The Infiniti M will be offered in five models: V6 rear-wheel drive, V6 all-wheel drive, V6 rear-wheel drive Sport, V8 rear-wheel drive and V8 rear-wheel drive Sport. All models are equipped with an advanced 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Other standard features include leather-appointed seats, Intelligent Key with push button ignition, voice recognition, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), 10-way power driver’s seat and Advanced Air Bag System (AABS). Sport models offer standard 19-inch wheels and tires (18-inch wheels and tires are standard on non-Sport models), sport-tuned suspension with Rear Active Steer, xenon headlamps with advanced front lighting system, climate controlled sport front seats, sport steering wheel, sunroof, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, Mobile Entertainment System and aluminum interior trim and pedals. “The Infiniti M is an expression of power, refinement, technology and design – all the things that make Infiniti owners’ hearts pound,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. “We have captured the soul of the Infiniti brand, expressing it in unique, forward thinking ways.” An Enhanced FM Platform The new Infiniti M is available with a choice of V8 or V6 engines, with the vehicles designated M45 and M35 respectively. The M45 features a powerful 340-horsepower DOHC 4.5-liter V8, taken from the flagship Infiniti Q45. The M35 utilizes a 275-plus horsepower DOHC 3.5-liter V6, part of the award-winning VQ engine series found in the G35 and FX35. Every Infiniti M utilizes a new generation of the FM (Front Mid-ship) platform currently used on the G35 sedan, G35 coupe and FX premium crossover SUV. Approximately 60 percent of the platform design and components have been enhanced for use with the 2006 M. Like the previous generation, the new, redefined FM platform positions the engine behind the front axle. This positioning results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance, which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers. The Infiniti M’s large diameter wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the vehicle, helping to further enhance handling and driving excitement. The M suspension is an independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link independent system in the rear. Sensuous Exterior Design From a design standpoint, the new M optimizes both luxury and sport styling to create a dynamic visual sensation. The expressive, jewel-like grille and crystal-look headlight clusters offer a luxurious appeal, while large 18 or 19-inch wheels and low profile tires, a stable posture with wide track, and short overhangs contribute to the sportiness of the design. The Infiniti M also offers a low, aggressive hoodline, which flows into the anchored shoulders and contributes to the sporty, powerful silhouette. The roofline is fluid, while the hood and front fenders are sculpted to provide a solid, muscular look. In the rear, L-shaped LED taillights and quad tailpipes finish out the exterior design. The M’s long wheelbase and short overhangs provide a roomy interior and sporty exterior dimensions. Wide front and rear tracks add to handling stability, while the overall width enhances interior and trunk volume. Also featured are lightweight body components, including aluminum-alloy inner and outer door panels, hood and decklid panels. The M’s aerodynamic design results in zero front lift and the available rear spoiler offers zero rear lift. Confident, Explosive Performance and a New Rear Active Steer At the heart of the 2006 Infiniti M is the high-performance power of the V8 or V6 powerplants, each mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with short-throw performance shifter with manual shift mode. The advanced braking system is designed to offer confidence-inspiring pedal feel and enhanced pedal response, while the steering system is designed to provide an engaging driving experience through a high-flow hydraulic boost system and micro-polished steering gear and robust rack mounting. Every 2006 Infiniti M also features Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC). The handling and stability of the Infiniti M Sport models is further optimized by a new Infiniti Rear Active Steer system. Unlike passive rear steering systems, this design features motor-driven control. This system helps improve the M Sport’s handling performance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed. The system’s electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs the system actuator to change rear geometry by moving both rear suspension lower links. The result is sports car-like agility, combined with luxury sedan stability and ride quality. A Highly Personalized, Enriching Interior Atmosphere The new M’s interior design engages the senses in new and invigorating ways, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with a graceful, Infiniti level of luxury and design detail. “The interior of the M is designed to provide a ‘hand-in-glove fit.’ It is the most indulgent, high-quality design that Infiniti has ever offered – one that indicates a new wave of Infiniti interior design,” said Igo. “It reflects a more passionate interior direction, which is already starting to appear in production Infiniti vehicles.” The modern and intuitive interior layout focuses on ease-of-use and a purposeful simplicity. Interior features include genuine Rosewood or aluminum trim, leather-appointed seats, an advanced “Solar Eclipse” instrument lighting system, available climate controlled front seats, heated power reclining rear seats and an available advanced Bose® Studio Surround™ sound audio system with digital 5.1-channel decoding and 14 speakers including two personal speakers mounted in each front seat. “This is, without a doubt, the finest audio system ever created for an Infiniti vehicle, with sound performance that matches the car’s driving performance,” said Igo. The interior also offers an array of driver and passenger-oriented technology features, including the Infiniti Intelligent Key system with push button ignition. This system eliminates the need to take the key fob out of your pocket when locking, unlocking and starting the engine. Other features include Bluetooth wireless connectivity, RearView Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control and an available Infiniti DVD-based Navigation System with a new user interface featuring voice-activated destination entry as well as HVAC and audio control. High Tech Safety Systems with New Lane Departure System The Infiniti M is also a showcase for the latest in Infiniti safety technology, including an available new Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. The system recognizes lane markings and calculates the lateral distance between the vehicle and the lane marking, along with vehicle speed relative to the marking, and generates an audible signal to warn the driver of a pending, unintended lane departure. Engagement of the turn signals turns off the system and it also includes a driver cancel switch. “Over 58 percent of fatal auto accidents in the United States are caused by lane departures, including single vehicle and head-on accidents,” said Igo. “The LDW system is an important advancement in vehicle safety technology.” The Infiniti LDW system is currently available in the 2005 Infiniti FX crossover SUV, the first production passenger vehicle application of LDW in North America. Other safety features include an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags and available brake-operated pre-crash front seat belts. The Evolution of Luxury “Luxury has evolved from what was once traditional, status-oriented luxury, to what has come to be a more meaningful, personal approach to luxury. The exhilarating new 2006 Infiniti M is yet another example of Infiniti’s leadership in providing luxury that appeals to both the soul and intelligence of the driver,” said Igo. |