Infiniti M (M30 / M45 / M35 / M37 / M56) History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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The M nameplate appeared at Infiniti's very launch as the M30 (1990–1992), a V6 coupe loosely based on the Nissan Leopard that served as the brand's sporty companion to the Q45 flagship. It was discontinued in 1992 and the letter lay dormant for a decade.
The M returned for 2003 as the M45 — a rear-drive V8 sedan with performance-car personality, a rebadged Nissan Gloria that motoring journalists loved but that sold in modest numbers through 2004. A wholesale redesign brought the second-generation M35 and M45 for 2006, based on the Nissan Fuga (FM platform shared with the G35/350Z/FX), and these cars won wide critical acclaim for their balanced dynamics.
A third generation arrived for 2011 (M37/M56), then Infiniti's 2014 rename turned the M into the Q70, which soldiered on until the 2019 model year with minimal changes before being quietly discontinued.
Generations
M30 (first M, coupe) · M30
Infiniti's founding sport coupe — a V6 two-door based on the Nissan Leopard, discontinued in 1992.
M45 (revived M, first gen sedan) · M45
A muscular rear-drive V8 sedan — a Nissan Gloria rebadge with performance-first character.
Second generation sedan (M35/M45) · Y50
The critically praised M35/M45 on the Fuga/FM platform — Infiniti's first genuine BMW 5 Series rival.
Third generation (M37/M56) · Y51
Renamed M37 (3.7L V6) and M56 (5.6L V8); became the Q70 in the 2014 nameplate reset.
Q70
The M renamed Q70 for 2014; largely carryover until discontinued after the 2019 model year.
Body styles
- Coupe
- Sedan
Related models
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