Infiniti M

For the Japanese version, see Nissan Fuga

Infiniti M
Overview
Manufacturer	Infiniti
Production	2003–present (M35-45) 1990–1992 (M30 coupe)
Assembly	Tochigi, Japan (M35-45) Oppama, Japan (M30 coupe)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size luxury sedan/ Executive car
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	Nissan FM platform
Chronology
Predecessor	Infiniti I / Nissan Cefiro Infiniti Q45 / Nissan Cima

The "M" nameplate has been used on various mid-size cars from Infiniti. This includes the M30 Coupe/Convertible, and the M45 and M35 sedans, both of which are unrelated to the M30. The first-generation of the sedans are rebadged versions of the Japanese-spec Nissan Gloria, and later generations are based on the Nissan Fuga.

1990

Infiniti M30
Overview
Manufacturer	Nissan
Also called	Nissan Leopard
Production	1990–1992
Assembly	Oppama, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	mid-size car
Body style	2-door convertible 2-door coupe
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L VG30E V6
Transmission	4-speed RE4R01A automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in
Curb weight	1511 kg (3333 lb) (coupe) 1622 kg (3576 lb) (convertible)
Chronology
Successor	Infiniti G37 Cabrio

The Infiniti M30 (chassis code F31) was a 2-door GT coupe introduced with the Q45 as the start of the Infiniti line in 1990, as a stopgap until other models could be produced. The M30 was basically a Japanese Nissan Leopard built with left-hand drive and rebadged as an Infiniti, and had added luxury features. The other main changes were in the engine, transmission and suspension. The M30 was only sold in the United States.

Overview

The M30 had no factory options, but dealers offered the addition of a cellular phone and a CD player/changer. The sole engine was Nissan's VG30E, a 3.0 L SOHC V6 that produced 162 hp (121 kW) and 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m) of torque, also used by many previous Nissan models such as the Maxima and 300ZX. Like the 300ZX, the M30 was a front-engined and rear-wheel drive vehicle. The transmission was an RE4R01A, four-speed automatic with overdrive, as enabled or disabled by a button on the shifter. There was no option of a manual transmission. The differential was a Nissan R200-type open differential. It is generally regarded among M30 enthusiasts that the change of powertrain, weak suspension and the lack of options in these categories was a serious mistake on Infiniti’s part, and perhaps to blame for the lackluster sales. The M30 (coupe)has a stock weight of 3333 lb (1540 kg), yet only 162 hp (121 kW), creating an inadequate power to weight ratio for the intended image of a sport coupe. Unsurprisingly, the M30 convertible weighed even more, due to massive amounts of body and chassis reinforcements, but this is regarded as a good thing to some, because the chassis is noticeably stiffer than it is on the coupes. In addition, sports cars normally come with a manual transmission standard and have the option of an automatic. Instead, Infiniti didn't even give potential buyers the choice, as all M30s had the four-speed automatic.

The M30 was equipped with the Nissan Sonar Suspension II system that was also installed on the Maxima at the time, which featured a sonar module mounted under the front bumper that scanned the road surface and adjusted the suspension accordingly via actuators mounted on the strut towers. There was also a switch on the center console that allowed the driver to change between "Sport" and "Comfort" settings—essentially "firm" and "soft", respectively.

For 1991 and onwards, the M30 received minor improvements. If an exterior door handle was pulled while the doors were locked, the keyhole would illuminate and the interior dome light would come on (coupe). There was also an available central locking switch placed next to the Sonar Suspension II adjuster, although it is not known whether this was a standard feature or option for 1991-92 models. Main gauge cluster text was changed to match the rest of the Infiniti lineup, and engine oil temperature and fuel gauges were switched around. The speedometer was also changed to the electric-type, as opposed to the cable-type used on the 1990 model.

The M30 convertible was the sole convertible of the Infiniti line, until the Infiniti G37 convertible's introduction in 2009, . Infiniti selected about half of the models produced from 1991 to 1992 and had them made into convertibles by the ASC (American Sunroof Corporation). Convertible tops were fully automatic, requiring the driver only to push the up or down buttons to the left of the steering wheel to raise or lower the top (up/down buttons on convertibles went in place of the rear window defogger switch found on coupes).

While the power tops on these did not need extensive maintenance for quite a while, they could be operated manually if necessary. All M30 coupes had power tilting/sliding sunroofs standard, with "auto-cut" while sliding to the closed position to prevent anything from getting caught.

