G35 sport sedan did the company start to regain its footing after years in the red. At the time of its debut, the G35's refined styling and sporty performance made a loud statement. The G35 was as close to German engineering as any car on the market.

The Infiniti G35 is built on the same platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car and shares the same throaty V6. It distinguishes itself in the entry-level luxury segment with a roomy cabin, plenty of performance and a respectable price. For those reasons, the rear-wheel-drive G35 is one of our editors' top recommendations for a sport sedan or coupe that's rewarding to own and drive.

Current Infiniti G35

The Infiniti G35 is available as a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. The coupe comes in one trim level. The sedan is available in five: a base, Journey, x (AWD), Sport and Sport 6MT. The sedan was redesigned for 2007 and now represents the car's second generation. The current coupe is a continuation of the first generation, but will receive the same redesign as the sedan for the 2008 model year.

Both body styles are equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. In the G35 sedan, the V6 makes 306 horsepower. The coupe equipped with the standard five-speed automatic transmission is rated for 275 hp. Equipped with the optional six-speed manual, the G35 coupe provides 293 hp. All sedan trims are equipped with a five-speed automatic, with the exception of the Sport 6MT, which comes with a six-speed manual.

Although Infiniti's entry-level luxury sedan comes in five trims, buyers needn't feel overwhelmed when trying to choose the right G35 for their needs. The Journey trim is a great starting point. For not much more money than the base model, the Infiniti G35 Journey comes with top-of-the-line features, including dual-zone climate control and a stereo with six-CD in-dash changer. The x, Sport and Sport 6MT trims simply add amenities on top of that. The x trim adds AWD and heated seats. The Sport trims, which are geared toward enthusiasts, come with performance features and frills, such as 18-inch wheels and tires, a viscous limited-slip differential, sport seats and aggressive tuning for the car's electronic stability system. A four-wheel active steer system is an option that's exclusive to the Sport trims.

Both coupe and sedan are endowed with plenty of interior space. The sedan is more or less the same size as the outgoing model. What has really improved is the interior design, both ergonomically and aesthetically. Everything is better put together, and materials are higher in quality. There's even real aluminum trim, or you can opt for Rosewood trim.

In road tests and reviews, our editors have found the Infiniti G35 to be a thrilling car to drive, with a direct connection between car and driver. The V6 engine feels and sounds exciting. Acceleration is brisk, and power comes on whenever you need it. Zero-to-60 times are under 6 seconds. The handling is crisp in both body styles. Some buyers may find the ride quality a bit stiff on the Sport trims, but the non-Sport G35s should be comfortable for a wide range of drivers.

Past Infiniti G35 Models

The original Infiniti G35 was a big hit when it debuted for the 2003 model year, and Infiniti has not tinkered much with the winning formula since then. Sold through 2006, the first-generation G35 sedan was initially available in a single trim level, and Infiniti expanded the line to include an AWD model a year later. The sedan and coupe shared the same 3.5-liter V6, but in the sedan, the engine made 260 hp -- 20 hp less than the coupe.

Used G35 buyers interested in maximum performance will want to focus on 2005 models or later. In '05, Infiniti bumped the power in the automatic transmission-equipped sedan to 280 hp. Coupes and sedans with the manual transmission were upgraded to 298 hp. That same year, Infiniti also updated the sport suspension package with bigger wheels and a limited-slip rear differential.

Read more »

Infiniti G37 Review

When Infiniti's first G35 coupe stormed onto the scene in 2002, it proved a worthy alternative to BMW's 3 Series — the best you could get for $35,000 at that time. Now, as the new 3 Series reassumes control of the segment with a rip-snorting 300 horsepower in the 335i, it seems time for Infiniti to hatch the latest G.

That the redesigned G35 sedan already provided a compelling alternative to the 3 Series didn't matter. Infiniti decided against matching that car's 306-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, instead building a 3.7-liter engine for the appropriately named G37 coupe. The larger V-6 sends an estimated 330 hp to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Three trim levels are available: base, Journey and Sport 6MT, which is sold exclusively with the manual. Infiniti G37s hit dealerships in August 2007.

Exterior
The G37 looks much like you'd expect for a two-door offshoot of the new G35. The curvaceous body integrates large — but fairly subtle — fenders, while the bumper boasts one of the more sinister interpretations of the familiar air dam and side portals you see on many cars. Twin L-shaped headlights flank the slatted grille. The taillights aren't all that different from those on the previous G35 coupe.

Adding the Sport package to a G37 Journey gets you a sport-tuned suspension, exterior ground effects and massive 14-inch front disc brakes — the same size as those on a Corvette Z06. The Sport package also swaps the G37's standard 18-inch alloy wheels for 19-inchers. The G37 Sport 6MT includes all the enhancements standard.

Infiniti's 4-Wheel Active Steer system is optional on the Journey and 6MT. It turns the rear wheels as well as the front ones, which purportedly improves high-speed handling and makes it easier to turn at parking-lot speeds.

At 183.1 inches long and 71.8 inches wide, the G37 is nominally bigger than the 335i coupe. It's even a bit wider than the G35 sedan.

Interior
Apart from having a smaller backseat with room for two instead of three, the G37's cabin is not much different from that of the G35 sedan. The coupe's interior is a vast improvement over the first-generation G35, and now features such novelties as aluminum trim modeled after Japanese Washi paper.

Standard features include power front seats, automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD stereo and leather upholstery. Heated seats with power side bolsters, a moonroof and a navigation system with real-time traffic monitoring are optional.

Under the Hood
Sporting an elaborate air induction system similar to (no surprise) BMW's Valvetronic, the 3.7-liter V-6 makes an estimated 330 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque. It teams with a five-speed automatic transmission in the G37 base and Journey, while the Sport 6MT gets a six-speed manual. Cars with the Sport package include a limited-slip differential for better traction while cornering.

Infiniti estimates that the G37's engine actually delivers around 1 mpg better gas mileage than the 3.5-liter V-6 in the G35. With the EPA's revised fuel economy ratings for 2008, that should translate into roughly 21 mpg in combined city and highway driving for a manual-equipped G37.

Safety
All G37s come standard with six airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Active head restraints, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system are also standard.

Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control, which can match highway speeds with the car ahead, is optional. It includes a Preview Braking function that preloads the brakes for faster response if the car in front slams on its brakes. Also optional are pre-crash seat belts that can tighten in response to emergency braking, as well as adaptive headlights that can swivel several degrees to better illuminate corners.

Read more »