| Manufacturer | Infiniti |
|---|---|
| Production | 2002–present (M sedan) 1990–1992 (M30 coupe) |
| Assembly | Tochigi, Japan (M35/45, M37/56/35h/30d) Oppama, Japan (M30 coupe/convertible) |
| Predecessor | Infiniti I Infiniti Q45 |
| Class | Mid-size luxury sedan/ Executive car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Platform | Nissan FM platform |
The "M" nameplate has been used on various mid-luxury cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan.
The first iteration was the M30 Coupe/Convertible, which were rebadged JDM Nissan Leopard.
After a long hiatus, the M nameplate was used for Infiniti's mid-luxury sedans (executive cars). First was the short-lived M45 sedan, a rebadged version of the Japanese-spec Nissan Gloria. The next generations, the M35/45 and M37/56/35h/30d, became the flagship of the Infiniti brand and are based on the JDM Nissan Fuga.
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| ] | |
| Manufacturer | Infiniti |
|---|---|
| Also called | Nissan Leopard |
| Production | 1990–1992 |
| Assembly | Oppama, Japan |
| Successor | Infiniti G37 Cabrio |
| Class | mid-size car |
| Body style | 2-door convertible 2-door coupe |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 3.0 L VG30E V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed RE4R01A automatic |
| Wheelbase | 103.0 in (2,616 mm) |
| Length | 188.8 in (4,796 mm) |
| Width | 66.5 in (1,689 mm) |
| Height | 52.0 in (1,321 mm) |
| Curb weight | 1498 kg (3302 lb) (coupe) 1622 kg (3576 lb) (convertible) |
The Infiniti M30 (chassis code F31) was a 2-door GT coupe introduced with the Q45 as the start of the Infiniti line in 1990, as a stopgap until other models could be produced. The M30 was basically a Japanese Nissan Leopard built with left-hand drive and rebadged as an Infiniti, and had added luxury features. The other main changes were in the engine, transmission and suspension. The M30 was only sold in the United States.
The M30 had no factory options, but dealers offered the addition of a cellular phone and a CD player/changer. The sole engine was Nissan's VG30E, a 3.0 L SOHC V6 that produced 162 hp (121 kW) and 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m) of torque, also used by many previous Nissan models such as the Maxima and 300ZX. Like the 300ZX, the M30 was a front-engined and rear-wheel drive vehicle. The transmission was an RE4R01A, four-speed automatic with overdrive, as enabled or disabled by a button on the shifter. There was no option of a manual transmission. The differential was a Nissan R200-type open differential. It is generally regarded among M30 enthusiasts that the change of powertrain, weak suspension and the lack of options in these categories was a mistake on Infiniti’s part, and perhaps to blame for the lackluster sales. The M30 (coupe) weighed about 3300lbs (1498kgs), and produced 162 hp (121 kW). Unsurprisingly, the M30 convertible weighed even more, due to body and chassis reinforcements. This is regarded as a good thing to some, because the chassis is noticeably stiffer than it is on the coupes. All M30s came equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.
The M30 was equipped with the Nissan Sonar Suspension II system that was also installed on the Maxima at the time, which featured a sonar module mounted under the front bumper that scanned the road surface and adjusted the suspension accordingly via actuators mounted on the strut towers. There was also a switch on the center console that allowed the driver to change between "Sport" and "Comfort" settings—essentially "firm" and "soft", respectively.
For 1991 and onwards, the M30 received minor improvements. If an exterior door handle was pulled while the doors were locked, the keyhole would illuminate and the interior dome light would come on (coupe). There was also an available central locking switch placed next to the Sonar Suspension II adjuster, although it is not known whether this was a standard feature or option for 1991-92 models. Main gauge cluster text was changed to match the rest of the Infiniti lineup, and engine oil temperature and fuel gauges were switched around. The speedometer was also changed to the electric-type, as opposed to the cable-type used on the 1990 model.
The M30 convertible was the sole convertible of the Infiniti line, until the Infiniti G37 convertible's introduction in 2009. Infiniti selected about half of the models produced from 1991 to 1992 and had them made into convertibles by the ASC (American Sunroof Corporation). Convertible tops were fully automatic, requiring the driver only to push the up or down buttons to the left of the steering wheel to raise or lower the top (up/down buttons on convertibles went in place of the rear window defogger switch found on coupes).
While the power tops on these did not need extensive maintenance for quite a while, they could be operated manually if necessary. All M30 coupes had power tilting/sliding sunroofs standard, with "auto-cut" while sliding to the closed position to prevent anything from getting caught.
