Driven: Infiniti gives M35 more firepower for 2009
We slid behind the wheel of the 2009 Infiniti M35 S last week in Napa, California. It was a quick jaunt, but we wanted to try out the newly revised powerplant under the hood. Yes, even thought the nomenclature remains the same, the Japanese automaker has swapped out the mass of aluminum up front for something a bit more updated and powerful. Find out how the 2009 Infiniti M35 S did after the jump.
Gallery: 2009 Infiniti M35S
Photos Copyright ©2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.
Since its introduction, the M35 has featured Nissan's familiar VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 rated at 275-hp. For 2009, Infiniti has replaced it with the newer VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 rated at 303-hp (it's the same "VVi" engine found under the hood of the '08 G35 sedan). While horsepower is up, torque is down slightly to 262 lb-ft (it was 268 lb-ft). We hardly think '09 M35 owners will care, as the new engine comes with a new slick-shifting seven-speed electronically-controlled transmission that should decrease 0-60 times by a couple of tenths, especially with its new Drive Sport shift mode. Best of all, fuel economy is up from 16/23 (city/highway) to 17/25 for 2009. Interestingly enough, the all-wheel drive M35x will get the new engine, but it retains last year's five-speed automatic and fuel economy stays the same. The V8-powered M45 carries forward without significant mechanical changes.
You are probably wondering why the '09 M35 didn't get the 328 hp VQ37VHR 3.7-liter like its slightly smaller sibling, the '09 G37 Sedan. We are betting that there is an all-new M Series replacement on the horizon (2010 model maybe?) set to debut as the M37. In addition, had Infiniti dropped that sweet engine under the hood now, it would have been stepping on some toes -- namely those on the foot of the V8-powered 325-hp M45. Then Infiniti would have needed to bump that car up to the M50... ah, you get the picture. The automaker has chosen to hold off for now and keep us all waiting.
In our brief spin around wine country, the M35 "S" (the Sport Package adds rear active steer, sport suspension, 19-inch wheels, etc...) proved comfortable and competent. Our seat-of-the pants accelerometer said it was quick, and it handled with confidence, but it was far from being as sporty as Infiniti's G lineup. The new transmission does make a difference in the driving experience as shifts are smooth and perfectly timed. Overall, the M35 still competes strongly in the segment against the BMW 535i, Mercedes-Benz E350, and Lexus GS 350. In addition to the aforementioned engine and transmission transplants, all '09 M models receive auto speed-sensing door locks and Infiniti's Scratch Shield "self-healing" paint. Infiniti will offer the M Series in four flavors for 2009: M35 RWD, M35x AWD, M45 RWD and M45x AWD. You can check out the new M35 in showrooms this month.
Gallery: 2009 Infiniti M35S
Photos Copyright ©2008 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Quattroporte 10:13PM (10/09/2008)
No.
Franz 8:23PM (10/09/2008)
I do like this car a lot. I was never enamored with the quad tail pipes or the d pillar but everything else I love a bunch.
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phooky 8:24PM (10/09/2008)
I love this car. Elegant, powerful, sexy, and very competitively priced
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Fyrewerx 8:39PM (10/09/2008)
How come its not an M37 ?
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Fyrewerx 8:42PM (10/09/2008)
OK, I see the other article ..... M37 due near "end of the decade".
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tuna 1:33PM (10/10/2008)
Hilarious. Highest and lowest ranked held by same person.
inteller 9:23PM (10/09/2008)
where are the interior shots? will this have the same level of trim as an EX35? I'm spoiled with mine, but greatly disappointed in the appointments for the G35. All infinitis need to have the level of luxury found in the EX.
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Mel. R 7:54AM (10/10/2008)
It's much, much bigger on the inside than an EX, and lots more luxurious. You get the feeling that the driver's seat and the passenger's seat are in separate time zones, and my 6' 3" S.O. could fit in the back seat with no trouble at all.
tuna 1:39PM (10/10/2008)
Like Mel said, it's much more spacious and luxurious. The EX was the first of the "new" quality level. They are gradually updating the other models as new versions are introduced. Take a test drive in the M45 too if you get a chance. It is a riot, muscle car in luxo-cruiser skin.
John R 9:45PM (10/09/2008)
I'm waiting for the "M50". That's going to be the heat. The FX50 is a riot.
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gshb 9:52PM (10/09/2008)
gotta agree, hard to believe the FX50 is the fastest infiniti. stick it in the M or better yet the G and it should fly. honestly cant imagine 0-60 in under 5 for a big sedan, but it should be fun.
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P.V. 4:54PM (10/10/2008)
I don't think the 50 engine should belong in the G, except as a separate performance-branded model (à la AMG C63, Audi RS4, BMW M3, Lexus IS F, etc.).
I'm just wondering when we will see a new Q (i.e. Q50? THAT would be SICK!).
Noz 9:57PM (10/09/2008)
Honestly...in this day and age, what is the point of a car like this?
F'ing pointless other than catering to guys with pretty small members.
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Rob 10:10PM (10/09/2008)
Pointless like your post? You feel pretty smug huh?
chris 10:12PM (10/09/2008)
http://www.autobloggreen.com/
BoxerFanatic 10:16PM (10/09/2008)
Yeah, full size luxury cars are just so useless. Never mind that most.... no, wait.... ALL Luxury car makers have at least one model.
I've always liked this generation of M-series Infinitis, the previous one was nice, but a bit bullish looking.
But I think I will be more impressed when the M37 VVEL V6 and M50 VVEL V8 come on line.
I still think the G coupe needs the 5 liter VVEL V8 in a special edition model, wicked up for 400 horsepower, and an option between a 6MT and a dual clutch gearbox. An M3 and S5 fighter.
psu48187 3:10AM (10/10/2008)
I find it most amusing how folks are so quick to claim that because one has a fast car or big truck, one has to have a small member. Pretty lame if you ask me.
Noz 3:45AM (10/10/2008)
I see the guys with small members ran out of the wood work to defend their egos...lol.
Made my point...thanks Rob!
Kiiks 7:14AM (10/10/2008)
If you couldn't wait for your free trial of extenze, you wouldn't buy an M35. This car isn't going to get you laid, Mr. Big or not.
MikeW 8:19AM (10/10/2008)
A 165mph fat cat sedan.