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2006 Infiniti M First Drive
Technology

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Click to enlarge. 2006 Infiniti M interior

Each 2006 Infiniti M includes a bevy of safety features to keep occupants as secure as possible. Such features include four-wheel, antilock, ventilated disc brakes; electronic brake force distribution; stability and traction control systems; front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, and front and rear side-curtain airbags; front active headrests; and a first aid kit. Optional safety items include a preview braking system, intelligent cruise control, and the lane departure warning system first introduced in the Infiniti FX models.

Preview braking works with electronic brake assistance and the intelligent cruise control system, which utilizes a laser mounted below the front bumper to determine the Infiniti M's distance from an object ahead. Depending on that distance and the speed of travel, the preview braking system pressurizes the brakes a bit in preparation for a sudden stop.

The lane departure warning (LDW) system uses a camera mounted next to the interior rearview mirror that recognizes road markers. When the car starts to cross over those markers a beep sounds inside the cabin, yet if the driver continues with the lane change the system recognizes the move as intentional and the warning stops. LDW does not operate under 45 mph, and is canceled when a turn signal is used. Understanding that some drivers may wish to deactivate the LDW system, Infiniti engineers placed a button on the lower dash that allows drivers to either turn the system off until the car is turned off and then re-started, or until the driver presses the button again.

Another technology, Rear Active Steering, is standard and only available on Infiniti M Sport models. When heading into a turn, the rear wheels turn slightly (up to one degree) in the opposite direction of the front wheels to help the car take a proper set in the turn. When exiting a corner or making a lane change, the rear wheels turn slightly (again, up to one degree) in the same direction as the front wheels to help accelerate in the intended direction. Controlling the ride is the M's fully independent suspension; up front are MacPherson struts and a multi-link setup is bolted on in back. Ten hydraulic suspension mounts are used to absorb road impacts, and springs and shocks have been tuned to provide a smooth ride. Front and rear stabilizer bars are standard, and the rack and pinion steering is speed-sensitive to provide low effort at slow speeds and higher effort on the highway.

Available only on the M35X is the ATTESA ET-S (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel-drive system, which distributes torque using an electro-magnetic clutch. ATTESA ET-S has been designed to provide smooth power delivery and improved fuel economy, as well as confident handling in poor weather conditions. Depending on conditions, the system can shift all of the power to the rear wheels or distribute an even 50/50 split to the front and rear.


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