Future M45 May Spawn Base M35 Model and Optional All-Wheel Drive

The Infiniti M45 is a modern muscle car dressed in 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 yesterday 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

Yesterday, the Infiniti M45 concept was unveiled at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the home of the New York International Auto Show. (Photo: Infiniti)

"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

In actuality the M45 Concept (shown) started life as the Fuga, a concept that debuted in Tokyo late last year. (Photo: Infiniti)

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

The new M45 is designed to steal sales from the likes of Acura, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and most importantly Lexus. (Photo: Infiniti)

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

Many of the M45s design cues have been borrowed from the popular G35 sedan. (Photo: Infiniti)

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

Active rear control allows the suspension to alter geometry calibrations in real time. (Photo: Infiniti)

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