2003 Infiniti M45

All of this comes together quite well, with a quality look, feel, fit and finish in evidence throughout the passenger compartment. The instruments—rendered in Infiniti's now-signature yellow-on-black motif—offer good legibility while all major control switchgear and stalks are positioned within easy reach. Although we found the M45's Driver Information System to be slightly more intuitive than many of its peers, a quick pass through the owner's manual will definitely help shorten the learning curve.


Providing solid accelerative punch to the M45 is the same 4.5-liter DOHC V-8 used in the Q45 backed with the same electronically controlled, manually-shiftable 5-speed automatic transmission. Fitted with continuously variable valve timing, this silky and sophisticated all-aluminum stormer develops the identical 340 horsepower and 333 lb.-ft. of torque here as it does in the Q45, but the M45 rolls in curbside at 3,851 pounds, 126 less than its bigger brother. Step into the throttle, and the M45 fairly leaps into action. Capable of scrambling 0-60 mph in just over 6.0 seconds, it will happily continue on well into triple digit velocities without breaking a sweat. Stopping power is available in equal measure. Healthy 11.4-inch front/11.5-inch rear vented disc brakes fortified with 4-channel ABS, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution consistently halted our tester in a drama-free manner with a firm but easily modulated pedal.

Providing solid punch to the M45 is the same 4.5L DOHC V-8 used in the Q45 backed with the same electronically controlled, manually-shiftable 5-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension specifics on this hard-charging sedan open with front struts and rear multilinks, fore/aft anti-roll bars and speed-sensitive variable power rack-and-pinion steering. Further augmenting the basic hardware are a driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDS) and Traction Control System (TCS). Final element in the mix is a set of grippy P235/45WR18 tires. Normally shod with high-performance summer-spec shoes—Bridgestone Turanza ER33s on our car—all-season alternatives can be substituted as a no-cost option.


Suspension specifics on this hard-charging sedan open with front struts and rear multilinks, fore/aft anti-roll bars and speed-sensitive variable power rack-and-pinion steering. Further augmenting the basic hardware are a driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDS) and Traction Control System (TCS). Final element in the mix is a set of grippy P235/45WR18 tires. Normally shod with high-performance summer-spec shoes—Bridgestone Turanza ER33s on our car—all-season alternatives can be substituted as a no-cost option.


Drawing a bead on the likes of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac Seville STS, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Infiniti plans to subject its new M45 to a true baptism of fire. Despite the formidable nature of that challenge, this feisty newcomer's impressive combination of comfort, competence and attractive pricing should serve it well in head-to-head competition with more established foes. (www.infiniti.com)