A big aspect of what makes this car interesting is, of course, that it has four seats, but there’s more going on with the M56. On the outside, Sam’s Auto Land has laid down a fresh (in more ways than one) pearl-white paintjob, with the only body modifications being an OEM Infiniti lip kit and a Seibon Carbon hood and trunk for weight savings. The interior has been stripped down in typical race car fashion; things like the factory glass, carpet, and sound deadening have been removed for further weight reduction. However, the dash is still mostly intact, and Forsberg has installed a PCI 4 Link Pro Intercom so he can clearly hear his passengers hollering in enjoyment (or perhaps terror, depending on who’s riding.) The rollcage has been specifically designed so that all four bucket seats are able to fit safely and securely, thanks to custom-made brackets Chris fabricated himself. The ’cage is not “technically” legal for competition use in Formula Drift due to the inherent nature of not being able to fit the kind of hoop-to-rear-bar design mandated by the rule book. However, Chris is adamant that the car is 100 percent safe despite this fact. The M56 is even equipped with a DJ Safety four-stage fire suppression system, just in case a joy ride turns sour.

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The M56 is powered by the 5.6L V8 native to the Nissan Titan pickup truck. Chris has beefed up the package to deliver a reliable 500 horses, mostly due to the addition of Nissan Motorsports individual throttle-bodies, Jim Wolf camshafts, and JBA tubular headers. All these horses are transferred to the rear wheels via a 350Z transmission, an ACT triple-plate clutch, and a custom Driveshaft Shop driveshaft and axles. Distribution is helped by a Tomei Technical TRAX rearend, and a set of DG-5 coilovers help keep everything in line and handling properly on track. A BigStuff3 ECU is in charge of managing everything under the hood, and Chris says the power is more than enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face who is lucky enough to experience it.

And that’s what it all really boils down to for this car. As we wrapped up the shoot, Chris and I decided to take a load off and hang out with the crowd at The Pike for a while. It was really cool for me to hear about how Chris has built this car with such a different goal in mind than his famous 370Z competition car, even though they share many aspects. He tells me that he’s taken quite a few people for ride-alongs, and so far no one has left with anything but a huge you-know-what eating grin on their face afterward, which is exactly what he wants. By the time this article hits newsstands, you’ll be able to see the M56 for yourself across the nation at various drifting events. And who knows? Maybe if you play your cards right, you can be one of the lucky four and someday go for a spin with Chris. I’m still waiting for my turn, though, so take a number and wait in the back of the line.

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Specs & Details

'10 Infiniti M35

EngineNissan VK56DE 5.6L V8

Engine ModificationsNissan Motorsports individual throttle-bodies; AEM carbon-fiber airbox; K&N oil filters; Mishimoto radiator; Accusump; dual Walbro fuel pumps; Jim Wolf cams; JBA headers

Engine ManagementBigStuff3 ECU

Drivetrain350Z six-speed transmission; ACT triple-plate clutch; The Driveshaft Shop driveshaft & axles; Tomei Technical TRAX differential; Tilton twin-disc clutch

SuspensionDG-5 coilovers; Chris Forsberg Racing rear arms; Tein tie rods; electric power steering; spot-welded chassis

InteriorRecaro SPG driver seat; SPG XL passenger seats; PCI 4 Link Pro intercom; Simpson harnesses; six-point rollcage by Hot Line; Painless Chassis wiring harness; DJ Safety 4-stage fire suppression system; Fuel Safe fuel cell ; Auto Meter gauges; Clarion VM700B monitor; rearview camera;

ExteriorInfiniti OEM lip kit; Seibon Carbon hood & trunk; paint by Sam’s Auto Land

Wheels, Tires & BrakesSSR MS1 wheels 18x9.5-inch (F) 18x11-inch (R); Hankook RS-3 Tires 245/40R18 (F) 265/35R18 (R); Project Mu brake pads