Letters.

M challenges BMW

As a satisfied Infiniti G35 owner, I read the Dec. 27 cover story of the fine new M45 and M35. It's plain that few other carmakers strive to improve their breed and still maintain affordability. The article was followed by two long-term test car reviews, a VW Phaeton and Jag XJ8, neither of which exceed Infiniti's engineering or performance, just price. At least the Europeans are in the fight, but U.S. carmakers still watch from the sidelines.

Steve Murtha, via e-mail

I'm looking at your Dec. 27 cover: the new Chevy Impala-er, wait-I mean Infiniti M45. I don't think BMW has to worry.

Scott Snyder, Royal Palm Beach, Fla.

Ford's two big losses

Thanks for Dutch Mandel's sketch of former Ford employee Chris Theodore (Offside Undo, Dec. 13). I shared a cafeteria table with Chris a couple of times. He is soft-spoken and brilliant. His talents humble most of us, but he would never point that out. Talking to him is an uplifting experience. The column hit it dead-on.