Infiniti M — BrandWiki

Infiniti M

Overview

Infiniti M / Q70

wheelbase
production	December 2009–2019
model years	2011–2019 (USA & Canada)‡R1R‡
platform	FM-L "enhanced FM"
assembly	Japan: Kaminokawa, Tochigi; Russia: Saint Petersburg (SKD, 2012–2014)‡R20R‡
related	Infiniti FX Infiniti G35 Infiniti G37 Infiniti EX35 Nissan 370Z Nissan 350Z Nissan Cima
engine	2.5L V6 VQ25HR 3.0L V6 V9X turbo diesel 3.5L V6 VQ35HR hybrid 3.7L V6 VQ37VHR 5.6L V8 VK56VD
motor	68PS Nissan HM34 high-response Motor (3.5 L models only)
aka	Nissan Fuga/Mitsubishi Proudia/Infiniti Q70 Nissan Cima/Mitsubishi Dignity/Infiniti Q70L (LWB)

The Infiniti M is a line of mid-size luxury (executive) cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan. From 2013 (model year 2014) on it has been marketed as the Infiniti Q70, reflecting the company's later naming formula.

The first iteration was the M30 Coupé/Convertible, rebadged variants of the JDM Nissan Leopard. After a hiatus, the M nameplate was used for Infiniti's short-lived mid-luxury M45 sedan, a rebadged version of the Japanese-spec Nissan Gloria and Infiniti's subsequent flagship M35/45 and M37/56/35h/30d, based on the JDM Nissan Fuga.

First generation (1989–1992)

The Infiniti M30 was a 2-door coupé based on the Japanese market Nissan Leopard (chassis code F31). It was launched in 1989 for the 1990 model year as a lower-priced alternative to the Infiniti Q45, and was intended to be an alternative to the Acura Legend coupe and to a lesser extent the Lexus ES 250, as it was also a lower-priced alternative to the Lexus LS400, although the ES 250 was only offered as a 4-door sedan.

Overview

Standard equipment on the M30 included a driver's side airbag, anti-lock brakes, an anti-theft security system with an engine immobilizer, Nissan Sonar Suspension II, and leather upholstery. Other standard features include a 4 speaker Nissan-Bose audio system with satellite radio controls, a cassette player and an electric mast antenna, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, power moonroof, and on coupes, automatic climate control.

For the 1991 model year, the cable-type speedometer became electric, instrument cluster typeface changed to match that of the Q45, and fuel and coolant temperature gauges were switched. An illuminated entry feature was added that would light the driver's and passenger's door keyhole and the interior dome light upon pulling the outer door handle. Selective door lock logic was added that allowed unlocking of the passenger door from the driver's keyhole by turning the key twice.

A convertible was introduced for the 1991 model year. All convertibles originated as coupe models, and were shipped to California and converted by American Sunroof Corporation (ASC). The electric canvas top featured fully automatic push-button operation, similar to the redesigned 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL, although the SL used a hydraulic system. Unlike the coupe, the M30 convertible use manual climate controls, and a Bose Active Sound audio system. The convertible top used a plastic rear window; as a result the rear window defroster feature used on the coupe was removed, and buttons to raise and lower the convertible top were put in place of the rear window defroster switch. The convertible model was never officially sold in Japan, and was exclusive to the US market, although convertibles have been imported to Japan in the last few years by collectors.

All 1992 models gained the addition of a central locking switch next to the Sonar Suspension II selector, and the intake plenum cover was revised and displayed the Infiniti logo, rather than the Nissan logo and the "V6 3000" script on 1990 and 1991 cars.

The M30 was discontinued after the 1992 model year following a production run of approximately 17,000 cars. It was replaced in the Infiniti lineup by the J30 sedan, which was based on the F31 Nissan Leopard's successor, the Nissan Leopard J. Ferie (chassis code Y32).

Technical

Power came from Nissan's VG30E V6, which produced 162 hp at 6000 rpm, and 180 lbft of torque at 3500 rpm. All M30s had a Jatco RE4R01A 4-speed automatic transmission. The differential was a Nissan open R200 unit. Although most Nissan Leopards were equipped with a DOHC V6, offered in 2-liter, 3-liter, naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, the M30 was only offered with the SOHC VG30E. Although it was a smooth powertrain, which Infiniti touted in its brochures for the M30, the 3302 lb coupe, and 3,523 lb (1,598 kg) convertible were generally received as overweight and underpowered, with a quoted 0–60 time of 9.4 and 9.7 seconds, respectively. Infiniti marketed the car as a luxury sports coupe, but its relatively low power output, comfort-oriented driving dynamics, and the absence of a manual transmission hampered its performance and sporting image.

