The upscale line of Infiniti, developed through Nissan of Japan but with sophisticated automotive technology applied, consists of five distinct products in the 2004 class, each canted toward performance and fitted with premium equipment.

Infiniti's elegant Q45 flagship sedan leads the line as a full-size luxury car rigged with a powerful V8 engine mounted up front with all muscle directed to the rear wheels for classic rear-wheel-drive (RWD) format. The Q-car projects aggressive body styling outside while draping the spacious passenger compartment with ultimate features for comfort and convenience.

Shrink the Q one size to reach Infiniti's M45 performance sedan, which stocks Q45 drivetrain components. It draws on a 340-hp V8 and has four-wheel independent suspension, high intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlights and vehicle dynamic control (VDC) with traction control system (TCS).

Next step down in size leads to the I35 midsize luxury sedan, motivated by Infiniti's 3.5-liter V6 that develops 255 hp in this instance through a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and standard TCS.

Infiniti's alphanumeric model designations extend further to the G35 series with a premium sports sedan and spirited two-door 2+2 sports coupe variation. Both can romp, thanks to the twin-cam 3.5-liter V6 aboard - the sedan achieves 260 hp but the coupe punches output to 280 hp through a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed electronic automatic with manual shift mode.

For a sport-utility vehicle, Infiniti shows two dramatic designs with powertrain variations for the new FX series of crossover wagons. Riding on Nissan's Front Mid-ship (FM) platform with RWD and all-wheel-drive (AWD) organization, the two Infiniti wagons share the chassis with G35 sedan and coupe. FX35 also gets the coupe's 3.5-liter V6 worth 280 hp, while FX45 has the Q's 4.5-liter V8 with a rating of 315 hp.

The QX4 SUV, derived from Nissan's Pathfinder, fades to history this year, but in the oven is a yet-unnamed full-size SUV propelled by a 5.6-liter twin-cam V8. The new Infiniti wagon, spinning off Nissan's 2004 Pathfinder Armada, will come together at Nissan's new $1.43 billion Mississippi assembly plant and should reach the market early in 2004.

Classy exterior styling -- hard cut lines and sensuous curves carved from painted metal and glittery chrome, plastic and glass -- along with cushy interior appointments -- supple leather hides and high-gloss hardwoods plus a host of high-tech electronic gear -- portray an image of premium refinement for an ultimate luxury sedan for the Infiniti flagship.

However, it's also feisty and so enthused in spirit that Q45 behaves like a superior sports machine. Hardware driven by microcomputers also consorts to effect the controlled handling traits. Further, Q carries Infiniti's VSC computerized anti-skid controller. The V8 engine displaces 4.5 liters and knocks out 340 hp. It connects to an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic with manual shift gate.

The expansive Q45 cabin scores with world-class luxuries and elegant appointments, along with high-tech gear and power-motivated gizmos that make the experience of driving and riding safe and comfortable, even fun. Leather covers seats and door panels, with strips of bird's-eye maple wood running across doors and dash, console and steering wheel.

The Infiniti signature of an oval analog clock mounts at the center of the dash above the console, and a high center pod contains controls for audio and climate systems plus the LCD screen of a vehicle information system. This screen is also used to display the optional DVD-based navigation system or images from a bumper camera that projects rearward views when using the reverse gear.

Special equipment includes premium Bose audio, voice recognition system for controlling audio, climate and navigation systems, and extra safety gear such as side-mounted air bags and curtain-style side air bags.

Optional gear brings the Journey Package on Luxury models with navigation equipment, power sunshades, an intelligent cruise control and run flat tires. Royal Pewter is the latest Q color for 2004.

Infiniti's midsize luxury sedan stands at the top of its class for pure muscular power. It easily beats all of the midsize luxury sedan competitors typically equipped with six-cylinder engines, but also out-powers pricy V8 rivals. Combine the V8 power with favorable price points and you end up with a luxury bargain.

Actually, the M45 amounts to an abbreviated version of the Q45 flagship sedan. It packs the powertrain and transmission of Q45, similar mechanical hardware including a four-wheel independent suspension system, even the same configuration for a luxury-laced passenger compartment. Differences between the two cars only become apparent with rulers and scales, as the Q runs about three inches longer and wider and it's an inch taller.

With more mass, it weighs more by perhaps a hundred pound or so. Those extra inches of space show up primarily in the rear seat of Q45 as additional legroom, while the weight difference favors M45 because it translates into even quicker acceleration and performance numbers.

In the plush cabin standard equipment includes a Bose premium audio system with seven speakers, sport bolstered bucket seats clad in luxurious Sojourner leather plus frontal and side-impact air bags as well as curtain-style side air bags.

New gear for 2004 editions ranges from a standard tire pressure monitor system to a six-disc CD changer mounted in the dash and an optional package combining Infiniti's DVD-based navigation system with a voice recognition system.

The midsize luxury sedan from Infiniti behaves in an aggressive manner when prompted, while serving up the taut handling attributes typical among expensive European touring sedans. It carries the 3.5-liter V6 used in G35 cars, as rated for 255 hp with a four-speed electronic automatic transmission.

In the five-place cockpit the I35 feels extravagant with indulgent comforts extending beyond necessity. Plush Sojourner leather covers all seats and wood-tone trim applies to the center console. Bright electro-florescent analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer stand out with legible faces, and an analog clock studs the dash. Also aboard is a 200-watt Bose audio system.

Several items have been added as standard equipment in 2004, such as a sunroof, power sunshade for the rear window and body side sills. A fresh paint tint is Desert Platinum.