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Slick New Infiniti Set to Smash Japanese Brands Large Car Sales Woes

Introduction of M35 Marks End of Maxima-Based I35

Just one look is all it takes to see that the new Infiniti M will leave the current models sales woes far behind in a distant memory. Since its model year 2003 introduction the M45 has never taken hold of the midsize luxury market, due in part to conservative mid-pack styling and heavy-handed performance.

Ridding the M designation of the first problem the 2006 model, which evidenced by two photos released yesterday, will sport many design cues of the M concept Nissans luxury division showed earlier this year in New York. It pulls the best styling details from the current model and melds them with an all-new design heavily influenced by the top-selling

The new Infiniti M will leave the current models sales woes far behind in a distant memory. (Photo: Infiniti)

G35 sedan and flagship Q45.

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

The new M pulls the best design cues from the current version as well as the top-selling G35 sedan and flagship Q45. (Photo: Infiniti)

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, 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

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

with the base car, but such would follow Nissan/Infiniti tradition as of late.

Handling should improve dramatically too, as the M will feature an enhanced, "next generation" variation of the front-midship (FM) architecture that has made the G35 a serious rival to the longtime benchmark BMW 3-Series. The M versions wheelbase will be stretched to 2,900 mm (114.2 inches) and widened, but the platforms general dynamics should carry forward intact, sure to make the M one of the most entertaining cars in its class. The cars turn-in will be enhanced by a sport ratio power-assisted steering system as well.

The FM design also will provide for much more room

Compared to the current 2004 model, the new M features a lot more interior room, especially in the back seat (M Concept shown). (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

than the current M, especially in the rear where passengers of a 2004 model may feel a bit claustrophobic.

Infiniti has made a name for pampering its owners with esthetically pleasing interiors, and the new M wont break from the mold. The cockpit is driver oriented, yet all passengers will experience a roomy seating area and high-grade creature comforts. Design details will include etched aluminum or genuine Rosewood trim, leather seats, door trim and accents, plus a variety of top-tier technologies, a short list which includes a DVD-based Navigation System and Intelligent Key system with an accompanying push button ignition system. The upcoming M will also feature new technologies that debuted on the show car, namely a new Rear Active Steer suspension system that adjusts the

Infiniti hasnt said whether the HID headlights that swivel with steering input, shown here on the prototype that launched in New York, will make it to production. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

geometry of the rear according to steering input and vehicle speed and a new Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. LDW, developed by Iteris and making its North American automotive production debut in the 2005 FX, reads lane markings and warns occupants if a lane drift is detected. Another safety feature shown on the prototype earlier this year is a pre-crash front seatbelt system, which can sense an impending collision and prepare the restraints for impact.

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