Like the Nissan Maxima, the M30 was equipped with Nissan's Sonar Suspension II. A sonar sensor mounted underneath the front bumper scanned the road surface ahead of the vehicle and instantly changed damping based on varying road surfaces, using individual actuators on all shock absorbers. A center console-mounted switch allowed drivers to choose between Comfort (soft) and Sport (firm) suspension modes. All M30s used MacPherson struts for the front wheels, and a semi-trailing arm rear suspension with coil springs for the rear.

Third generation (2005–2010)

Infiniti released a redesigned M for the 2006 model year, released in February 2005, and marketed in Japan as the Nissan Fuga. All-wheel-drive models, marketed as the M35x and M45x, use a system (ATTESA-ETS) to send all power to the rear wheels until slip is detected. As the Q45 was no longer exported from Japan after model year 2006, the M45 became Infiniti's flagship.

The M used a more rigid version of the Nissan FM platform shared with the G35/350Z/FX — and was available with the VQ-series 280 hp 3.5 L V6 in the M35, or the Q45's 335 hp 4.5 L V8 in the M45.[9]

While shorter 177 mm than the last Q45 at 5069 mm, the M offered greater interior space, performance, a rear multilink suspension and front double wishbone, and improved ergonomics as well as a 30 mm longer wheelbase.

Reception

The automotive press the Y50 Infiniti M several praised the M35 and M45's driving involvement and handling dynamics vs the GS and E-Class while having superior ergonomics to the 5 Series; furthermore the M was equipped and priced competitively against its German rivals,[10][11] while the M35 also received strong reviews.[12] 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.[13][14][15] The M35x won Consumer Reports top luxury car pick for 2006, taking the top spot from the 2005 Lexus LS 430.

The Infiniti M did not gain a significant share in the mid-luxury market. 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.[16] Out of that year's 81000 Infiniti cars sold, only 10000 were of the M nameplate.[17] 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.[18]

2008/2009 Mid-generational refresh

For the 2008 model year, the Infiniti M received a facelift, receiving optional all wheel drive (M45x), revised front and rear fascias, revised tail lights, and redesigned blue-highlighted gauges, previously orange. Infiniti also offered 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 hp and 262 lbft of torque and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 M35x, M45, and M45x retained the five-speed automatic.[19]

Fourth generation (2010–2019)

The Y51, designed by Hideo Komuro during 2006 and 2008 under the supervision of Shiro Nakamura, took on a more fluid look,[16][17][21] recalling the coke bottle styling of a 1960s and 1970s.

The 2011 Infiniti M debuted at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,[22] and at a media event in Beverly Hills, California in December 2009, to coincide with the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles.[23] The production version went on sale globally starting in the spring of 2010, as a 2011 model — and in the US on March 1, 2010. It was launched in Europe at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

A driving mode selector was included 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 in varying conditions. To minimize intrusion of exhaust noise in the passenger compartment, the M included a noise cancelling system marketed as Active Noise Control. Double-piston shock absorbers, developed by Kayaba Industry Company, have replaced those previously supplied by Hitachi.

The 5.6L V8 VK56VD in the Infiniti M56 was competitive with other V8 mid-luxury (executive) cars such as the BMW 550i and Mercedes-Benz E550.[24][25][26] 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. The extended length version of the Fuga, known as the Cima, is offered as the Infiniti Q70L beginning from model year 2015.

The M37 and M56 will have all-wheel drive optional, badged as M37x and M56x, respectively.

Safety technology included Lane Departure Prevention, which uses a small camera mounted above the rearview mirror to gauge distance from the lane markers, and would lightly deploy selected brakes to help ease the car into the correct lane. It allowed for unimpeded lane changes when the turn signal is used and yields control to the driver at all times. Blind Spot Intervention System used sensors to provide a visual warning in the side view mirror. If the car sensed movement toward an obstacle, it provided an audible warning and applied opposite side brakes to guide the vehicle to the correct lane.

Safety

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.

Engines

M35h (Hybrid version) (2011–2019)

The Infiniti M Hybrid, sold as the Nissan Fuga Hybrid in Japan where it was the top performance trim, introduced Nissan's first in-house developed electric hybrid technology, and the carmaker claimed it doubles the fuel economy of its gasoline-powered version.[27] Nissan also announced that the Nissan Infiniti/Fuga Hybrid, together with the Nissan Leaf, included 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.[28][29]