Infiniti M45 Concept Offers Sensuous Styling, Enriching Interior and Invigorating Performance
The Infiniti M45 Concept, which made its world debut at
the New York International Auto Show, offers a unique,
advanced look into the future design and technology
direction of Infiniti. The M45 Concept captures the essence
of both the current M45 performance sport sedan and the
award-winning Infiniti G35 and takes both to a new level
of engaging luxury and performance.
The M45 Concept is an expression of power, refinement,
technology and style all the things that make Infiniti
owners hearts pound, said Mark Igo, vice president and
general manager, Infiniti Division. We have captured the
soul of the Infiniti brand, expressing it in unique, forward
thinking ways in the M45 Concept most of which will appear
in the new 2006 M45, which is scheduled to arrive in spring
2005.
An Enhanced FM Platform
The M45 Concept features a powerful 340-horsepower
4.5-liter V8, taken from the flagship Infiniti Q45, along
with a new generation of the FM (Front Mid-ship) platform
currently used on the G35 sedan, G35 coupe and FX premium
crossover SUV. Approximately 60 percent of the platform
design and components have been enhanced for use with the
M45 Concept.
The new, redefined platform is designed to accommodate
the M45 Concept's 4.5-liter V8 engine or a 3.5-liter V6,
continuing to position the engine behind the front axle. As
in current applications, this positioning results in an
optimized front-to-rear weight balance, which factors in
weight transfer during key handling maneuvers. Also like the
production FM platform, the M45 Concept's large diameter
wheels and tires are positioned out near the corners of the
vehicle, providing an extra measure of handling stability
and driving excitement. The M45 Concept's suspension is an
independent double-wishbone design in front and multi-link
independent in the rear.
Sensuous Exterior Design
From a design standpoint, the M45 Concept optimizes both
luxury and sport styling to create a dynamic visual
sensation. The expressive, jewel-like grille and
crystal-look headlight clusters offer a luxurious appeal,
while large 19-inch wheels and high performance tires, a
stable posture with wide tread, and short overhangs
contribute to the sportiness of the design.
The M45 Concept also offers a low, aggressive hoodline,
which flows into the anchored shoulders and contributes to
the sporty, powerful silhouette. The roofline is fluid,
while the hood and front fenders are sculpted to provide a
solid, muscular look. In the rear, L-shaped LED taillights
and quad-tipped tailpipes finish out the exterior design.
The M45 Concept features a long wheelbase and short
overhangs providing a roomy interior and highly manageable
exterior dimensions. A wide front and rear track adds to the
M45 Concept's handling stability, while further enhancing
interior and trunk volume. The M45 Concept also features
lightweight body components, including aluminum-alloy inner
and outer door panels, hood and decklid panels, while its
aerodynamic design provides zero front lift.
Confident, Explosive Performance and a New Active Rear
Control System
At the heart of the M45 Concept is the high-performance
power of an advanced 4.5-liter, 340-horsepower DOHC V8,
mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with a short-throw
performance shifter with manual shift mode. The M45
Concept's advanced braking system is designed to offer a
confidence-inspiring brake pedal feel and enhanced pedal
response, while the steering system is designed to enhance
the engaging driving experience through a high-flow
hydraulic boost system and micro-polished steering gear and
robust rack mounting. The M45 Concept also features Vehicle
Dynamic Control (VDC).
The handling and stability of the Infiniti M45 Concept is
greatly enhanced by a new active rear control system. Unlike
passive rear steering systems, this design features
motor-driver rear-wheel control. This system helps improve
the M45's handling performance by adjusting the geometry of
the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle
speed.
The system's electronic control unit calculates the
desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including
vehicle speed and steering angle, and directs the system
actuator to change rear geometry by moving both rear
suspension lower links. The result is sports car-like
agility, combined with luxury sedan stability.
A Highly Personalized, Enriching Interior Atmosphere
Like the M45 Concept's performance, its interior design
engages the senses in new and invigorating ways. It combines
a driver-oriented cockpit with a graceful, Infiniti level of
luxury and design detail.
The interior of the M45 Concept provides a hand
in-glove fit. It is the most indulgent, high-quality design
that Infiniti has ever offered one that indicates a new
wave of Infiniti interior design, said Igo. It reflects a
more passionate interior direction, which is already
starting to appear in production Infiniti vehicles.
The modern and intuitive interior layout focuses on
ease-of-use and a purposeful simplicity. Interior features
include leather-appointed climate controlled seats, an
advanced 'solar Eclipse instrument lighting system, power
reclining rear seats and an advanced surround audio system
with 14-speaker 5.1-channel decoding with two personal
speakers mounted in each front seat.
This is, without a doubt, the finest audio system ever
created for an Infiniti vehicle, with sound performance
every bit the equal of the car's driving performance, said
Igo.
The interior also offers an array of driver and
passenger-oriented technology features, many of which are
found in today's Infiniti production vehicles, including the
Infiniti Intelligent Key system with push button start. This
system eliminates the need to take the key fob out of your
pocket when locking, unlocking and starting the engine.
Other features include an Infiniti Navigation System with a
new user interface featuring voice-activated destination
entry, HVAC/audio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity,
RearView monitor and Intelligent Cruise Control.
High Tech Safety Systems with New Lane Departure
System
The M45 Concept also showcases the latest in Infiniti
safety technology, including a new Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system. The system recognizes lane markings and calculates
the lateral distance between the vehicle and the lane
marking, along with vehicle speed relative to the marking,
and generates an audible signal to warn the driver of a
pending, unintended lane departure. Engagement of the turn
signals turns off the system and it also includes a driver
cancel switch.
Over 58 percent of fatal accidents in the United States
are caused by lane departures, including single vehicle and
head-on accidents, said Igo. The LDW system is an
important advancement in vehicle safety technology.
Other safety features include an Advanced Air Bag System
(AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags and
roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags, brake-operated
pre-crash front seat belts and slide away brake pedal.
The Evolution of Luxury
Luxury has evolved from what was once traditional,
status-oriented luxury, to what has come to be a more
meaningful, personal approach to luxury. The M45 Concept is
yet another example of Infiniti's leadership in providing
luxury that appeals to both the soul and intelligence of the
driver, said Igo. As we transition the M45 from concept
car into our 2006 production vehicle, well look at a range
of models that will satisfy individual needs and preferences
V8 or V6, all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, sports or
luxury.
|
Need A Repair Shop?
Find local automotive repair shops in your area.
|