2008 Infiniti M Receives Major Upgrades, Including First Available Production Lane Departure Prevention System

Justrntwo years after its highly successful introduction, the Infiniti Mrnreceives major upgrades for 2008 that include the first-everrnavailability of Infiniti's intelligent ATTESA™ E-TS all-wheel drivernsystem on the 4.5-liter V8-powered M45. The new model, designated M45x,rnjoins the M35x to provide buyers with two choices in all-climate AWDrnperformance.

Other enhancements for 2008 include revised interiorrnand exterior styling and added luxury amenities and technologies,rnincluding the production debut of Infiniti's newest safety technology,rnthe Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system.

The exteriorrnenhancements for 2008 include revised front and rear fascia, grille,rnrear fender panels, rear decklid and taillight design, new chromernaccents and new 18-inch and 19-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside,rnthe new 2008 Infiniti M includes an upgraded Infiniti Hard DrivernNavigation System with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive forrndigital music storage and playback and available XM NavTraffic®rn(requires active XM® subscription, sold separately), as well as newrnwhite instrument panel lighting with violet accents and white andrnviolet interior lighting, standard XMâ Satellite Radio (requires XM®rnsubscription, sold separately) and a revised Stone colored interior.

In addition to the advanced navigationrnsystem, other available M technology includes Bluetooth? Hands-freernPhone System, an Infiniti Information Display with 7-inch LCD screenrnand easy-to-use controls, Infiniti voice recognition and RearViewrnMonitor.

"The Infiniti M is an expression of power, refinement,rntechnology and design - all the things that make Infiniti owners'rnhearts pound," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager,rnInfiniti. "The M captures the soul of the Infiniti brand, expressing itrnin invigorating, forward thinking ways."

Refined Exterior and Interior Designs For 2008

Fromrna design standpoint, the Infiniti M optimizes both luxury and sportrnstyling to create a dynamic visual appeal. The revised exterior stylingrnfor 2008 includes a new front grille and bumpers, lower air intake, fogrnlamps and side sills. In the rear, the new M features revised fenders,rntaillights, deck lid and a new optional rear spoiler design. There arernalso new chrome bodyside accents. Sport Package-equipped models haverngreater visual differentiation than in previous years, including uniquernfront and rear bumpers, headlight color and side sills.

Whatrnhasn't changed is how the M's expressive grille and crystal-lookrnheadlight clusters, which offer a luxurious appeal, while large 18- orrn19-inch wheels and low profile tires, stable posture with wide track,rnand short overhangs contribute to the sportiness of the design.

ThernInfiniti M's long wheelbase and short overhangs provide a roomyrninterior and sporty exterior dimensions. Wide front and rear tracks addrnto handling stability, while the overall width enhances interior andrntrunk volume. Also featured are lightweight body components, includingrnaluminum-alloy inner and outer door panels, hood and decklid panels.

"ThernM's low, aggressive hood line, which flows into the anchored shouldersrnand fluid roofline contribute to the sporty, powerful silhouette," saidrnIgo. "There's a solid, muscular look to the design, fitting of itsrnvibrant performance, yet a refined, high quality feel worthy of anrnInfiniti flagship."

The M's interior design engages the senses inrninvigorating ways, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with a graceful,rnInfiniti level of luxury and design detail.

For 2008, the Mrnfeatures a new interior look with new "Fine Vision" electroluminescentrngauges, new "gear-like" rings on the instrument cluster meters, arnrevised center console, new aluminum trim surface texturing, new woodrntrim and door trim and a new full gray interior color. SportrnPackage-equipped models receive unique steering wheel and shift knobrnstitching, unique front seat designs and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Forrn2008, the interior also offers an upgraded Infiniti Hard DrivernNavigation System with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive forrndigital music storage and playback and available XM NavTraffic®rn(requires active XM® subscription, sold separately).