The M30’s production run lasted for only 3 years, ending in 1992 due to lagging sales. It is not known exactly how many models were produced, but it has been said that just over 12,000 were made, half coupes, half convertibles, making the M30 the rarest Infiniti ever put into production. Previously rumored by M30 enthusiasts was that only 5,000 were made in total, half being coupes and half convertibles. The M30 was replaced by the Infiniti J30, a mid-size 4-door sedan. While the J30 is a completely different car and has a different chassis code (Y32), it was called the "Leopard J. Ferie" in Japan and was still referred to as the Nissan Leopard.
At the time, the M30 rated as one of the top-5 most safe cars to drive of the 90s. The car came with a driver's airbag and ABS (anti-lock brakes) as standard equipment, though it lacked belt pretensioners and roll-over protection (convertible). All M30s came with 3-point self-locking seatbelts located at each outer seat, and the rear-center seat had an adjustable lapbelt.
The M30 received 4 in both frontal- and side-impact crash test ratings, making it one of the safest cars out there at the time. Nissan paid special attention to the placement of the M30's side reinforcing, which is located most notably in the doors and quarter-panels. Of course, all of this safety came at a price; the M30 weighs over 3,200 lbs., and the massive amounts of reinforcement in the doors are very heavy on their hinges. Over time, the driver's door begins to sag drastically, whereas the passenger door does not so much.
The M30 has a small cult following, similar to that of the Nissan Leopard F31 built in Japan. The car shares many similarities with more successful and capable Nissan sports cars, such as the 240SX, 300ZX and early-generation Skylines. As such, more powerful engines, manual transmissions, suspensions and limited slip differentials from these cars can be swapped into the M30 to create a much more capable car. In both the U.S. and Japan, the M30/Leopard has been used for drifting, as it can take parts from other Nissans and is rear-wheel drive.
| Manufacturer | Infiniti |
|---|---|
| Also called | Nissan Gloria |
| Production | 2002–2004 |
| Model years | 2003–2004 |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine | 4.5L 340 hp (254 kW) V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (2,799 mm) |
| Length | 197.2 in (5,009 mm) |
| Width | 69.7 in (1,770 mm) |
| Height | 57.6 in (1,463 mm) |
| Related | Infiniti Q45 Nissan Cima Nissan Gloria |
The 2003 Infiniti M45 was designed at the Nissan Technical Center (NTC) in Atsugi, Japan;[1] was manufactured in Tochigi, Japan;[1] and is based on the Y34-series Nissan Gloria. In contrast to the Japanese models, which were available only with V6 engines, the M45 was powered by Nissan's VK45DE V8, producing 340 hp (254 kW) and 333 lb·ft (451 N·m) of torque, which it shared with the Infiniti's flagship Q45.[2]
The M45 allowed Infiniti to expand the use of the 4.5L V8 that had been exclusive to the Q45, thus creating a better economy of scale to cope with that engine's development costs.
| Manufacturer | Infiniti |
|---|---|
| Also called | Nissan Fuga |
| Production | 2005–2010 |
| Model years | 2006–2010 |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive |
| Platform | FM-L "enhanced FM" |
| Engine | 3.5L 303 hp (226 kW) V6 4.5L 325 hp (242 kW) V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,901 mm (114.2 in) |
| Length | 2006-07: 4,892 mm (192.6 in) 2008-2010: 4,930 mm (194.1 in) |
| Width | 1,798 mm (70.8 in) |
| Height | 1,509 mm (59.4 in) (M35 & M45) 1,511 mm (59.5 in) (M35 & M45 Sport) M35x: 60.0 in (1,524 mm)1,524 mm (60.0 in) |
| Related | Infiniti FX Infiniti G35 Nissan 350Z Infiniti G37 Infiniti EX35 |
Infiniti released a completely redesigned M for the 2006 model year to compete directly in the mid-size sport luxury class, against such class stalwarts as the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Infiniti M was released in February 2005, almost exactly at the same time as the new 2006 Lexus GS.
The Infiniti M uses a much more rigid version of the G35/350Z/FX Nissan FM platform and is available with the common VQ-series 280 hp (208 kW) 3.5 L V6 in the M35, or the Q45's 335 hp (249 kW) 4.5 L V8 in the M45.[3] This generation of the Infiniti M is sold in Japan as the Nissan Fuga.
While being 177 mm (7.0 in) shorter on the outside than the last flagship Q45 at 5,069 mm (199.6 in), the M45 boasts more interior space, greater performance, a superior rear multilink suspension and front double wishbone, and friendlier ergonomics due to its 30 mm (1.2 in) longer wheelbase. The Q45 was no longer imported from Japan after the 2006 model year, making the M45 the flagship car of the Infiniti marque.
All-wheel-drive models, called the M35x and M45x, use a sports car-derived system (ATTESA-ETS) to send all power to the rear wheels until slip is detected.
