2003 Infiniti M Press Kit: Overview

Infiniti M45 Performance Sport Sedan Powers Its Way in the Mid-Luxury Segment with 340 Horsepower 4.5-liter V8

A recent addition to the Infiniti lineup of performance-oriented front-engine, rear-wheel drive sedans, the 2003 M45 is positioned between the flagship Q45 – with which it shares many major powertrain components, including the highly acclaimed 4.5-liter V8 engine – and the Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan. 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 competitors’ 6-cylinder models.

“The design of the M45 is highly distinctive, both inside and out. The exterior offers a strong, integrated appearance, as if carved from one piece of stone,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. “The interior places a priority on progressive technology. It combines comfort for passengers and control for the driver and comes standard with the Q45’s popular Vehicle Information System with large, multi-function LCD screen.”

The M45 went on sale at 162 Infiniti dealers nationwide in October 2002, with an MSRP of $42,300.

Luxury That Performs
One of the most attractive features of the new M45 is found under the hood. Standard on all models is an aluminum-alloy, double overhead-cam, 4.5-liter V8 engine that produces 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. Controlling this powerplant is a standard 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Other performance features include Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which helps improve vehicle stability during understeer, oversteer or adverse road conditions, an integral Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist (BA) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering.

The M45's aggressive handling, outstanding stability and responsive steering are provided by an independent strut suspension with coil springs in the front and an independent multi-link suspension in the rear. Standard 18-inch wheels and 235/45WR18 high performance tires contribute to the crisp performance and responsive chassis capability.

Distinctive Exterior Design
The M45’s exterior design offers distinction and differentiation from other products available in the market. The front end is enhanced by an aggressive front grille, with wide black chrome horizontal bars, which flow into the sporty, high-intensity discharge xenon headlight design.

Viewed from the side, the silhouette forms a dynamic wedge shape running from the front to the rear. A long 110.2-inch wheelbase contributes to a luxurious yet sporty attitude, while maintaining a personal, comfortable driving space inside.
The rear styling offers a simple yet sporty form, with swept back C-pillar, tapered rear appearance and highly visible combination lamps. Other exterior features include body-colored side molding and chrome door handles.

Refined Interior Design
Even with sharp focus on performance, the M45 presents an interior that is pure Infiniti. The new M45’s fully appointed interior provides rewarding comfort for both driver and passenger.

The luxurious, sport contoured front bucket seats are finished with soft, Infiniti-exclusive “Sojourner” leather seating surfaces. A 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way power passenger seat are standard on every M45. In addition, optional Climate Controlled Seats (CCS™) are offered, which significantly enhance driver and passenger comfort in virtually all climatic conditions by offering both heating and cooling functions.

The interior also features genuine Bird’s Eye Maple wood trim with a smoke graphite color and a performance-oriented four-dial instrument cluster, complete with amber lighting that silhouettes the gauges. The M45’s high tech luxury amenities include an optional DVD-based navigation system, Intelligent Cruise Control system that maintains driver-selected following distances and the state-of-the-art Infiniti Voice Recognition System from the Q45.

A 225-watt Bose® premium digital audio system with 7 speakers, AM/FM stereo cassette and 6-disc CD changer comes standard, along with audio steering wheel controls. The M45 audio system is fully compatible with the latest satellite radio technology (available through Infiniti retailers). Every M45 also comes equipped with an automatic dual-zone temperature control with ambient temperature display, illuminated entry/exit system, rear console mounted air conditioning vents and rear heater ducts, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, Infiniti signature analog clock and much more.

All M45 models also feature dual stage front supplemental air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, front and rear curtain side impact supplemental air bags and active head restraints for the front seats.

Passive safety features include an energy-absorbing steering column, front and rear crumple zones with hood buckling creases and safety stops, body side reinforcements and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat retention system in outboard rear seating positions.

Models and Options
Setting it apart from other vehicles in the mid-luxury segment, the M45 is infused with an array of luxury features normally only seen in high-end flagship models like the Q45. The M45's standard premium features include items such as dual-zone automatic temperature controls, xenon headlamps, multi-functional Vehicle Information System with large LCD screen, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Sojourner Luxury Leather seating surfaces and Bose® premium audio system.

The 2003 M45 will be offered with several equipment packages. The Comfort and Convenience Package includes memory seats, electrochromic mirrors, heated outside mirrors, reverse tilt down mirror, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, full-size spare and direct reading tire pressure monitor. The fully loaded Technology Package comes with the Infiniti Navigation System, upgraded LCD display screen and Intelligent Cruise Control, which uses lasers to sense vehicles ahead and adjust speed to maintain a selected following distance. Climate Control Seats, sunroof and Infiniti Voice Recognition system are added with the Premium Package, which also is available with chrome wheels.

Three stand-alone factory options are also available: sunroof, all-season tires (at no additional charge) and premium natural-color Maple wood trim and shifter knob.

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