Thesernchanges enhance the M's modern, intuitive interior feel and layout,rnwhich focuses on purposeful simplicity. Interior features includerngenuine Rosewood or aluminum trim, leather-appointed seats, "FinernVision" electroluminescent gauges, climate controlled front seats,rnstandard XM® Satellite Radio (requires active XM® subscription, soldrnseparately) and available features such as heated power reclining rearrnseats and advanced Bose® Studio Surround™ sound system with digitalrn5.1-channel decoding and 14 speakers including two personal speakersrnmounted in the shoulders of each front seat. The interior also offersrnan array of driver and passenger-oriented technology features,rnincluding the Infiniti Intelligent Key system with Push Button Start,rnBluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor and IntelligentrnCruise Control.

Vibrant Performance with Available AWD and Rear Active Steer

Whenrnthe Infiniti M went on sale as an all-new 2006 model it capturedrnessential elements of both a luxury performance sedan and anrnaward-winning sports sedan. Its performance is equally engaging in thernV8-equipped M45 or V6-equipped M35.

The M45 continues to offerrna powerful DOHC 4.5-liter V8, shared with the premium FX45. It is ratedrnat 325 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. The engine design includesrntitanium valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft,rnlightweight pistons and super-silent single stage cam drive chain tornhelp optimize performance. In addition, the VK45DE is outfitted with arnvariable length air induction system and Continuously Variable ValvernTiming Control System (CVTCS) to enhance the engine's power deliveryrnand operation efficiency.

The M35 utilizes an advanced DOHCrn3.5-liter V6 rated at 275 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. The V6 isrnpart of the award-winning VQ engine series also found in the G35 andrnFX35, and includes aluminum-alloy block and heads and electronicallyrncontrolled "drive-by-wire" throttle system. Both engines are mated to arnstandard 5-speed automatic transmission with performance shifter andrnmanual shift mode with downshift rev matching.

Every Infiniti Mrnutilizes an enhanced next-generation FM (Front Mid-ship) platform alsornused on the G35 Sedan, G37 Coupe and FX premium crossover SUV.

Thernrefined FM platform positions the engine behind the front axle. Thisrnpositioning results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance, whichrnfactors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers.

The Mrnsuspension is an independent double-wishbone design in front andrnmulti-link independent system in the rear, along with front and rearrnstabilizer bars.

The Infiniti M's large diameter wheels and tiresrnare positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to furtherrnenhance handling and driving excitement. For 2008, the M features newrnsplit 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with titanium finish andrnnew, unique split 5-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for SportrnPackage-equipped models. Aggressive low-profile tires, sized 245/45VR18rnand 245/40WR19 (Sport Package only), are standard.

The M alsornutilizes standard 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes withrnAnti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distributionrn(EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The steering system is an electronicallyrncontrolled vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinionrndesign. Every Infiniti M also features Infiniti's advanced VehiclernDynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS). VDC adjustsrnbrake pressure and engine torque automatically in understeer, oversteerrnor slippery road surface situations, helping the driver keep thernintended path.

For drivers seeking the enhanced all-climaternperformance of all-wheel drive, the M35x and M45x models feature thernATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for AllrnElectronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system also utilized on FX45rnand FX35 AWD. It uses an advanced torque split control strategy thatrnautomatically transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to roadrnand driving conditions.

The ATTESA E-TS™ system provides sportsrncar-like handling and cornering capability due to optimum torquerndistribution between the front and rear wheels (50:50 up to 0:100).rnATTESA E-TS™ also provides high starting traction performance andrnsmooth, stable acceleration, especially in snow-covered or off-roadrnsituations with a 50:50 torque split at standing start. Combined withrnthe vehicle's VDC system, each wheel receives the appropriate amount ofrntorque when needed.

"We're proud to add the new M45x AWD modelrnto the M lineup for 2008," said Igo. "It's ideal for areas of therncountry that experience inclimate weather conditions, as well as forrndrivers seeking the added handling and control benefits of all-wheelrndrive."

The handling and stability of the Infiniti M Sport modelsrnis further optimized by Infiniti's Rear Active Steer system. Unlikernpassive rear steering systems, this design features precise, electronicrnmotor-driven control. This system helps improve the M Sport's handlingrnperformance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension accordingrnto steering input and vehicle speed.

