A Future Infiniti M45 in the Making?
Upon release in America, the Infiniti M45 was heralded as the return of the muscle car - a bizarre concept considering that this most compelling rear-drive V8 powered machine comes from nowhere near Detroit. It had, and still has the credentials to do hold up to this brawny image, a big burly engine, relatively large stature, handsome upright sedan exterior with clean-cut edges, long overhangs trimmed out with an intimidating, chromed grille. Sounds like a muscle car to me.
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| The compelling rear-wheel drive V8 powered Infiniti M45 was heralded as the return of the muscle car . (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
The body is essentially borrowed from the Japanese-domestic market Gloria and Cedric, but the M45 we know features a hulking 4.5 liter V8 that serves up a massive 340 horsepower. What's more it is a wood-trimmed and leather-lined muscle car, fitted with the best of Infiniti's accommodations. But despite its power and opulence the Gloria/Cedric/M45 architecture has aged remarkably quickly with the introduction of other new large luxury sedans from Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, but also including the threat of Infiniti's own G35.
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| Keeping with design influences of the M45, the new Fuga concept concept continues the modernized muscle car theme. (Photo: Nissan Motors) |
Nissan's response to these new rivals was recently unveiled at this year's Tokyo motor show. And the Fuga might just be the car that's shapes the automaker's future luxury face. From the outside, its stylists have penned an evolutionary theme to the structured and slightly boxy M45 design. The muscular attitude of the Fuga is expressed successfully by the use of heavily arched fenders that peak to a delta shape before flowing down to the bulging hood. The chromed, slightly bulbous grille has grown in size, and is thinly capped at its top and bottom.
This tasteful styling accent has also been reflected in trim lining the lower front valance, side trim and the arch that spans the roofline starting at the base of the A-pillars and ending at the rear fascia. It encloses the car's crystal-clear reverse lights as well. From this rear end view the new concept continues the modernized muscle car theme with a smooth roofline that ends with a swift drop to the car's flush rear bumper, highlighting integrated exhaust tips.