The Infiniti Q45 is a full-size luxury sedan produced and sold by Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan, from 1989 to 2006. Infiniti manufactured the Q45 in three generations. The first generation models were based on the Nissan President, while the second and third-generation models were based on the JDM Nissan Cima.
History of Infiniti Q45
Infiniti Q45 First Generation (G50; 1989 - 1996)
Infiniti introduced the first generation Q45 to the market in 1989 as a 1990 model. This generation's 4.5L V8 engine produces 278 hp (207 kW) 292 lb-ft (396 Nm) of torque, impressing car enthusiasts worldwide. Although it wasn't an entirely new vehicle, Infiniti released the Q45 in the U.S. as its flagship model. Nissan continued to make further with the Q45 series, which was little more than a sibling of the Nissan Cedric Cima from the Japanese market. There were several modifications, other than the logo and the headlights as predicted. Surprisingly, the Q45 didn't possess a front grille like most automobiles. Instead, the design group created the front fascia with a flat form and a huge emblem in the center. Infiniti delivered the air necessary for conditioning the engine through a grille on the bottom side of the bumper. Its curving margins and a slanted rear window gave a sportier image than Lexus LS400, its strong rival. The Q45 was the single model offered by Infiniti when it first arrived in Australia in 1993. The Q45, which retailed for AUD 140,000 (USD 188,868 in 2022), was a flop on the market leading to the brand's discontinuation in 1996. As the President, the G50 chassis remained in manufacturing in Japan until 2002, in both standard and long-wheelbase configurations. Based on the Japanese model, several features were not available on the North American G50.
Infiniti Q45 Second Generation (Y33; 1997 - 2000)
In 1997, the Q45 had its first significant facelift, with the focus shifting from performance to convenience. For the second generation, Nissan focused on breaking into the luxury class, and the Q45 was its best shot at it in the United States. The Japanese automaker transformed its home market vehicles into Infiniti models. It released the second generation of the Q45 in 1996, based on the Japanese Nissan Cedric. It was shorter than its previous generation but is claimed to be a superior all-around car for buyers in the United States. The highest trim level offered for the second-generation Q45 was the 2000 Anniversary Edition, which was standard on 2001 models. The Q45t was Infiniti's most expensive car, with heated seats, a rear spoiler, improved performance, and dynamically controlled shock absorbers.
Infiniti Q45 Third Generation (F50; 2001 - 2006)
Infiniti introduced the third-generation Q45 as a concept model at the 2000 New York Auto Show. Still, the company based this model on the JDM Cima with a newly designed structure for 2002. For its third generation, Infiniti offered a sports vehicle and a luxury sedan powered by a V8 engine that had advanced. The 2001 Q45 model was the result of extensive research by the manufacturer. Before launching the Infiniti version in the United States, Nissan conducted extensive testing of the two models in Japan. The results were considerably below expectations with its above-average performance and luxurious interior. After 2006, the company replaced the Q45 with a completely redesigned M35 and M45, which were no longer sold to the United States. The M is categorized as a US EPA "large" category based on whatever option kits are purchased.
Price
Infiniti sold the Q45 in three generations. The company manufactured the first-generation Q45 with an MSRP of AUD 140,000 in 1996 (USD 109,550; $188,868 in 2022). Infiniti sold the second-generation Q45 with an MSRP of $48,220 in 1999 ($82,117 in 2022), and the third-generation was sold for $56,200 in 2006 ($90,032 in 2022).
Features
Infiniti updated the grilles, front and rear fascias, deck lids, and headlights for the 2005 Q45. LED taillamps and chrome trim have been added to the vehicle's exterior. The heated mirrors include a tilt-down functionality that customers may select from a memory setting when the vehicle is in reverse gear. Automatic opening and closing of the trunk lid are possible. Q45's seven-lens high-intensity discharge headlights are one of the most efficient in a passenger vehicle. Infiniti included a wood trim for the central stack, dashboard, and console and covered the interior with leather. On top of the center stack, Infiniti put an LCD with a choice of a DVD-based navigation system and a 300 W Bose audio system. Visteon created a voice-recognition technology that gave drivers state-level control over the audio and climate equipment. The Q45's long wheelbase comfortably accommodates five people, including the middle bench seat passenger.
Additional features include:
- 17-inch tires
- 19-inch wheels finished in titanium (optional)
- Tire-pressure-monitoring system
- Run-flat tires (optional)
- Power sunroof
- 8-way power front seats
- Remote keyless entry
- Rain-detecting wipers
- Side curtain airbags
- CD player
- 8-speaker Bose audio system
- Trip computer
- Rear view parking camera system
Specs
The 2006 Infiniti Q45 engine delivers 340 hp (250 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 333 lb-ft (451 Nm) at 4,000 rpm of torque. The Q45 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph (230 kph) and a curb weight of 4,153 lbs (1,884 kg). Infiniti manufactured the Infiniti Q45 as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle with a 5-speed shiftable automatic gearbox powered by a 4.5L V8 engine.
Release Date
Infiniti released the Q45 in 1989 as a 1990 model that marked the model's first-generation and was discontinued in 2006.