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2004 Infiniti M Press Kit: Overview
2004 Infiniti M45 Performance Sport Sedan Stakes Out Modern Muscle Car Territory with Standard 340 Horsepower 4.5-liter V8
The 2004 Infiniti M45 performance sport sedan (which will be available in February 2004) carves out a unique position among mid-size luxury sedans – call it the “muscle car with brains.” The middle player in Infiniti’s lineup of performance-oriented front-engine, rear-wheel drive sedans, the 2004 M45 shares many major powertrain components (including its 4.5-liter DOHC V8) with Infiniti’s flagship Q45 performance luxury sedan. Yet with its standard class-leading V8 performance and a long list of world-class amenities, the M45 is price-competitive with other competitors’ 6-cylinder models.
For 2004, the M45 interior receives standard driver's seat two-position memory system, electrochromic auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, and electronic compass (previously available as part of the Comfort and Convenience Package). Also new is a Navigation / Voice Recognition Package which features Infiniti’s DVD Navigation system and voice recognition system. Additionally, the CD changer moves from the glove box and becomes an in-dash 6-disc CD autochanger.
“The design of the M45 is highly distinctive, both inside and out. The exterior offers a strong, integrated appearance,” said Mark Igo, 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.”
Luxury That Performs
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 improved manual shift mode operation for 2004.
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. A Tire Pressure Monitor System with warning light is now standard on all models.
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.
Two new exterior colors are offered for 2004 – Desert Platinum (replacing Golden Sand) and Twilight Blue.
Refined Interior Design
The 2004 M45 presents an interior that is pure Infiniti, with the fully appointed interior providing rewarding comfort for both driver and passenger.
The luxurious, sport contoured front bucket seats are finished with soft, Infiniti-exclusive “Sojourner” leather-appointed seats. A 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way power passenger seat are standard on every M45, along with a new 2-position driver’s seat memory system (driver’s seat, mirrors, steering wheel tilt and telescope). Optional Climate Controlled Seats (CCS™) are available, 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, traffic permitting, 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 in-dash 6-disc CD autochanger comes standard, along with audio steering wheel controls. The M45 audio system is pre-wired for satellite radio technology (available only 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, electrochromic interior and left hand outside mirrors, heated outside mirrors with selectable tilt down function, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, full-size spare and direct reading Tire Pressure Monitor System and much more.
All M45 models also feature dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags, front and rear curtain side-impact supplemental air bags and active head restraints for the front seats. Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors.
Additional 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 Tethers for CHildren) 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 5.8-inch LCD screen, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Sojourner leather-appointed seats and Bose® premium audio system.
The 2004 M45 will be offered with several equipment packages. The Premium Package A offers a sunroof, climate controlled seats and voice recognition system, while the Premium Package B adds the same equipment plus chrome-plated wheels.
The M45’s Technology Package comes with the Infiniti Navigation System, 7.0-inch LCD display screen and Intelligent Cruise Control, which uses lasers to sense vehicles ahead and adjust speed to maintain a selected following distance. The new Navigation/VR Package combines the DVD navigation system, larger LCD display and voice recognition system.
Three stand-alone factory options are also available: sunroof, P235/45VR18 Michelin all-season tires (at no additional charge) and premium natural-color Maple wood trim and shifter knob.
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