The system's electronicrncontrol unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series ofrnsensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs thernsystem actuator to change rear geometry by moving both rear suspensionrnlower links. The result is sports car-like agility, combined withrnluxury sedan stability and ride quality.

New Lane Departure Prevention System

Anotherrnmajor advancement for the 2008 Infiniti M is the availability of thernadvanced Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. The LDP system makesrnits worldwide production debut on the 2008 M and the upcoming 2008rnInfiniti EX35 luxury crossover SUV.

LDP takes Infiniti'srnexisting Lane Departure Warning system (currently implemented on the FXrnand previously on the 2007 M) one step further by utilizing the VehiclernDynamic Control to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels oppositernthe side of the lane departure direction to help prevent the M fromrninadvertently traveling out of its intended lane.

Like LanernDeparture Warning, the LDP system uses a small camera installed behindrnthe windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle andrncalculate its position relative to lane markers and warn the driver ofrnlane drift (pending lane change without use of the turn signal) with arnvisual display and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return thernvehicle in the direction of the center of the travel lane, the LDPrnsystem assists the driver by using gentle control (generating part ofrnthe necessary yaw movement), using the VDC's brake actuator to controlrnthe brake pressure of each individual wheel to generate the intendedrnmovement.

"Infiniti extends it leadership position in offeringrnthe first Lane Departure Prevention system for production vehicles withrnthe new M and the new Infiniti EX35," said Igo." More than 55 percentrnof fatal auto accidents in the United States are caused by lanerndepartures, including single vehicle and head-on accidents. With thernLDP system, Infiniti continues to advance vehicle safety technology."

Otherrnsafety features include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) withrndual-stage front supplemental air bags with Occupant ClassificationrnSystem and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags, 3-point ALR/ELRrnseat belts (driver's seat ELR only), front seat belt adjustable upperrnanchors with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active HeadrnRestraints and available brake operated front pre-crash seat belts,rnwhich tighten under emergency braking in anticipation of an evasivernmaneuver or crash.

Every 2008 M also includes Zone Bodyrnconstruction with energy-dispersing side structure, LATCH (LowerrnAnchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat anchorage system and ZonernBody platform design with front and rear crumple zones.

Four Fully Equipped Models

Forrn2008, the Infiniti M is offered in four models: the M35 (V6 rear-wheelrndrive), M35x AWD (V6 all-wheel drive), M45 (V8 rear-wheel drive) andrnM45x (V8 all-wheel drive). The M35 and M45 are also offered with arncomprehensive Sport Package with Rear Active Steer, unique suspensionrntuning, 19-inch wheels and tires, sport-bolstered and trimmed frontrnseats, sport steering wheel, aluminum pedal accents and unique bodyrnstyling.

Other option packages include the Technology Package,rnAdvanced Technology Package, Premium Package, Wood Interior Trimrn(standard on RWD and AWD models, optional with Sport Package models),rnXenon/AFS (M35x only, HID xenon headlights with Adaptive Front LightingrnSystem are standard on all other M models) and Infiniti MobilernEntertainment Package.

2008 Infiniti M Receives Major Upgrades, Including First Available Production Lane Departure Prevention System

Justrntwo years after its highly successful introduction, the Infiniti Mrnreceives major upgrades for 2008 that include the first-everrnavailability of Infiniti's intelligent ATTESA™ E-TS all-wheel drivernsystem on the 4.5-liter V8-powered M45. The new model, designated M45x,rnjoins the M35x to provide buyers with two choices in all-climate AWDrnperformance.

Other enhancements for 2008 include revised interiorrnand exterior styling and added luxury amenities and technologies,rnincluding the production debut of Infiniti's newest safety technology,rnthe Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system.

The exteriorrnenhancements for 2008 include revised front and rear fascia, grille,rnrear fender panels, rear decklid and taillight design, new chromernaccents and new 18-inch and 19-inch sport aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside,rnthe new 2008 Infiniti M includes an upgraded Infiniti Hard DrivernNavigation System with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive forrndigital music storage and playback and available XM NavTraffic®rn(requires active XM® subscription, sold separately), as well as newrnwhite instrument panel lighting with violet accents and white andrnviolet interior lighting, standard XMâ Satellite Radio (requires XM®rnsubscription, sold separately) and a revised Stone colored interior.

