The all-new Infiniti M 2006

Press Release

At a Glance: 2006 Infiniti M

The all-new Infiniti M, which is scheduled for sale in spring 2005 as a 2006 model, captures essential elements of both the Q45 luxury performance sedan and the award-winning Infiniti G35 - and takes them to a new level of engaging luxury and performance. Together with the flagship Q45 and sporty G35, the 2006 M gives Infiniti an exceptional lineup of dynamic luxury performance sedans.

The Infiniti M optimizes both luxury and sport styling to create a dynamic visual appeal. The exterior design features a low, aggressive hoodline, which flows into the anchored shoulders and contributes to the sporty, powerful silhouette. Inside, the interior is highly expressive, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with an inviting design detail.

At the heart of the Infiniti M is the high-performance power of a choice of advanced V8 or V6 engines, with the vehicles badged M45 or M35 respectively. The M45 features the 4.5-liter DOHC V8 currently used in the Infiniti Q45 and FX45. For use in the M45, it produces 335-340 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque. The M35 is powered by a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with short-throw performance shifter and manual shift mode. The M35 also features an available intelligent all-wheel drive system.

Advanced technology is abundant on the new M - starting with the standard Bluetooth wireless connectivity, an all-new Vehicle Information System with 7-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use controls, voice recognition and Tire Pressure Monitor System. M Sport models feature a new Rear Active Steer system, which helps improve vehicle handling performance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed. Also featured on the M is an available Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, which warns the driver of a pending, unintended lane departure.

Highlights of the 2006 Infiniti M include: Body

• Sporty, luxurious design
• Expressive, jewel-like grille and crystal-look headlight cluster
• Stable posture with long wheelbase (114.2 inches), wide track and short overhangs
• Low, aggressive hoodline and anchored shoulders provides a sporty, powerful silhouette
• Advanced unibody construction with a very high level of torsional rigidity
• Front lighting system with HID xenon headlamps

Engine and Driveline

• 32-valve 4.5-liter DOHC V8 producing 335-340 horsepower (M45) or 24-valve 3.5-liter DOHC V6 producing 280 horsepower (M35)
• Modular cylinder head design, lightweight pistons, titanium valves, continuously variable valve timing, variable length induction system
• 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode
• Enhanced, "next generation" FM (Front Mid-ship) platform with 60 percent of the platform design and components enhanced for use with the M
• Infiniti's intelligent all-wheel drive system available on the M35
• Quad-tipped exhaust tail pipes

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Double-wishbone independent front suspension
• Multi-link independent rear suspension with Rear Active Steer (Sport model)
• Enhanced braking system with 4-wheel disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC)
• Enhanced power-assisted steering system with sport ratio
• 18-inch or 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and low profile tires