Drivers Log.(News)

2004 Infiniti M45

Date in fleet: May 10-24 As-tested price: $46,455 Powertrain: 4.5-liter V8; rwd, five-speed automatic Output: 340 hp @ 6400 rpm, 333 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Curb weight: 3851 pounds

GRITZINGER: Sleeper extraordinaire. As long as you make sure you're comparing apples to apples (BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, Lexus GS, Infiniti's own flagship Q) on price, this is the hidden gem in the luxury sport sedan market. For the sticker, you get major power for the weight, major appointments without the fuss and major sportiness without the racer look. Grab the leather-wrapped steering wheel, prod the accelerator and launch this rocket onto the roadway with the confidence that you're not only piloting a very capable machine, but one that won't draw attention until fellow drivers see the taillights pulling away.

Infiniti will reintroduce this car on the G35 platform next year, so it will only get better. I'd take the G's manual trans, or at the least its steering-wheel button shifters. I only hope they don't change the M's inherent stealth/sporty factor.

HART: This thing has a nice personality, but it ain't all that pretty of a date. Maybe that's the point. The car is a rocket and the handling is nimble for a car this size. I still like the Q, but the M45 works as a stripped-down version of the flagship. You get most of the big car's goodies at a lesser price.

You will struggle, ergonomically, with the radio and climate controls; it's not as simple as it could or should be. But it has a comfortable ride that lets you keep up with just about anything on the road.

RAYNAL: Hidden gem? It's not at almost $50,000 large. It's a big, velvet-smooth sedan that is comfortable and fast. But there are lots out there: Audi A6, 5 Series, E-Class, GS, to name four.