In addition to the advanced navigationrnsystem, other available M technology includes Bluetooth? Hands-freernPhone System, an Infiniti Information Display with 7-inch LCD screenrnand easy-to-use controls, Infiniti voice recognition and RearViewrnMonitor.

"The Infiniti M is an expression of power, refinement,rntechnology and design - all the things that make Infiniti owners'rnhearts pound," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager,rnInfiniti. "The M captures the soul of the Infiniti brand, expressing itrnin invigorating, forward thinking ways."

Refined Exterior and Interior Designs For 2008

Fromrna design standpoint, the Infiniti M optimizes both luxury and sportrnstyling to create a dynamic visual appeal. The revised exterior stylingrnfor 2008 includes a new front grille and bumpers, lower air intake, fogrnlamps and side sills. In the rear, the new M features revised fenders,rntaillights, deck lid and a new optional rear spoiler design. There arernalso new chrome bodyside accents. Sport Package-equipped models haverngreater visual differentiation than in previous years, including uniquernfront and rear bumpers, headlight color and side sills.

Whatrnhasn't changed is how the M's expressive grille and crystal-lookrnheadlight clusters, which offer a luxurious appeal, while large 18- orrn19-inch wheels and low profile tires, stable posture with wide track,rnand short overhangs contribute to the sportiness of the design.

ThernInfiniti M's long wheelbase and short overhangs provide a roomyrninterior and sporty exterior dimensions. Wide front and rear tracks addrnto handling stability, while the overall width enhances interior andrntrunk volume. Also featured are lightweight body components, includingrnaluminum-alloy inner and outer door panels, hood and decklid panels.

"ThernM's low, aggressive hood line, which flows into the anchored shouldersrnand fluid roofline contribute to the sporty, powerful silhouette," saidrnIgo. "There's a solid, muscular look to the design, fitting of itsrnvibrant performance, yet a refined, high quality feel worthy of anrnInfiniti flagship."

The M's interior design engages the senses inrninvigorating ways, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with a graceful,rnInfiniti level of luxury and design detail.

For 2008, the Mrnfeatures a new interior look with new "Fine Vision" electroluminescentrngauges, new "gear-like" rings on the instrument cluster meters, arnrevised center console, new aluminum trim surface texturing, new woodrntrim and door trim and a new full gray interior color. SportrnPackage-equipped models receive unique steering wheel and shift knobrnstitching, unique front seat designs and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Forrn2008, the interior also offers an upgraded Infiniti Hard DrivernNavigation System with touch-screen, 9.3GB Music Box hard drive forrndigital music storage and playback and available XM NavTraffic®rn(requires active XM® subscription, sold separately).

Thesernchanges enhance the M's modern, intuitive interior feel and layout,rnwhich focuses on purposeful simplicity. Interior features includerngenuine Rosewood or aluminum trim, leather-appointed seats, "FinernVision" electroluminescent gauges, climate controlled front seats,rnstandard XM® Satellite Radio (requires active XM® subscription, soldrnseparately) and available features such as heated power reclining rearrnseats and advanced Bose® Studio Surround™ sound system with digitalrn5.1-channel decoding and 14 speakers including two personal speakersrnmounted in the shoulders of each front seat. The interior also offersrnan array of driver and passenger-oriented technology features,rnincluding the Infiniti Intelligent Key system with Push Button Start,rnBluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, RearView Monitor and IntelligentrnCruise Control.

Vibrant Performance with Available AWD and Rear Active Steer

Whenrnthe Infiniti M went on sale as an all-new 2006 model it capturedrnessential elements of both a luxury performance sedan and anrnaward-winning sports sedan. Its performance is equally engaging in thernV8-equipped M45 or V6-equipped M35.

