2008 Infiniti M review

[torres]

"Just two years after its highly successful introduction, the Infiniti M receives major upgrades for 2008 that include the first-ever availability of Infiniti’s intelligent ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system on the 4.5-liter V8-powered M45. The new model, designated M45x, joins the M35x to provide buyers with two choices in all-climate AWD performance..."

This is from a new review on 2008 Infiniti M, from Top Speed. It includes info on the design, performance and pricing of the model, as well as other features. Also available is a wallpaper / photo gallery.



Here is the link to the full article:2008 Infiniti M - Top Speed

And the link to the picture gallery:2008 Infiniti M wallpapers and high resolution photos - Top Speed

[MagicM]

Too bad they didn't add a better V6, i feel a little cheated with the older 3.5VQ, Hopefully they add the 3.7-G37/3.8 NA version from the GTR in it.

[exbmwdude]

Amen - more gadets and a new look, but no 3.7 (or even the 306 HP 3.5) or 6-speed auto. Meanwhile the competetion gets stronger sixes (like the twin turbo BMW) and eights while the M soldiers on with some pretty old motors.

You can keep the automatic lane departure "self steering" system - gimme more power , a better transmission and better mileage too !

exbmwdude2006 M35S

[MagicM]

Yes they can keep the lane depature warning system, i live in Canada and it can't see through snow which makes it useless.transmission wise 5 speed is a bit unacceptable , considering nearly the entire competetion offers 6, 7 and even 8 speed.Well that 8 speed isn't really a 8 speed (CVT) hehe Lexus lies a little.Personally they can put in a 4 speed for all i care they need a better V6 engine. Even the nissan division cars have a 270 HP engine for thier altima, 306 for a G35sedan, and 330 for g37. Also Hate to admit it, but the new honda accord can beat my car in a drag race which is embarrassing, with his family in the back, while still averaging better mpg:(The v8 version i don't even consider an option, there isn't enough of a horsepower gap to make me intrested. Only way i would take the v8 into consideration if it was popping 360-400 range. Bmw can do it, i'am sure infiniti/nissan could make a better engine than them.

[panj]

good points and Infiniti will have some problems this model year. Unfortunately, the major changes for the M series are set for next year, when both models are slated (rumors of course) for major drivetrain changes--up in horsepower/torque and new automatic transmissions. I entered a lease on the 2007 M45 sport as it was a great deal and do like the car and will consider the upgraded M45 at lease end. There current 5-speed is excellent but does result in a mileage/image penalty that the market is not going to tolerate. I too could care less about the lane departure, auto cruise control options and hope if they package these with other items I want they can be turned off.

Look for a 375+ HP 2009 M50 and a 320 or so HP replacing the M35 engine. Fingers crossed.

[Bocatrip]

No guarantee of course that there will be any changes for 09 and the wait will be for the 2010 total package. You can be sure that the overall styling changes will not be dramatically different as they seem to keep their cues close to the G35 changes.

[GJEMD]

The v8 version i don't even consider an option, there isn't enough of a horsepower gap to make me intrested. Only way i would take the v8 into consideration if it was popping 360-400 range. Bmw can do it, i'am sure infiniti/nissan could make a better engine than them.[/QUOTE]

I hope you've driven the VK 4.5, pure silk. It makes the V6 feel like a tractor engine by comparison and actually gets better everyday MPG

[MagicM]

Yes i have driven in the 4.5 and there stil isn't enough of a power gap to make it intresting the engine is old. Compared with bmws new 4.8, and mercedes v8's it falls behind.

[Bocatrip]

With M sales sliding almost 20% from last year, I have a strong feeling that the 08 Ms by March will be able to be purchased for Invoice or below. They are just not selling and gas may very well be hitting $4.00 which will not help sales either. If I plan on jumping in, it will be about that time, but I'm not planning on purchasing one for anything less than a great deal.

[haileyn]

I just bought an 08 M45s for $260 over invoice on 3/1. It was interesting to note that the 08 model was rated at 3mpg lower than the 07 that I drove. In any case, I'm looking forward to what Nissan is planning in the 2011-2012 models. Not sure if I can take more than 3 years of 20mpg with fuel costs approaching $4.00 (and possibly $5.00 by then).

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,I would imagine both the new 5.0 V8 and 7 speed transmission announced in the FX50 will be there by 2009. At least in the FX, the new mill is rated at 390 h.p. If they do the same thing as last time, the M might be 400+. I would have a hard time purchasing a new M right now given the changes on the horizon.Cheers,Mark

[G35_Rican30]

I guess Infiniti dropped the ball on this one, i'll wait and see if they change anything for 2009, looks like i'm holding onto my G for now

[Mark Linkous]

Good call. Your G is quite nice. I think when the M is updated, it will be the car to beat again. Also, it well might be the last Infiniti V8. Given GM recently abandoned the follow up to the Northstar V8, it seems V8's will go the way of the Dodo.M.L

[G35_Rican30]

Are you saying that Infinti may get rid of their V8...then what are they going to put into their M45's?

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,Due to CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements, gas mileage has to rise significantly. By 2020, fleet averages have to rise to 35 m.p.g. Factor in skyrocketing fuel costs and it seems inevitable. GM when they abandoned their high content V8, went the direction of turbo charging and direct injection of 4 and 6 cylinder powerplants.While I hope otherwise, I am afraid V8's in new cars will not be around much longer. Cheers,Mark

[infinitiandbeyond]

A REAL DEAD PEDAL!!!!! THAT IS AWESOME!!!