The Infiniti M45: A 340-HP V8 Sleeper That Few Noticed

In the early 2000s, Infiniti was trying to reinvent itself. The G35 coupe and sedan helped boost the brand's image with enthusiasts. But sitting alongside that sporty model was a mid-size luxury sedan with a V8 borrowed from Infiniti's flagship. It was a quiet performer that almost no one bought.

The M45 arrived for the 2003 model year, based on the same platform as Nissan's Japanese-market Gloria and Cedric sedans. Infiniti swapped out the six-cylinder engines, stiffened the chassis, and fitted premium leather and chrome trim. 5-liter naturally aspirated aluminum V8 that made 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque.

That was more than the BMW E39 540i, Lexus GS430, or Mercury Marauder of the same era.

3 seconds. It had a performance-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, and a five-speed automatic with manual shift control. Inside, buyers got leather seats, climate control, optional voice-activated navigation, and a Bose audio system.

Despite the specs, sales were poor. S. The $42,000 price tag was hard to justify against more prestigious German and American rivals. The G35, at $30,000, also stole attention. The Y34 chassis was near the end of its life, and Infiniti replaced the M45 after just two years with a redesigned 2006 model.

Today, the M45 is a bargain. Clean examples often sell between $6,000 and $12,000, with low-mileage cars occasionally reaching $21,000. With only about 8,000 built, seeing one at a car meet is rarer than spotting a Ferrari or Porsche. As interest in overlooked Japanese performance sedans grows, the M45 is finally getting some recognition as a genuine sleeper.