The M30’s production run lasted for only 3 years, ending in 1992 due to lagging sales. It is not known exactly how many models were produced, but it has been said that just over 12,000 were made, half coupes, half convertibles, making the M30 the rarest Infiniti ever put into production. Previously rumored by M30 enthusiasts was that only 5,000 were made in total, half being coupes and half convertibles. The M30 was replaced by the Infiniti J30, a mid-size 4-door sedan. While the J30 is a completely different car and has a different chassis code (Y32), it was called the "Leopard J. Ferie" in Japan and was still referred to as the Nissan Leopard.

Safety

At the time, the M30 rated as one of the top-5 most safe cars to drive of the 90s. The car came with a driver's airbag and ABS (anti-lock brakes) as standard equipment, though it lacked belt pretensioners and roll-over protection (convertible). All M30s came with 3-point self-locking seatbelts located at each outer seat, and the rear-center seat had an adjustable lapbelt.

The M30 received 4 in both frontal- and side-impact crash test ratings, making it one of the safest cars out there at the time. Nissan paid special attention to the placement of the M30's side reinforcing, which is located most notably in the doors and quarter-panels. Of course, all of this safety came at a price; the M30 weighs over 3,200 lbs., and the massive amounts of reinforcement in the doors are very heavy on their hinges. Over time, the driver's door begins to sag drastically, whereas the passenger door not so much.

Today

The M30 has a small cult following, similar to that of the Nissan Leopard F31 built in Japan. The car shares many similarities with more successful and capable Nissan sports cars, such as the 240SX, 300ZX and early-generation Skylines. As such, more powerful engines, manual transmissions, suspensions and limited slip differentials from these cars can be swapped into the M30 to create a much more capable car. In both the U.S. and Japan, the M30/Leopard has been used for drifting, as it can take parts from other Nissans and is rear-wheel drive.

First generation (2003-2004)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Nissan Gloria
Production	2003–2004
Body and chassis
Layout	FR layout
Related	Infiniti Q45, Nissan Cima
Powertrain
Engine	4.5L 340 hp (254 kW) V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in

The 2003 Infiniti M45 was based on the Y34-series Nissan Gloria, with styling almost identical to the Japanese-spec Gloria, and replaced the I30/I35 a.k.a in Japan as the Nissan Cefiro as Infiniti's mid-size car.

In contrast to the Japanese models, which were available only with V6 engines, the M45 was powered by Nissan's VK45DE V8, producing 340 hp (254 kW) and Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque, which it shared with the Infiniti's flagship Q45.

The vehicle was something of a stop-gap solution for Infiniti, providing them with a viable competitor for such cars as the Lexus GS, particularly the V8 GS400/430. When introduced in North America it was using a Japanese design that was already several years old. Its styling was criticized for being generic and homely, and it sold poorly. On the other hand, it did allow Infiniti to expand the use of the 4.5L V8 that had been exclusive to the Q45, thus creating a better economy of scale to cope with that engine's development costs.

Second generation (2005-2010)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Nissan Fuga
Production	2005–2010
Model years	2006–2010
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Related	Infiniti FX Infiniti G35 Nissan 350Z Infiniti G37 Infiniti EX35 Nissan 370Z
Powertrain
Engine	3.5L 303 hp (226 kW) V6 4.5L 325 hp (242 kW) V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic; 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Template:Auto in
Length	2006-07: Template:Auto in 2008-present: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	Template:Auto in (M35 & M45) Template:Auto in (M35 & M45 Sport) M35x: Template:Auto in

Infiniti released a completely redesigned M for the 2006 model year to compete directly in the mid-size sport luxury class, against such class stalwarts as the BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Infiniti M was released in February 2005, almost exactly at the same time as the new 2006 Lexus GS.

The Infiniti M uses a much more rigid version of the G35/350Z/FX Nissan FM platform and is available with the common VQ-series 280 hp (208 kW) 3.5 L V6 in the M35, or the Q45's 335 hp (249 kW) 4.5 L V8 in the M45. This generation of the Infiniti M is sold in Japan as the Nissan Fuga.

While being smaller on the outside than the existing flagship Q45, the M45 boasts more room, greater performance, a superior rear multilink suspension and front double wishbone, and friendlier ergonomics. The Q45 was no longer imported from Japan after the 2006 model year, making the M45 the flagship car of the Infiniti marque.

All-wheel-drive models, called the M35x and M45x, use a sports car derived system (ATTESA-ETS) to send all power to the rear wheels until slip is detected.

