2006 Infiniti M45

An unseasonable chill has descended upon the wineries and redwoods ofNorthern California. The winding, wooded roadways turn treacherous under a relentless, biting rain. It is, in other words, a perfect opportunity to test out Infiniti’s newest offering, the M45.

It’s been 15 years since the Japanese automaker made its auspicious entry into the American luxury market, a debut that conveniently coincided with Toyota ’s launch of the Lexus luxury brand. Convenient for automotive observers, at least, for over the ensuing years, the two brands have been routinely compared and contrasted.

The results are stark and striking: Lexus today dominates the market, while Infiniti could be politely described as an automotive also-ran. Could the M45 change that equation? Infiniti certainly hopes so.

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