The pre-production Infiniti M Series premium sedan was introduced at NAIAS'2005 in Detroit, and full-scale sales of the model began in the late spring of 2005 as a 2006 model year car. In Japan, the model is sold as a Nissan Fuga since the fall of 2004. All Infiniti M built on the architectural platform FM (Front Mid-ship), which lies at the heart of the G35 sedan, G35 coupe and FX SUV. However, to create a model M in 2006, the design and details of this platform were modified by 60%.
The FM platform involves placing the engine behind the front axle. The result is an optimal weight distribution between the front and rear axles, which has a positive effect on the habits of the car. In this case, the Infiniti M is equipped with large wheels located almost at the corners of the body. This kind of proprietary feature improves handling. Among the design features are a steel body that is more rigid for torsion and bending, an increased wheelbase (2900 mm), double wishbone front suspension, a multi-link rear axle and electronically controlled variable stiffness shock absorbers. The appearance of the car captivates power and confidence.
A low aggressive hood immediately blends into the eyes, harmoniously flowing into solid wings, which gives the car an athletic, sporty silhouette. Other exterior details look equally impressive: an expressive wide chrome-plated radiator grille, large slightly slanting “crystal” headlights, a massive bonnet and bumper, large-radius wheels with low-profile tires, short overhangs, in general, the entire front part of the Infiniti M evokes respect and interest . The back end with L-shaped LED lights and four chrome-plated tailpipes are ideal for the overall look of the car - the same massiveness and power.
Design M also determines its good aerodynamic characteristics, as evidenced by only one such fact that the lifting forces acting on the front of the body are zero. And the optional rear spoiler allows you to reduce to zero and the lifting forces acting on the back of the car. It is noteworthy that part of the body is made of light materials: for example, it is the outer and inner panels of the doors, the hood and the boot lid, made of aluminum alloy. A wide rut of front and rear wheels increases the stability of the car, and an impressive overall width provides a large amount of passenger compartment and luggage compartment. Inside, everything is top notch.
The luxury division of Nissan does not save on finishing - aluminum and wood are used with pleasure, which are perfectly combined with the abundance of leather inside the cabin. The dashboard with the innovative lighting system “Solar Eclipse” has a very original design and, according to manufacturers, provides maximum comfort not only for passengers but also for the driver. Comfortable front seats equipped with heating and ventilation. A modern Bose® 2Channel audio system with a six-disc CD player and eight 234 W loudspeakers is beyond praise.
Infiniti M is available in five versions: with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive; with V6 engine and all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS; with V8 engine and rear wheel drive; and finally, the Sport version with a V8 engine and rear wheel drive. So, for the Infiniti M, there are two types of engines to choose from - V6 or V8, which are denoted by the abbreviations M35 and M45 in their respective versions. A 4.5-liter V8 is installed on the M45, which develops 339 hp. The version is simpler, the M35 is equipped with a V6 engine with a displacement of 3.5 liters (280 hp).
Aluminum alloy cylinder blocks, lightweight pistons and connecting rods, as well as compact camshafts allow engines to gain momentum quickly with less energy loss. For the 4.5-liter V8 valves are made of titanium, which reduces the inertia force. On both engines, an electronic system is used to control the valve timing and fuel supply, which provides excellent dynamic performance. True, the fuel consumption is very impressive. Infiniti M with a 3.5 liter engine and rear-wheel drive in the urban cycle consumes 17.9 liters per 100 km, and with all-wheel drive - 17.2 liters.
The 4.5 liter engine consumes 19.7 liters. All versions are equipped with a modern 5-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection mode and function. Yet this automatic transmission can change the engine speed when downshifting (DRM). The all-wheel-drive Infiniti M35x model has in its arsenal of technologies a modern electronic torque redistribution system (ATTESA E-TSTM).
This is one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems: it constantly adjusts the ratio of torque transmitted to the front and rear wheels in order to make the best use of traction to ensure the highest possible acceleration and maintain controllability. If the road conditions allow you to abandon the use of all-wheel drive, then all the power will be transferred to the rear wheels, giving the car the characteristics of a rear-wheel drive sports model. The system also provides smooth, steady acceleration, especially on a snowy road or off-road.
On the “Sport” version, 19-inch wheels are installed (while 18 wheels are standard equipment for other versions), and a reinforced sports suspension with a system of active steering with rear wheels. The road is illuminated with xenon headlights with washers. Salon meets sports steering wheel, sunroof and aluminum pedals and interior parts. The basic set of equipment already includes quite expensive options, such as leather seats, an electrolink, an Intelligent Key access system with a button to turn on the ignition, and a dynamic stabilization system (VDC). The driver's seat is adjustable according to 10 parameters, and the cabin is equipped with an advanced airbag system (AABS).
The basic equipment also includes a rear-view video camera, with the help of which the trajectory of the vehicle’s reversing motion and the cruise control system will be projected on the screen. Infiniti M is one of the safest cars in its class, according to the American Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In a series of crash tests with side and frontal impacts, respectively, at a speed of 50 and 64 km / h, the car received the highest marks. And for the ability to hold a frontal impact, the Infiniti M35 / 45 received the highest "best pick". The car is equipped with a dynamic stabilization system that helps keep the car on the chosen path or prevent unwanted skidding.
Infiniti M also boasts a large number of airbags and seat belts with pretensioners. Moreover, the body of the novelty is designed so that the interior remains as intact after any impact as possible. A virtual presentation of the third generation Infiniti M sedan was held on August 14, 2009 in California at the 59th annual competition of classic cars Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The model is sold in 32 countries, including Western Europe. On sale a new generation appeared in the spring of 2010.
The sedan body has been completely redesigned. The lowered hood and relief lines of the front fenders are borrowed from the Infiniti Essence concept. The car is painted with ASAP paint, which resists fine scratches.
The salon received a new air conditioning system, an excellent sound system, high-quality finish. The usual sound insulation here is supplemented by the active noise reduction system ANCS, which through acoustic speakers reproduces the low-frequency sounds characteristic of the motor, but is in antiphase, thus creating the effect of wave absorption. The result is absolute peace and quiet in the cabin. The Plasmacluster air ionizer is built into the innovative climate control system - it was before, but in the new generation it has become more powerful and accurate in determining the optimal degree of ionization.
Now added to it the flavor, filling the cabin unobtrusive smells of fresh foliage or camphor wood. What is not only pleasant, but also useful in terms of reducing fatigue and increasing concentration. The Hi-Tech package includes a system for maintaining a distance to the vehicle in front, a warning system for leaving the lane, for a possible collision, and for the presence of an object in the “dead zone”. Sport also includes a 4WAS 4-wheel steer system, sports suspension, sports front seats, a sports steering wheel, shift paddles, aluminum pedals, sports brakes, a sports front bumper and side skirts. Hi-Tech picking wheels are fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels with 245 / 50R18 tires.
The Sport package has 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 245 / 40R20 tires. Kayaba double-piston shock absorbers replaced the previous Hitachi shock absorbers. Like the current version of the Infiniti M, the new model will get the V8 and V6 petrol engines, but the names of its modifications will change to M56 and M37, respectively (now M45 and M35). The basic version of the sedan (Infiniti M37) will be equipped with a standard power plant - a 3.7-liter VQ series engine, whose power is 320 hp. The top-end Infiniti M with a 5.6-liter V8 engine will develop over 408 hp. The engine develops 550 Nm and allows you to accelerate to 250 km / h. The motor is located behind the front axle.
The drive for this model is only rear. Transmission automatic 7-speed with manual shift function and sport mode. For Western European countries, instead of the model M56, they offer a modification with a highly efficient diesel engine V6.
