2006-2007 Infiniti M45

Pros :
- Powerful and smooth engine.
- Lots of high-tech gadgetry.
- Smart-shifting automatic gearbox.
- Stylish, roomy interior.
- Tight handling.

Cons :
- Not the most stand-out exterior styling.
- Steering feel not the greatest.
- Sports package offers harsh ride.
- No manual transmission offered.
- Active-steer system more of an unnecessary gimmick.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
Infiniti continues to challenge the status quo among luxury brands with the introduction of yet another category-breaking vehicle, the 2006 Infiniti M. The Infiniti M45 is offered in two versions: M45 (V8 rear-wheel drive) and M45 Sport (V8 rear-wheel drive with Rear Active Steer and 19-inch wheels and tires).
All Infiniti M models are equipped with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and downshift rev matching. Other standard features include leather-appointed seats, Intelligent Key with push button ignition, Infiniti Voice Recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology, in-dash 6-disc changer with MP3 playback capability, improved Infiniti Vehicle Information System with 7-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use controls mounted on both the instrument panel and the steering wheel, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 10-way power driver’s seat, power-sliding sunroof and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS).
The M45 Sport models offer standard 19-inch wheels and tires (18-inch wheels and tires are standard on non-Sport models), sport-tuned suspension with Rear Active Steer, xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), climate controlled front sport seats and aluminum interior trim accents.
The M45 features a powerful DOHC 4.5-liter V8, shared with the flagship Infiniti Q45 and FX45. It is rated at 335 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. Every Infiniti M utilizes an enhanced next generation FM (Front Mid-ship) platform currently used on the G35 sedan, G35 coupe and FX premium crossover SUV. Approximately 60 percent of the platform design and components have been enhanced for use with the all-new M.
Like the previous generation, the new, redefined FM platform positions the engine behind the front axle. This positioning results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance, which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers. The Infiniti M’s large diameter wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to further enhance handling and driving excitement.
The M suspension is an independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear.
From a design standpoint, the all-new Infiniti M optimizes both luxury and sport styling to create a dynamic visual appeal. The expressive, jewel-like grille and crystal-look headlight clusters offer a luxurious appeal, while large 18- or 19-inch wheels and low profile tires, a stable posture with wide track, and short overhangs contribute to the sportiness of the design. In the rear, L-shaped LED taillights and quad tailpipes finish out the exterior design.
The M’s long wheelbase and short overhangs provide a roomy interior and sporty exterior dimensions. Wide front and rear tracks add to handling stability, while the overall width enhances interior and trunk volume. Also featured are lightweight body components, including aluminum-alloy inner and outer door panels, hood and decklid panels. The M’s aerodynamic design results in zero front lift and, with the available rear spoiler, offers zero rear lift.
The advanced braking system is designed to offer confidence-inspiring pedal feel and enhanced pedal response, while the steering system is designed to provide an engaging driving experience through a high-flow hydraulic boost system with micro-polished steering gear and robust rack mounting. Every Infiniti M also features Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC).
The handling and stability of the Infiniti M Sport models is further optimized by Infiniti’s new Rear Active Steer system. Unlike passive rear steering systems, this design features precise, electronic motor-driven control. This system helps improve the M Sport’s handling performance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed.
The system’s electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs the system actuator to change rear geometry by moving both rear suspension lower links. The result is sports car-like agility, combined with luxury sedan stability and ride quality.
The new M’s interior design engages the senses in new and invigorating ways, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with a graceful, Infiniti level of luxury and design detail.
The modern and intuitive interior layout focuses on purposeful simplicity. Interior features include genuine Rosewood or aluminum trim, leather-appointed seats, Solar Eclipse instrument lighting system, and available climate controlled front seats, heated power reclining rear seats and advanced Bose® Studio Surround™ sound system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 14 speakers including two personal speakers mounted in the shoulders of each front seat.
The interior also offers an array of driver and passenger-oriented technology features, including the Infiniti Intelligent Key system with push button ignition. This system eliminates the need to take the key fob out of your pocket when locking and unlocking the car, accessing the trunk or starting the engine. Other available features include RearView Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control and Infiniti DVD-based Navigation System with a new user interface featuring voice-activated destination entry as well as HVAC and audio control.
The Infiniti M is also a showcase for the latest in Infiniti safety technology, including an available new Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. The system recognizes lane markings and calculates the lateral distance between the vehicle and the lane marking, along with vehicle speed relative to the marking, and generates an audible signal to warn the driver of a pending, unintended lane departure. Engagement of the turn signal turns off the system, which also features a cancel switch.
Other safety features include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with Occupant Classification System and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags and available brake-operated Pre-Crash front seat belts, which tighten under emergency braking in anticipation of an evasive maneuver or crash.
Infiniti USA

The 4.5-liter V-8 speaks smoothness through its four stainless-steel exhaust pipes. Its 333 pound-feet of torque are all present and accounted for, and the transmission's sharp response and well-matched ratios make the most of it.
The tranny's way-cool throttle-blip, rev-matching function makes you want to use the manual side of the gate, as it eliminates the shift shock delivered by most automatics when downshifting. Electronics don't always do things better, but this is one case where they do.
The M's steering is quick and precise: nicely weighted, but lacking that last increment of feedback and feel the sporting driver demands. There's plenty of bite from the wide, 19-inch rubber, and the M45 Sport is a neutral handler up to about 8/10ths. At that point, a bit of understeer checks in, and the car will plow at the limit (until the defeatable stability control cuts in), but only when pushed hard. You can feel the active steering system at work, mostly during decreasing-radius turns, where it helps the car through the corner. It's subtle, though, and one wonders if it's worth the cost and complexity it adds. The ride is on the sporty side of firm, and some road rumble snakes its way in through the suspension and low-profile rolling stock, but it's not over the top. Otherwise, it's a quiet car, from a road- and wind-noise standpoint. No complaints with the brakes, which are easy to control and deliver strong stops with minimal front-end dive.
The non-Sport model, as you'd expect, rides smoother and is quieter inside at the expense of some handling prowess, but we credit Infiniti for not further watering down the Sport's spec. That said, even the standard car, with its 18-inch wheels and 245/45-section tires, is no mushball in the handling department and is right on for most M45 customers.
Motor Trend

The M45 interior styling is backed up by dramatically improved materials and overall execution. It's still not quite up to BMW, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz standards, but compared with past efforts, it's a marked difference. There's a greater feel of quality inside the cabin, from the spec of the materials to the general fit and finish. The brushed aluminum trim of our test car wasn't nearly as warm as the available rosewood trim (a no-cost option on the M45 Sport), but projected a feeling of comfortable sportiness.
As is the luxury-car rage these days, the M45 features a centrally located information screen with the obligatory button/dial interface. Thankfully, it's not asked to perform every possible vehicle function and therefore proves relatively easy to navigate. Essential controls for the stereo and climate control remain as buttons above and below the control dial. A steering-wheel-mounted toggle mirrors many of the dial's functions, which when combined with standard Bluetooth connectivity and voice recognition makes it easier to focus on driving rather than fiddling. The assorted control buttons could do with a more muted, less plastic feel, but even so, they're a major leap forward.
Road and Track

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History:
2003-2005 infiniti M45
4,494 cc / 340 hp / 333 lb-ft / 3851 lbs / 0-60 mph 6.1 sec.