The M45 continues to offerrna powerful DOHC 4.5-liter V8, shared with the premium FX45. It is ratedrnat 325 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. The engine design includesrntitanium valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft,rnlightweight pistons and super-silent single stage cam drive chain tornhelp optimize performance. In addition, the VK45DE is outfitted with arnvariable length air induction system and Continuously Variable ValvernTiming Control System (CVTCS) to enhance the engine's power deliveryrnand operation efficiency.

The M35 utilizes an advanced DOHCrn3.5-liter V6 rated at 275 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. The V6 isrnpart of the award-winning VQ engine series also found in the G35 andrnFX35, and includes aluminum-alloy block and heads and electronicallyrncontrolled "drive-by-wire" throttle system. Both engines are mated to arnstandard 5-speed automatic transmission with performance shifter andrnmanual shift mode with downshift rev matching.

Every Infiniti Mrnutilizes an enhanced next-generation FM (Front Mid-ship) platform alsornused on the G35 Sedan, G37 Coupe and FX premium crossover SUV.

Thernrefined FM platform positions the engine behind the front axle. Thisrnpositioning results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance, whichrnfactors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers.

The Mrnsuspension is an independent double-wishbone design in front andrnmulti-link independent system in the rear, along with front and rearrnstabilizer bars.

The Infiniti M's large diameter wheels and tiresrnare positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to furtherrnenhance handling and driving excitement. For 2008, the M features newrnsplit 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with titanium finish andrnnew, unique split 5-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels for SportrnPackage-equipped models. Aggressive low-profile tires, sized 245/45VR18rnand 245/40WR19 (Sport Package only), are standard.

The M alsornutilizes standard 4-wheel power-assisted vented disc brakes withrnAnti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distributionrn(EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The steering system is an electronicallyrncontrolled vehicle-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinionrndesign. Every Infiniti M also features Infiniti's advanced VehiclernDynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS). VDC adjustsrnbrake pressure and engine torque automatically in understeer, oversteerrnor slippery road surface situations, helping the driver keep thernintended path.

For drivers seeking the enhanced all-climaternperformance of all-wheel drive, the M35x and M45x models feature thernATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for AllrnElectronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system also utilized on FX45rnand FX35 AWD. It uses an advanced torque split control strategy thatrnautomatically transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to roadrnand driving conditions.

The ATTESA E-TS™ system provides sportsrncar-like handling and cornering capability due to optimum torquerndistribution between the front and rear wheels (50:50 up to 0:100).rnATTESA E-TS™ also provides high starting traction performance andrnsmooth, stable acceleration, especially in snow-covered or off-roadrnsituations with a 50:50 torque split at standing start. Combined withrnthe vehicle's VDC system, each wheel receives the appropriate amount ofrntorque when needed.

"We're proud to add the new M45x AWD modelrnto the M lineup for 2008," said Igo. "It's ideal for areas of therncountry that experience inclimate weather conditions, as well as forrndrivers seeking the added handling and control benefits of all-wheelrndrive."

The handling and stability of the Infiniti M Sport modelsrnis further optimized by Infiniti's Rear Active Steer system. Unlikernpassive rear steering systems, this design features precise, electronicrnmotor-driven control. This system helps improve the M Sport's handlingrnperformance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension accordingrnto steering input and vehicle speed.

The system's electronicrncontrol unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series ofrnsensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs thernsystem actuator to change rear geometry by moving both rear suspensionrnlower links. The result is sports car-like agility, combined withrnluxury sedan stability and ride quality.

New Lane Departure Prevention System

Anotherrnmajor advancement for the 2008 Infiniti M is the availability of thernadvanced Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. The LDP system makesrnits worldwide production debut on the 2008 M and the upcoming 2008rnInfiniti EX35 luxury crossover SUV.

LDP takes Infiniti'srnexisting Lane Departure Warning system (currently implemented on the FXrnand previously on the 2007 M) one step further by utilizing the VehiclernDynamic Control to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels oppositernthe side of the lane departure direction to help prevent the M fromrninadvertently traveling out of its intended lane.

