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Nissan Building Infiniti into Global Brand

Infiniti Readies New Concept and Production M for Detroit

Infiniti, Nissans top-tier division, has been expanding its portfolio lately, with model year 2005 adding styling and power updates to the G35 sedan and coupe, modifications to the Q45 design and an all-new model in its luxurious Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator fighting QX56 full-size SUV, while dropping its once popular I35 sedan.

During the previous couple of years the Japanese nameplate has totally revamped its product lineup, now considered to be among the most enticing available in the sport/luxury segment.

One

Infinitis new M35/45 rear-drive sport sedan will debut in production trim at the Detroit auto show this January. (Photo: Infiniti)

such new model was the M45 sedan, based on Q45 architecture but slightly smaller in proportion. Despite offering an impressive value proposition, the M hasnt sold well, mostly because of its tough BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class competition. Infiniti hopes to do better when its new M35/45 debut

Infiniti states the new model is "a true luxury sedan like no other, balanced between sportiness, luxury and roominess". (Photo: Infiniti)

in Detroit in January, a rear-drive sport sedan based on the chassis of the award-winning G35. This should translate into M35/45 driving dynamics that rival its Bavarian rival, in a similar way to how Infinitis G35 gives BMWs 3-Series a serious run for its money.

For this reason Infiniti is bullish about the new models appeal, with Mark Igo, vice president and general manager of Infiniti

The new M will feature multivalve, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and 4.5-liter V8 engines. (Photo: Infiniti)

stating the new model is "a true luxury sedan like no other, balanced between sportiness, luxury and roominess." He adds the words, "masculine, aggressive and bold" to the list of superlatives, and without doubt hell be getting few willing to oppose.

The new M will feature multivalve, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and 4.5-liter V8 engines, which in 2005 Infiniti trim make anywhere from 277 to 295 horsepower for the former and 340 horsepower for the latter. Infiniti says the V6 will boast 275 plus horsepower,

The new Infiniti is scheduled to show up at local dealerships across the nation in early spring. (Photo: Infiniti)

so expect something closer to its highest rating given the added weight of the midsize model.

Both engines are expected to be mated to the brands short-throw performance-oriented 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. There is no word as to whether the Japanese automaker will offer a 6-speed manual with the base car, but such would follow Nissan/Infiniti tradition as of late.

The M35/45 in production trim will debut next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, before launching in dealerships across the nation in early

Infiniti states that its new SUV concept will take "an exploratory look at the future of SUV interior design". (Photo: Infiniti)

spring.

New Infiniti Kuraza Concept to Show Unique Slant on an SUV

Also readying for Infinitis Detroit Auto Show stand is the Kuraza concept. Infiniti is being coy about its exterior styling, only showing an early conceptual artists rendering of the interior, but states it will take "an exploratory look at the future of SUV interior design" in a press statement released yesterday.

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