The automotive press has awarded the Y50 Infiniti M several best-in-class awards in direct comparisons against its competitors in the midsize luxury segment. For instance the M45 fared well against the BMW 545i/550i, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E500/E550, and Lexus GS 430/450h. Reviewers cited the M35 and M45's driving involvement and handling dynamics over the GS and E-Class while having superior egronomics than the 5 Series; furthermore the M was equipped and priced competitively against its German rivals.[4][5][6], while the M35 also received strong reviews.[7] Despite entering a very crowded, competitive segment in which almost every member has been recently redesigned, the M managed to claim several key distinctions. The M is near or at the top of its class of every interior dimension, actually breaking into the United States Environmental Protection Agency "large" category depending on which option packages are selected. [8] [9] [10] The M35x won Consumer Reports top luxury car pick for 2006, taking the top spot from the 2005 Lexus LS 430.
Despite the positive press accolades, the Infiniti M did not manage to gain a significant market share in the mid-luxury market, which was dominated by the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series, likely due to the M's anonymous styling and the brand's lack of appeal in more expensive premium car segments. The Infiniti G37 sedan and coupe, competing in the entry-level luxury sport category, accounted for half of the marque's sales as of 2009.[11] Out of that year's 81000 Infiniti cars sold, only 10000 were of the M nameplate.[12] Furthermore, the 2009 update left M35 and M45 in awkward positions of the Infiniti lineup, as though they were the flagships of the marque, they were out-powered by the VQ37VHR engines fitted in the 2009 G37 coupe and sedan. For that model year while the G Series received 7-speed automatic transmissions across the lineup, only the M35 RWD was upgraded to a 7-speed automatic while the rest of the nameplate retained the aging 5-speed automatic.[13]
For the 2008 model year, the Infiniti M received a minor model update. The M45 gets optional all wheel drive (M45x), all models get new front and rear fascias, and redesigned blue-and-white gauges (as opposed to the previous orange ones). Infiniti is also offering an S type version for the M45/M45x similar to the previous Sport model. Other new features on the 2008 model include touch screen hard drive based navigation, ipod integration, and a music hard drive.
For 2009, the M35 received a new V6 engine producing 303 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 M35x, M45, and M45x retained the five-speed automatic.[14]
| Manufacturer | Infiniti |
|---|---|
| Also called | Nissan Fuga |
| Production | 2010– |
| Model years | 2011– |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive |
| Platform | FM-L "enhanced FM" |
| Engine | 2.5L V6 VQ25HR 3.0L V6 V9X turbo diesel 3.5L V6 VQ35HR hybrid 3.7L V6 VQ37VHR 5.6L V8 VK56VD |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm (114.2 in) |
| Length | 4,945 mm (194.7 in) |
| Width | 1,845 mm (72.6 in) |
| Height | 1,509 mm (59.4 in) |
| Related | Infiniti FX Infiniti G35 Infiniti G37 Infiniti EX35 Nissan 370Z Nissan 350Z |
The new M has a design inspired by the Infiniti Essence concept car. While its predecessor's exterior was described as forgettable, the 2011 M has curves influenced by Jaguar and Maserati, as well as a more organic look inspired by undersea creatures.[11][12][15]
The 2011 Infiniti M was previewed at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,[16] and introduced to the public at a media event in Beverly Hills, California in December 2009, to coincide with the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles.[17] The production version went on sale across the world starting in the spring of 2010 as a 2011 model. It went on sale in the US on March 1, 2010. It was launched in Europe at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The third generation Infiniti M competes with the Lexus GS, Acura RL, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lincoln MKS, Jaguar XF, Cadillac STS, Hyundai Genesis, and the Audi A6.
A driving mode selector knob has been installed as standard equipment on all models, situated below the transmission gear lever and between the heated and ventilated front seat controls, providing four selections labeled "Standard", "Sport", "Eco", and "Snow", allowing the 7-speed transmission, engine and various systems to optimize driving based on varying conditions. To minimize exhaust noise intrusion into the passenger compartment from the engine at low RPMs, "Active Noise Control" has been installed. Double-piston shock absorbers, developed by Kayaba Industry Company, have replaced the ones previously supplied by Hitachi.
The 5.6L V8 VK56VD in the Infiniti M56 makes it competitive with other V8 mid-luxury (executive) cars such as the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E550.[18][19][20] The 5.6L V8 is not shared with its Japanese domestic market counterpart, the Nissan Fuga, as Nissan opted instead to have the hybrid version as the performance option.
Safety technology has also been introduced, such as Lane Departure Prevention, which uses a small camera mounted above the rearview mirror to gauge distance from the lane markers, and will lightly tap selected brakes when necessary to help ease the car back into the correct lane. It will allow for unimpeded lane changes when the turn signal is used, and will yield control to the driver at all times. Blind Spot Intervention System uses sensors to provide a visual warning in the side view mirror. If the car senses that movement towards the obstacle is occurring, it will provide an audible warning and will apply opposite side brakes to guide the vehicle into the correct lane.
