Industry Report: New Lexus GS and Infiniti M Go Head to Head in Midsize Luxury Shootout

In order to pick up the sales pace, Infiniti will introduce an altogether new M-series later this year, as a 2006 model, just in

Unlike the previous M45, the upcoming 2006 model sport a 6-cylinder variant, something the Lexus has offered all along. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)

time to compete head-on with Lexus redefined GS. Unlike the previous M, Infiniti's will sport a 6-cylinder variant, something the Lexus has offered all along.

Lexus will drop its bulletproof 3.0-litre inline-6 for a new 245-horsepower 3.0-litre V6 with 225 lb-ft of torque, while Infiniti will add an upgraded version of its multi-award-winning VQ 3.5-litre V6 making 280-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the same engine that currently powers everything from Nissan mid-vans to the brand's flagship 350Z, as well as Infiniti's G35 and FX35 in various stages of tune.

While it initially looks like the Lexus will be outgunned by the Infiniti in base trim, it's important to note that the GS 300

While the Lexus will be outgunned in base trim, it will feature an additional forward gear to improve acceleration. (Photo: Lexus)

will get the added boost of a standard six-speed automatic transmission while the M35 will have to make do with only five forward gears. While the addition of one cog doesn't sound like much, the shorter intervals that come by adding an extra gear can make a big improvement in acceleration, while also delivering smoother operation under full throttle.

Lexus carries this same six-speed advantage forward when it's optional 4.3-litre V8, making 300-horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, is chosen. The GS 430's powerplant once again comes shy of achieving the output of the M45, rated at 335-horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque for 2006.