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2003 Infiniti M45
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| Sedan on the American Plan |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:23:39 |
| Rating |
 63 ( -10 -15.87% ) | | Author | Dan Lyons |
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Description:
2003 Infiniti M45
Sedan on the American Plan
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle:
2003 Infiniti M45 Sedan
MSRP: $42,300
As tested:
$49,055
Showroom appeal:
Muscular mid-size with luxury leanings
Plus:
Strong going and stopping, cushy and comfortable
Minus:
HVAC/Sound System/Nav switchgear needs a re-think
The Competition:
Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Lexus LS430, Volvo S80
Muscle cars were mostly about motors, and much of the intrigue about the M45 centers similarly under hood.
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Infiniti fills the gap in its luxury alphabet between "G" and "Q" with a new model that trades on some decidedly American themes. Ads for the M45 draw parallels between the new model and the classic American muscle car. The traditional muscle car formula was to take the biggest engine on the shelf and stuff it into an intermediate size chassis. In this case, Infiniti took the 4.5 liter V8 from the Q45, and slid it into the engine bay of the M's mid-size, 110.2" chassis.
Muscle cars were mostly about motors, and much of the intrigue about the M45 centers similarly under hood. Driving the interest is Infiniti's aluminum alloy engine. Borrowed from big brother Q, the motor makes 340 hp and 333 ft. lb. of torque. The M45 tips the scales at 3,851 lb., yielding a weight to power ratio of 11.33. Promising numbers all, and the M delivers on that promise with fast, fluid acceleration and 0-60 times in the mid six second range. The lone caveat is a five speed automatic transmission that is sometimes a bit sluggish in its shifting. This falls in the category of a minor annoyance, something on the order of running and finding that your shoelace is untied. EPA rates the 4.5/auto combo at 17 mpg's city/23 highway and we netted 17 during our test period. Unlike vintage muscle motors there is little in the way of exhaust tone here, Infiniti opting for a more stealthy approach, sound-wise
"The M45 performance sport sedan comes standard with class-leading V8 performance and a long list of world-class amenities, with a price competitive with other competitor's 6-cylinder models."
The chassis that the stellar motor is buttoned into is dialed more towards the luxury end of the sport touring spectrum than the sporting side. It exhibits understeer when pushed hard, and is supple at soaking up road shocks. Notable here are the fine brakes, which likely owe some of their grip to sticky, standard rolling stock: 235/45 18" W-rated Bridgestone Turanzas on alloy rims.
A nicely finished interior is done in leather and beautiful, Bird's Eye Maple trim. The yellow lit dash is an easy read. Less easy are the controls for HVAC, sound system and navigation. The switchgear for all of the above are channeled through a Vehicle Information Display in center dash that is not intuitive and requires multiple maneuvers to accomplish even minor adjustments.
The option sheet includes an Intelligent Cruise Control System (that maintains driver-selected following distances) and a DVD-based navigation system. A 10-way power seat assures driver comfort (4-way for front passenger) and climate controlled seats that heat or cool are also available. Seating is roomy up front, back seats will be a tight squeeze if you are tall (or are sitting behind someone who is). The trunk is well shaped though on the small side at 13.4 cubic feet, and the rear seat does not fold.
If the M45 were a suit, you'd describe the cut as more American than continental. The slab sides and angular profile look more in line with past US models than current imports. The upright lines make a style statement distinct from most other cars, though I wish that Infiniti had gone for something a little bolder at the corners. Nose and tail look to me to be a little too conservative, given the intent to depart from mainstream styling.
Though it competes in a crowded segment of quality cars, the M45's combination of luxurious muscle and grey flannel style is appealing. Many may find the engine alone in this mid-luxury, mid-size to be worth the price of admission.
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---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2002 |
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