Infiniti M45 Performance Sport Sedan Powers Its Way in the Mid-Luxury Segment with 340 Horsepower 4.5-liter V8

A recent addition to the Infiniti lineup of performance-oriented front-engine, rear-wheel drive sedans, the all-new 2003 M45 is positioned between the flagship Q45 – with which it shares many major powertrain components, including the highly acclaimed 4.5-liter V8 engine – and the new Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan. The M45 performance sport sedan comes standard with class-leading V8 performance and a long list of world-class amenities, with a price competitive with other competitors’ 6-cylinder models.

The M45 went on sale at 158 Infiniti dealers nationwide in October 2002, with a starting MSRP of $42,300.

One of the most attractive features of the new M45 is found under the hood. 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 manual shift mode.

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.