The 308 Watt Bose DVD-Audio system is incredible. The sound is rich, clear and unbelievably defined. The system has fourteen speakers of which four are installed in the two front seats' backrests. Passengers listening to music in the car will have the impression that they are sitting in the middle of the band.
For gadget and button freaks, the M45 has them all. Beginning with a rea
ceiling mounted motorized LCD screen along with a DVD player, the M also has a lane departure warning system that will ring a soft alarm when the car crosses a line without the turn signals being on. It also has an intelligent cruise control; you can set your speed and the distance that you would like to keep between yourself and the vehicles in front of you. Moving right along with an intelligent key which can remain in your pocket at all times; its transponder will allow you to unlock the door by pressing the handle mounted button or start the car by pushing the Start key. That's not all; it also has Bluetooth wireless communication and voice command recognition.
Technical
The M35s make-do with Nissan's excellent DOHC 3.5L V6 that churns out 280 hp at 6 200 rpm and 270 lb/ft of torque at 4 800 rpm. The M45 inherits the same DOHC 4.5L V8 found in the Infiniti's flagship; the Q45. It puts out 335 hp at 6 400 rpm and 340 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. Both engines have variable timing of the intake valves. Both powerplants are also mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. The M35 and
M45 are driven by the rear wheels whereas the M35x is motivated by Nissan's excellent ATTESA E-TS AWD system.
Every M has engine-speed-sensing variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering. The M45 Sport gets assistance from the rear wheels in the form of rear-active steering. Every M gets a fully independent suspension (M45 Sport; a sport tuned one) and 4-wheel vented disc brakes.
On the road
The 4.5L V8 is powerful and is plenty torquey. Together with the 5-speed autobox, they provide excellent acceleration and effortless passing. Literally blasting by someone on the highway is made smoother and more linear thanks to fact that, on a downshift, the throttle blips to match transmission revolutions. I could only image this being more rewarding if there were paddles located behind the steering wheel. Average fuel consumption was a slightly high 16.5L per 100 km. Strangely, the on-board computer indicated a very enthusiastic 15.1L per 100 km.
It is no secret that Nissan's 3.5L V6 sounds amazingly good. I was disappointed to find that the V8 does not provide as much aural pleasure. In general though, the M's cabin is very quiet and serene; other than a small hint of tire noise, the dampening is impressive. Unfortunately and admittedly expected, there were a few too many rattles coming from the dashboard and some of the interior trim pieces.
The M45 feels and behaves like a heavy automobile. Steering is lithe while
driving in the city. It weighs up at highway speeds however in a very artificial manner that is obvious. Even the gas pedal requires much effort to break its inertia. The braking system of the M45 is remarkably vigorous. Initial pad grip is immediate, so much so that I can feel the pads grinding against the discs through the pedal. I am concerned with the durability of the brake components; the G35 has had a large number of premature brake wear issues.
For gadget and button freaks, the M45 has them all. Beginning with a rea
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Technical
The M35s make-do with Nissan's excellent DOHC 3.5L V6 that churns out 280 hp at 6 200 rpm and 270 lb/ft of torque at 4 800 rpm. The M45 inherits the same DOHC 4.5L V8 found in the Infiniti's flagship; the Q45. It puts out 335 hp at 6 400 rpm and 340 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. Both engines have variable timing of the intake valves. Both powerplants are also mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode. The M35 and
M45 are driven by the rear wheels whereas the M35x is motivated by Nissan's excellent ATTESA E-TS AWD system. Every M has engine-speed-sensing variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering. The M45 Sport gets assistance from the rear wheels in the form of rear-active steering. Every M gets a fully independent suspension (M45 Sport; a sport tuned one) and 4-wheel vented disc brakes.
On the road
The 4.5L V8 is powerful and is plenty torquey. Together with the 5-speed autobox, they provide excellent acceleration and effortless passing. Literally blasting by someone on the highway is made smoother and more linear thanks to fact that, on a downshift, the throttle blips to match transmission revolutions. I could only image this being more rewarding if there were paddles located behind the steering wheel. Average fuel consumption was a slightly high 16.5L per 100 km. Strangely, the on-board computer indicated a very enthusiastic 15.1L per 100 km.
It is no secret that Nissan's 3.5L V6 sounds amazingly good. I was disappointed to find that the V8 does not provide as much aural pleasure. In general though, the M's cabin is very quiet and serene; other than a small hint of tire noise, the dampening is impressive. Unfortunately and admittedly expected, there were a few too many rattles coming from the dashboard and some of the interior trim pieces.
The M45 feels and behaves like a heavy automobile. Steering is lithe while
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