NEW FOR 2009:

Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Infiniti

- M35x receives new 3.5-litre engine and is all-wheel drive only
- Driver's sport mode added to all transmissions
- Standard scratch shield paint and automatic door locks
- Touring Package replaces chrome wheels with alloy wheels
- M45 Sport models have greater visual differentiation including unique front and rear bumpers, headlight colour, side sills, unique steering wheel and shifter knob stitching, unique front seat designs and aluminum-trimmed pedals

For 2009, the Infiniti M35x receives a new 3.5-litre engine; it replaces the previous 3.5-litre and increases from 275 to 303 horsepower. Previously available in rear-wheel drive as well, the M35 now comes only with all-wheel. Other changes include Driver's Sport mode with downshift rev matching on all transmissions, and the company's scratch shield paint, which gradually "self-heals" small scratches, such as those created by fingernails around the door handles.

The M series is available as the M35x, with 3.5-litre V6, and as the M45 Sport rear-wheel drive or M45x all-wheel drive, with 4.5-litre V8. Both use a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

Features on the M35x include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, tire pressure monitoring system, adaptive self-levelling xenon headlamps, scratch shield paint, heated mirrors with driver's side auto-dimming and reverse tilt-down, power sunroof, power tilt and telescopic wheel with audio controls, ten-way climate-controlled leather seats, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, garage door opener, six-CD/MP3 stereo with XM satellite radio, African Rosewood accents, 7-inch LCD vehicle information screen, auto up/down windows, rain-sensing wipers, Intelligent Key with pushbutton ignition, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and electroluminescent gauges.

The M45x is similarly equipped.

The M45 Sport adds 19-inch alloy wheels, sport bolstered seats, aluminum accents and rear active steer.

Available options include Bose Surround Sound system, voice recognition system for audio, vehicle information and climate control, intelligent cruise control, and lane departure warning system.

Based on the FM (front-midship) architecture used on the G35 and FX, the M is enhanced for its spot as the company's premium sedan. The M45 Sport's rear active steer adjusts the geometry of the rear suspension in response to steering input and vehicle speed, enhancing low-speed manoeuvres and high-speed stability. The more powerful V6 makes the "entry" model even more appealing.