2008 M35/M45: Raising the bar for sports sedans

[AZhitman]

Infiniti knows how to make good things better. For 2008, the Infiniti M cars become even more aggressive and luxurious.

Upon introduction in 2005, the six-cylinder M35 and the eight-cylinder M45 caused heartburn in German sport sedan circles. With the introduction of freshened and tweaked M cars, Infiniti may cause ulcers among BMW automotive engineers.

In particular, the M45x is now the most virulent strain of Infiniti with the ATTESA™ E-TS all-wheel drive system, a perfect foil for the voracious power of its 4.5-liter V8. Attesa uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions. The M45x joins the M35x to offer compelling choices in an all-weather sport sedan.

Both M cars get fresh styling inside and out. New sheet metal reshapes both front and rear ends, grille, rear fenders, trunk lid and taillamps. There’s a new treatment for the lower air intake, fog lamps and side sills. The hood, trunk and doors are still formed from aluminum to trade weight for performance. There are new chrome accents and new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The new look is more aggressive, especially when you order the Sport package that features a distinctively different look (unique front and rear bumpers, headlight color and side sills), a sports-tuned suspension and Infiniti’s Rear Active Steer system that turns the wheels up to one degree to set up for cornering and avoid sliding out when exiting a turn.

Inside, Infiniti gave the M cars a technology touch-up with an upgraded Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System. It uses a large, touch-screen, 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive for digital music storage and playback and is set up for XM NavTraffic® real-time traffic reports. The seats are climate-controlled with heat and ventilation.

The unique, stylized, Infiniti “M-shape” dashboard remains, but the instruments now feature Infiniti’s new "Fine Vision" electroluminescent gauges in a very cool and decadent shade of violet. Nifty details abound, such as the stylized gear shapes surrounding the gauges. There’s a reshaped center console, new textured aluminum trim surfaces, genuine rosewood trim and a new “stone” interior color.

M cars with the Sport Package get special visual differentiation. There’s a unique steering wheel and shift knob, special front seat designs and aluminum-trimmed pedals. Other available M technology includes Bluetooth-enabled hands-free phone system, an Infiniti information display with seven-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use controls, Infiniti voice recognition and RearView Monitor.

Audiophiles must hear the new 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. So-equipped, one’s M35/45 will surpass the fidelity available at home. But enough about the amenities; let’s get to the meat of the M.

The M35 is powered by a DOHC 3.5-liter V6 producing 275 horsepower and 268 lb/ft of torque through the rear wheels. This V6 is one of the Infiniti VQ engines named to the Ward’s “World’s Best Engines” list. The M45 uses a 4.5-liter V8 with 325 horsepower and 336 lb/ft of torque. This marvel of “motorvation” uses titanium valves, modular cylinder heads, a micro-finished crankshaft, lightweight pistons and Infiniti’s Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) to generate withering power without a fuel efficiency penalty. Both engines are mated to a standard five-speed automatic transmission with a performance shifter and manual shift mode with downshift rev matching.

Safety features on the 2008 M35/45 models include standard four-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution and Brake Assist. Steering is a “drive-by-wire,” speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion design. Every Infiniti M also features Infiniti's advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System. VDC adjusts brake pressure and engine torque automatically when the car loses traction. For 2008, the two Ms are equipped with Infiniti's newest safety technology, the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system that senses “wandering” and alerts the driver. LDP is an active safety system that not only provides a warning but applies a slight brake pressure to the wheels opposite the side of the lane departure direction to help prevent the M from inadvertently traveling out of its intended lane. A full complement of airbags completes the safety packaging.

The 2008 Infiniti M35 and M45 are impressive, powerful sports sedans that give the European bunch more than a run for their money. At an MSRP of just over $50,000, the new Infiniti M45x is a true all-weather four-door sports car that will deliver spine-tingling performance and entertainment anywhere, anytime under any conditions. What more can you ask for?

[M45-Zero260]

The way you describe the new 35/45 is awesome! It makes me want to see, touch, and smell the car tomorrow. I am happy to see the many improvements and enhancements of this luxury line. It will definitely be around for a long time putting pressure on BMW, Mercedes, and Lexus. You cannot beat the value/performance/luxury IMO.

On a side note...I really love my '03, but the way you describe..."The unique, stylized, Infiniti “M-shape” dashboard remains, but the instruments now feature Infiniti’s new "Fine Vision" electroluminescent gauges in a very cool and decadent shade of violet." ....makes me wish my "ho-hum" amber colored gauges were a bit more....electroluminescent.

[MattB]

But why can't I have AWD AND Sport?

[panj]

Drivetrain remained same and I predict M45 will not win shootout this year (comparison with E series, 5 series, etc.). The turbo based 535i will perform at m45 levels and narrow the cost gap that existed with the 550. Next year the rumors have an M50 with a 375+ V8 and upgraded 6-speed automatic (with paddle shifters and some other goodies). When my lease goes on the 2007 m45 sport I am hoping for those changes with a sport option on the M50x! We shall see.

[exbmwdude]

Where's that 306HP 7500 RPM V6 from *last year's* G35? Or the 330HP one from the G37 this year ?

You can keep the thirsty and heavier V8 - I bet the G37 motor in this car would perform almost as well as the V8, especially with a 6-speed auto.

C'mon Infiniti - you can't have lesser cars in the line use better motors!

exbmwdude2006 M35S