The automotive press has awarded the Infiniti M several best-in-class awards in direct comparisons against its competitors in the midsize luxury segment which included the BMW 550i, Acura RL, Mercedes-Benz E550, and Lexus GS 450h. Despite entering a very crowded, competitive segment in which almost every member has been recently redesigned, the M managed to claim several key distinctions. The M is near or at the top of its class of every interior dimension, actually breaking into the United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ "large" category depending on which option packages are selected. The M35x has won Consumer Reports top luxury car pick for 2006, taking the spot after the 2005 Lexus LS 430.

2008/2009 Mid-generational refresh

For the 2008 model year, the Infiniti M received a minor model update. The M45 gets optional all wheel drive (M45x), all models get new front and rear fascias, and redesigned blue-and-white gauges (as opposed to the previous orange ones). Infiniti is also offering an S type version for the M45/M45x similar to the previous Sport model. Other new features on the 2008 model include touch screen hard drive based navigation, ipod integration, and a music hard drive.

For 2009, the M35 receives a new V6 engine producing 303 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque and a 7-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 M35x, M45, and M45x retain the five-speed automatic.

Trademark lawsuit against BMW M series

Infiniti ads often compare the M35 and M45 to their direct competitors in the BMW 5 Series midsize class, notably the 530i/535i and 545i/550i. The flagship of the 5 Series is the M5.

BMW introduced its first M series vehicle, M6, in Canada in 1987, and as of 2008 its current lineup consists of the M3, M5, M6, M Coupe and M Roadster. Infiniti registered M45 in 2004 and M35 in 2005 as trademarks for sedans in the middle of its range, and in some advertising has used the letter M alone.

In 2007, Canadian Federal Court Justice W. Andrew MacKay ruled that the use of the letter by Infiniti was in a form similar to that of the BMW's trademark M alone, and its use of M6 as a package for modifying one of its vehicles, cause confusion in Canada between the sources of the wares of the defendant and the wares of the plaintiffs. The court granted an injunction that prevents Nissan from directing public attention to its products in any way likely to cause confusion.

Third generation (2010-)

Infiniti M
Overview
Also called	Nissan Fuga
Production	2010-Present
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Related	Infiniti FX Infiniti G35 Nissan 350Z Infiniti G37 Infiniti EX35 Nissan 370Z
Powertrain
Engine	3.7L V6 VQ37VHR 5.6 V8 VK56VD 3.0L V6 V9X Engine turbo diesel
Transmission	7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,900 mm (114.2 in)
Length	4,945 mm (194.7 in)
Width	1,845 mm (72.6 in)
Height	1,509 mm (59.4 in)

The new M has a design inspired by the Infiniti Essence concept car.

The 2011 Infiniti M was previewed at the 59th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and introduced to the public at a media event in Beverly Hills, California in December 2009, to coincide with the LA Auto Show in Los Angeles.The production version is expected to go on sale across the world starting in spring 2010 as a 2011 model. It went on sale in the US in March 1st, 2010. It was launch in Europe at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The infiniti competes with the Lexus GS,BMW 5 Series,Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6

Engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power, torque@rpm
M37	2011-	3.7L V6 24-valve (VQ37VHR)	330 hp (246 kW), 270 lb⋅ft (370 N⋅m) @ 5,200 rpm
M56	2011-	5.6L V8 32-valve VVEL direct injection (VK56VD)	420 hp (313 kW), 417 lb⋅ft (565 N⋅m) @ 4,400 rpm
M35 hybrid	2011?-
M30d (diesel)	2010-	3.0L V6 24-valve Turbo diesel (V9X Engine)	240 hp, 406 lb-ft (175 kW) (500 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm

In western Europe, the M56 will be replaced by a V6 performance diesel.

Hybrid version (2011-)

A proposed hybrid sedan will include one electric motor and two clutches to allow the gas engine and electric motor to drive the rear wheels simultaneously. The lithium-ion battery pack will come from the Infiniti Essence.

Diesel version (2010-)

For the first time the M was introduced with a diesel engine which features twin turbo from Nissan-Renault alliance (V9X Engine).It was introduced an the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.It will be sold across Europe in September of 2010.The diesel engine produces 240 hp, 331 lb-ft (175 kW) (500 Nm) @ 2,500 rpm.The M30 diesel will not be sold in the US or Canada.

External links

• Official Infiniti USA site
• Official Infiniti USA M35 / M45 homepage
• Official Canadian site
• F31Club.com, an Infiniti M30 & Nissan Leopard enthusiast community
• Nissan Leopard at Wikipedia Japan
• JB car pages: Infiniti M35 & M45
• ConsumerGuide review of the M30
• History and specifications, year-by-year, of the Leopard