Infiniti Debuts Production Infiniti M and Luxurious Kuraza Concept

Press Release

Announces a starting MSRP of $39,900 for the 2006 M35 sedan

Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan North America, Inc., today showed production versions of the powerful new 2006 Infiniti M performance luxury sedan, including the 4.5-liter V8 powered M45 and 3.5-liter V6-equipped M35. In addition, Infiniti unveiled the Infiniti Kuraza Concept, an exploratory look at future luxury sport utility vehicle interior design.

Infiniti also announced pricing on the 2006 Infiniti M. The M35 sedan, with 280-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission, features a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price* (MSRP) of $39,900. The Infiniti M45 sedan, with a 335-horsepower 4.5-liter V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission is priced at a MSRP of $46,750.

Infiniti Vice President and General Manager Mark Igo also announced that Infiniti had its best-ever sales year in 2004, recording nearly 130,986 units sold, an increase of 10 percent over calendar year 2003 sales.

"Infiniti sales for 2004 were fantastic and show no signs of slowing down in 2005," said Igo. "Our product lineup is dynamic, distinctive and defined, and with the introduction of the new M, it only gets better."

2006 Infiniti M

The all-new Infiniti M, which is scheduled for sale in late February 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. 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. Both engines are mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with all-new short-throw performance shifter and manual shift mode with downshift rev matching. 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 technology, an all-new Vehicle Information System with 7-inch LCD screen and easy-to-use controls, Infiniti voice recognition and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). 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.

Kuraza Concept

The Kuraza Concept combines traditional Japanese design cues, extensive use of natural materials and modern technology to create a highly social, highly luxurious interior environment. The Kuraza takes design forward by focusing on space, rather than enhanced utility - creating a highly social atmosphere to share with friends. Focusing on the next level of interior design, where all passengers will be provided with equal comfort, roominess and amenities, the Kuraza is marked by six doors - with the 3rd row doors on each side operating from rear hinges - and three rows of large, luxurious side-by-side pairs of individual seats.

Key interior design features include stadium style seating for the 2nd and 3rd rows, which combine with the large windows and three overhead glass panels to provide a truly panoramic view; a center-beam console with drop-down sections for unrestricted side-to-side access; and extensive use of natural materials, including rich, beige leather, hand-crafted wood and milled aluminum-alloy.

Along with its six doors and large, wrap-around greenhouse, Kuraza's exterior offers an Infiniti-style grille, unique multi-lens LED headlights and taillights, carriage-style side combination mirrors, turn signal indicators and spotlights; automatic retracting aluminum with wood-inlay side steps; and 23-inch aluminum-alloy Infiniti-style wheels.