The third generation Infiniti M models were given a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) by earning a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether.
| Model | Years | Type/code | Power, torque@rpm |
|---|---|---|---|
| M25 | 2011- | 2.5L V6 24-valve (VQ25HR) | 218 hp (163 kW; 218 bhp), 186 lb·ft (252 N·m) @ 4,800 rpm |
| M37 | 2011- | 3.7L V6 24-valve VVEL (VQ37VHR) | 330 hp (246 kW; 330 bhp), 270 lb·ft (370 N·m) @ 5,200 rpm |
| M56 | 2011- | 5.6L V8 32-valve VVEL direct injection (VK56VD) | 420 hp (313 kW; 420 bhp) , 417 lb·ft (565 N·m) @ 4,400 rpm |
| M35h (hybrid) | 2011?- | 3.5L V6 24-valve (VQ35HR) | 303 hp (226 kW; 303 bhp) @ 6,800 rpm, 358 N·m (264 lb·ft) @ 4,800 rpm 68 PS (50 kW; 67 bhp) from electric motor (Total combination of engine and electric motor 370 hp (276 kW; 370 bhp) @ 6,800 rpm, 358 N·m (264 lb·ft)) |
| M30d (diesel) | 2010- | 3.0L V6 24-valve Turbo diesel (V9X Engine) | 240 hp (179 kW; 240 bhp), 406 lb·ft (550 N·m) @ 2,500 rpm |
The Infiniti M Hybrid, to be sold as the Nissan Fuga Hybrid in Japan, will introduce Nissan's first in-house developed electric hybrid technology, and the carmaker claims it will double the fuel economy of its gasoline-powered version.[21] Nissan also announced that the Nissan Infiniti/Fuga Hybrid, together with the Nissan Leaf, will include its new Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians system to alert pedestrians, the blind and others to their presence when the hybrid is operating at low speeds in all-electric mode.[22][23]
The hybrid includes one electric motor and two clutches to allow the 3.5L V6 (302 hp (225 kW) 258 lb·ft (350 N·m)) gas engine and electric motor to drive the rear wheels simultaneously. The lithium-ion battery pack will come from the Infiniti Essence.[24] The VQ35HR 3.5 L V6 Hybrid utilizes the Atkinson cycle. The electric motor, installed in parallel between the engine and the transmission, produces 68 PS (50 kW; 67 bhp) from 1.3kWh lithium-ion batteries that are expected to have a service life of 10 years. The batteries are installed upright behind the rear seats.[21]
Along with the 2011 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid which also debuted in the same calendar year, the 2012 Infiniti M35h was among one of the first hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles with an automatic transmission to return frugal fuel economy figures and retain the acceleration/handling characteristics of its gasoline-only counterpart. Earlier hybrids such as the Lexus 2007 GS 450h used a CVT for fuel economy at the cost of dring dynamics, while the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 which has an automatic transmission did not feature significantly improved mileage over its gasoline counterpart.[25][26] The M35h's fuel economy is superior to the M37 and it is almost as fast as the M56.[27]
On August 23, 2011, the Infiniti M35h set an official Guinness world record for the world's fastest accelerating production full hybrid. The feat took place at the United Kingdom’s Santa Pod Raceway, where CAR magazine journalist Tim Pollard drove the vehicle down the quarter-mile dragstrip in 13.896 seconds. The M35h averaged 13.9031 seconds for all runs, reaching speeds over 100 mph. Guinness adjudicators were present to witness the run and certify the record.[28][29]
In 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show the Infiniti M was introduced with a diesel engine for the first time. It will be sold across Europe starting in September 2010. The diesel engine produces 240 hp, 331 lb-ft (175 kW) (500 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm and is called the V9X Engine. In western Europe, this V6 performance diesel will be offered as a high performance option in lieu of the M56 V8. The M30d will not be sold in the US or Canada.[30]
| Year | U.S. Sales |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,010 |
| 2003 | 4,755 |
| 2004 | 2,090 |
| 2005 | 24,000 |
| 2006 | 25,658 |
| 2007 | 21,884 |
| 2008 | 15,618 |
| 2009 | 8,501 |
| 2010 | 14,618 |
| Type | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | |
| Coupe | M30 | G35C | G37C | |||||||||||||||||||
| Entry-level | G20 | G20 | G35 | G25/G35/G37 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | I30 | I30 / I35 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| J30 | M45 | M35 / M45 | M37 / M56 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Q45 | Q45 | Q45 | |||||||||||||||||||
| SUV | EX35 / EX37 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| FX35 / FX45 | FX35 / FX50 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| QX4 | QX56 | QX56 | ||||||||||||||||||||