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2003 Infiniti M45 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
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Differences between M45 and Q45 only become apparent with rulers and scales, as the Q runs about three inches longer and wider and it's an inch taller. With more mass, it weighs more by perhaps a hundred pound or so.
Those extra inches of space show up primarily in the rear seat of Q45 as additional legroom, while the weight difference favors M45 because it translates into even quicker acceleration and performance numbers.
Chassis and structural elements for a new M45 come directly from the Gloria, a mid-size Nissan sedan available only in Japan.
Likewise, the subdued exterior styling of M45 compares closely to the Gloria with a smooth face and flat flanks.
In front a broad grille dominates the design with horizontal bars in chrome separating corner headlamp clusters with round clear lenses in triplicate shielding high intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlights.
A crisp notch in canted plane several inches wide separates the front hood and fender, then extends to the tail in a line dividing the cabin from smooth side slabs interrupted only by exaggerated wheelwell arches.
The M45 rolls on huge 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels capped by P235/45WR18 tires -- Bridgestone high performance summer tires or the no-extra-cost option of Michelin all-season performance tires.
Fully independent suspension elements include independent front struts with coil springs and a multi-link design at the rear also with coil springs.
The arrangement is comparable to the Q45 suspension, although tuning for stiffer shock damping and adding thicker stabilizer bars produces a firmer ride quality.
High-tech hardware driven by microcomputers also consorts to effect the controlled handling traits. Subtle force governs the quick rack and pinion steering system, while a big disc brake goes to every wheel, plus linkage to anti-lock action, a traction controller and brake booster for maximum force in emergency maneuvers.
Further, the M carries Infiniti's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a computerized system coupled to brakes and powertrain that can automatically correct the vehicle's lateral skidding on slippery pavement and move it back into a safe forward track.
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