2006 Infiniti M35 Driving Impressions
For a car with sport sedan aspirations, the Infiniti Q45 isn't the best influence. Slight change of plans this time: instead of being the Q45's fraternal twin, the M has become the G35's bigger brother. Compared to the last M45, this one's slightly up on wheelbase, way down on length, and with a claimed 1,200% increase in front lateral rigidity, don't expect to bend it with your arms. The switch of platforms also blessed it with a younger set of bones, a better front suspension, and a doubled engine roster.
Ah, engines - this is where Infiniti likes to show off, or haven't you noticed? With both a V8 and a V6, the M line now follows sports sedan status quo. We ordered the new V6-powered M35, as will most customers. If you think you've seen this engine before, you have - it's been in the Pathfinder, Altima, Murano, 350Z, G35, FX35, Maxima, Quest, XTerra, and Frontier, just to name ten. In the M35 it got an adjustment to the tune of 280 horsepower, which has it smoking the V6 versions of the BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-class, Audi A6, Jaguar S-Type, Lincoln LS, Cadillac STS, Lexus GS, and Acura RL, just to name eight. With 0-60 and quarter-mile times of 6.3 and 13.8 seconds, do you really need a V8? The answer is no, but you might be glad to know that the 335-horse M45 outpowers every V8 competitor as well. You may only be king for a day in the horsepower wars, but today is Infiniti's day.
|