Infiniti-M35h

Infiniti-M35h

The "M" nameplate has been used on various mid-luxury cars from the Infiniti luxury division of Nissan.
The first iteration was the M30 Coupe/Convertible, which were rebadged JDM Nissan Leopard.
After a long hiatus, the M nameplate was used for Infiniti's mid-luxury sedans (executive cars). First was the short-lived M45 sedan, a rebadged version of the Japanese-spec Nissan Gloria. The next generations, the M35/45 and M37/56/35h/30d, became the flagship of the Infiniti brand and are based on the JDM Nissan Fuga.

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.

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

1:21 Demonstration Video
(2011 Infiniti M shown)
Infiniti's Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) provides power where and when you need it, instantly adapting to changing conditions. By constantly monitoring wheel-spin, throttle position and vehicle speed, this system automatically diverts up to 50% of the available power to the front wheels, enhancing traction and control in adverse conditions. When all-wheel drive is not needed, the system sends 100% of the power to the rear wheels for more responsive road performance.

While being 177 mm (7.0 in) shorter on the outside than the last flagship Q45 at 5,069 mm (199.6 in), the M45 boasts more interior space, greater performance, a superior rear multilink suspension and front double wishbone, and friendlier ergonomics due to its 30 mm (1.2 in) longer wheelbase. 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.