Slick New Infiniti Set to Smash Japanese Brand's Large Car Sales Woes

Introduction of M35 Marks End of Maxima-Based I35

Just one look is all it takes to see that the new Infiniti M will leave the current model's sales woes far behind in a distant

The new Infiniti M will leave the current model's sales woes far behind in a distant memory. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)

memory. Since its model year 2003 introduction the M45 has never taken hold of the midsize luxury market, due in part to conservative mid-pack styling and heavy-handed performance.

Ridding the M designation of the first problem the 2006 model, which evidenced by two photos released yesterday, will sport many design cues of the M concept Nissan's luxury division showed earlier this year in New York. It pulls the best styling details from the current model and melds them with an all-new design heavily influenced by the top-selling G35 sedan and flagship Q45.

Infiniti is bullish about the new model's appeal, with Mark Igo, vice president and general manager of Infiniti stating the new

The new M pulls the best design cues from the current version as well as the top-selling G35 sedan and flagship Q45. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)

model is "a true luxury sedan like no other, balanced between sportiness, luxury and roominess." He adds the words, "masculine, aggressive and bold" to the list of superlatives, and without doubt he'll be getting few willing to oppose.

The new M will feature multivalve, DOHC 3.5-liter V6 and 4.5-liter V8 engines, which in 2005 Infiniti trim make anywhere from 277 to 295 horsepower for the former and 340 horsepower for the latter. Infiniti says the V6 will boast 275 plus horsepower, so expect something closer to its highest rating given the added weight of the midsize model.

Both engines are expected to be mated to the brand's short-throw performance-oriented 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. There is no word as to whether the Japanese automaker will offer a 6-speed manual with the base car, but such would follow Nissan/Infiniti tradition as of late.