At the beginning of the 2003 model year, I made a prediction that Nissan¹s
luxury division, Infiniti, would make a strong move in the sales column. And
boy was I right. At the end of June, Infiniti¹s calendar-year-to-date sales
for 2003 are up 36.4 percent. Too bad I wasn¹t as good a prognosticator in
the stock market.

My bold assertion was based on several factors. First off, auto industry
watchers have been noting for the last year or two that under the leadership
of CEO Carlos Ghosn, Nissan and its upscale Infiniti division are making
major strides forward. Mr. Ghosn has revived a moribund, money losing
organization and turned it into a fierce competitor.

Secondly, I may have cheated a little, because when I made the prediction, I
had already driven the highly impressive G35 sedan, a car that later got my
vote as car of the year. So it was the actuality of the G35 plus the
imminent arrival of the M45 sedan and the new FX45 SUV that served as an
early indication that things were probably going to move upward quickly for
Infiniti. There are many factors that drive the auto industry, not the least
of which are marketing and engineering, but lots of new product can help and
right now we will examine the Infiniti M45, a mid-luxury sedan aimed at the
prime real estate currently ruled by the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz
E-Class, no soft targets.

As was the case with the new G35, Infiniti is positioning the M45 as a
sports sedan, in this instance driven by a hard-charging 340-horsepower V-8
engine. So, give the M45 good starting point in the race. The list price of
$42,300 is also a strong factor that delivers a V-8 powered sedan for about
the same price as a six-cylinder sedan from one of its competitors. On the
other hand, our test vehicle had about $7,000 worth or options including
such items as heated front seats, moonroof and navigation package features
that many buyers just expect to be part of the luxury-car equation.

I am not impressed with the exterior styling of the M45. While it seems that
a certain boxy style emphasized by edgy lines has become the hallmark of
contemporary automotive design, the M45 seems just that chunky and boxy. It
has none of the flair of the G35 sedan, which wears its edges in a much more
attractive manner. And the M45 also carries a very unattractive rear-end
treatment. In the execution, the rear bumper sticks out in a most ungainly
fashion, upsetting the balance of the car, from front to rear.

The interior is more harmonious. The materials are first rate and the
overall design seems to offer a smart presentation of the various gauges and
controls in a logical layout. The seats are comfortable and also supportive
for a robust driving style. Our test car had the optional wood trim, in this
case honey-colored accents, that looked great against the black leather
interior.

As a driver¹s car, I give the M45 a superior grade, but not at the head of
its class. The big V-8 is impressive, but seems more competent that
expressive. Yes, it gets the job done very well but doesn¹t provide the kind
of excitement you find in several of the M45's competitors.

Handling fits into the same mold, very competent, but not enough so I¹d buy
it for its road manners. The feedback and responsiveness are both muted.
This is not the vehicle to choose for a romp on back roads in the same way
that the slightly smaller, high-spirited Infiniti G35 beckons for a day in
the country. 

As a highway cruiser, the M45 provides imposing transport. The big V-8
provides smooth and effortless passing power. On the other hand, there was
noticeable wind noise, particularly around the driver¹s side window. Since
the test car was an early model, I think it¹s likely that Infiniti will
correct this problem as the M45 enters full production.
 

Vehicle: Infiniti M45

Price as tested: $50,055

Engine:

         Type: 4.5-liter V-8

         Horsepower: 340 @ 6,400 rpm

         Torque: 333-ft. lbs. @ 4,000 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 17 mpg

         Highway - 23 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,851 lbs.