2009 INFINITI

For 2009, the Infiniti M mid-size premium performance sedan is again offered with a choice of 4.5-liter V8 and 3.5-liter V6 engines and with rear-wheel. The major enhancements for the new model include a new, more powerful V6 engine for the M35 and M35x and the addition of a new 7-speed automatic transmission for all M35 RWD model. The 2009 Infiniti M is available in four models – M35 RWD, M35x AWD, M45 RWD and M45x AWD.

The M35’s new VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is rated at 303 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, replaces the previous 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Versions of this new engine are also utilized in the new second-generation 2009 Infiniti FX35.

The 2009 M continues as a showcase of Infiniti’s advanced safety technology, including Intelligent Cruise Control and the Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. LDP takes Infiniti’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system one step further by utilizing the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels opposite the side of the lane departure direction. This slight pressure helps prevent the M from inadvertently traveling out of its intended lane without taking control from the driver. 

From a design standpoint, the Infiniti M optimizes both luxury and sport styling to create a dynamic visual appeal. The M exterior was freshened in 2008 with a new front grille and bumpers, lower air intake, fog lamps and side sills, revised rear fenders, taillights, deck lid and a new optional rear spoiler design – all which carry over to 2009. The M also features unique front and rear bumpers, headlight color and side sills for Sport Package-equipped models.

The 2009 M vibrant design continues with an expressive grille and crystal-look headlight clusters that offer a luxurious appeal, while large 18-inch or 19-inch (Sport Package-equipped vehicles only) wheels and low profile tires, stable posture with wide track, and short overhangs contribute to the sportiness of the design. The M’s low, aggressive hood line flows into the anchored shoulders and fluid roofline, contributing to the sporty, powerful silhouette.

For 2009, the Infiniti M is again offered in V8-equipped M45 or V6-equipped M35 models. The M45 features a standard DOHC 4.5-liter V8 rated at 325 horsepower and 336 lb-ft of torque. The engine design includes titanium valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons and super-silent single stage cam drive chain to help optimize performance. In addition, the VK45DE is outfitted with a variable length air induction system and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) to enhance the engine’s power delivery and operation efficiency. 

The 2009 Infiniti M35 receives a new, advanced DOHC 3.5-liter V6 rated at 303 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque – an increase of 28 horsepower over the previous 3.5-liter V6. The engine includes aluminum-alloy block and heads and electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system. Fuel economy improves to 17 mpg City/25 mpg Highway (from 16/23 mpg City/Highway) despite the increase in horsepower.

Every Infiniti M utilizes an enhanced next-generation FM (Front Mid-ship) platform also used on the G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe, EX35 and FX premium crossover SUV. The refined FM platform positions the engine behind the front axle. This positioning results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance, which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers. 

The 2009 Infiniti M is available with Infiniti’s advanced Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system. The LDP system made its worldwide production debut last year on the 2008 M. LDP utilizes the M’s Vehicle Dynamic Control system to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels opposite the side of the lane departure direction to help prevent the vehicle from inadvertently traveling out of its intended lane.

The LDP system uses a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and warn the driver of lane drift (pending lane change without use of the turn signal) with a visual display and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle in the direction of the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver by using gentle control (generating part of the necessary yaw movement), using the VDC’s brake actuator to control the brake pressure of each individual wheel to generate the intended movement. 

The 2009 Infiniti M is offered in four well-equipped models: the M35 (V6 rear-wheel drive), M35x AWD (V6 all-wheel drive), M45 (V8 rear-wheel drive) and M45x (V8 all-wheel drive). The M35 and M45 are also offered with a comprehensive Sport Package with Rear Active Steer, unique suspension tuning, 19-inch 5-split spoke wheels and tires, sport-bolstered and trimmed front seats, sport steering wheel and shifter, aluminum trim and pedal accents and unique body styling.