Like LanernDeparture Warning, the LDP system uses a small camera installed behindrnthe windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle andrncalculate its position relative to lane markers and warn the driver ofrnlane drift (pending lane change without use of the turn signal) with arnvisual display and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return thernvehicle in the direction of the center of the travel lane, the LDPrnsystem assists the driver by using gentle control (generating part ofrnthe necessary yaw movement), using the VDC's brake actuator to controlrnthe brake pressure of each individual wheel to generate the intendedrnmovement.

"Infiniti extends it leadership position in offeringrnthe first Lane Departure Prevention system for production vehicles withrnthe new M and the new Infiniti EX35," said Igo." More than 55 percentrnof fatal auto accidents in the United States are caused by lanerndepartures, including single vehicle and head-on accidents. With thernLDP system, Infiniti continues to advance vehicle safety technology."

Otherrnsafety features include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) withrndual-stage front supplemental air bags with Occupant ClassificationrnSystem and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags, 3-point ALR/ELRrnseat belts (driver's seat ELR only), front seat belt adjustable upperrnanchors with pretensioners and load limiters, front seat Active HeadrnRestraints and available brake operated front pre-crash seat belts,rnwhich tighten under emergency braking in anticipation of an evasivernmaneuver or crash.

Every 2008 M also includes Zone Bodyrnconstruction with energy-dispersing side structure, LATCH (LowerrnAnchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat anchorage system and ZonernBody platform design with front and rear crumple zones.

Four Fully Equipped Models

Forrn2008, the Infiniti M is offered in four models: the M35 (V6 rear-wheelrndrive), M35x AWD (V6 all-wheel drive), M45 (V8 rear-wheel drive) andrnM45x (V8 all-wheel drive). The M35 and M45 are also offered with arncomprehensive Sport Package with Rear Active Steer, unique suspensionrntuning, 19-inch wheels and tires, sport-bolstered and trimmed frontrnseats, sport steering wheel, aluminum pedal accents and unique bodyrnstyling.

Other option packages include the Technology Package,rnAdvanced Technology Package, Premium Package, Wood Interior Trimrn(standard on RWD and AWD models, optional with Sport Package models),rnXenon/AFS (M35x only, HID xenon headlights with Adaptive Front LightingrnSystem are standard on all other M models) and Infiniti MobilernEntertainment Package.

Infiniti M

2003

Thern2003 M45 was based on the Y34-series Nissan Gloria/Nissan Cedric, withrnstyling similar to the Gloria. The engine is Nissan's 340 hp VK45DE V8rnwhich produces 333 ft.lbf of torque. The rather Japanese squared-offrnstyling did not make much of a splash on the US market, and the M45rnsold poorly.

2006

Infiniti released arncompletely redesigned M for the 2006 model year to compete directly inrnthe mid-size sport luxury class, against such class stalwarts as thernBMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It uses a much more rigidrnversion of the G35/350Z/FX Nissan FM platform and is available with therncommon VQ-series 280 hp (208 kW) 3.5 L V6 in the M35, or the Q45's 335rnhp (249 kW) 4.5 L V8 in the M45.

The automotive press has awardedrnthe M several best-in-class awards in direct comparisons against itsrncompetitors. Despite entering a very crowded, competitive segment inrnwhich almost every member has been recently redesigned, the M stillrnmanaged to find many key distinctions: Both the M35 and M45 are fastestrnin their class (0-60 in 6.3 and 5.4 seconds, respectively). The M isrnnear or at the top of every interior dimension, actually breaking intornthe EPA "large" category depending on which option packages arernselected. In fact, while being smaller on the outside than the flagshiprnQ45, the M45 boasts more room, greater performance, a superiorrnmultilink front suspension, and much friendlier ergonomics, threateningrnthe position of the flagship Q45.

All-wheel-drive models arerncalled the M35x, which uses a sports car derived system (ATTESA-ETS) tornsend all power to the rear wheels until slip is detected.

The Mrnline was released in February 2005 (at almost exactly the same time asrnthe new 2006 Lexus GS) and its first several months of sales have beenrnfar beyond expectations. Prices in the US (USD) range fromrnapproximately 40,000 - 55,000, which feature for feature tend towardsrnthe lowest in class