Infiniti Q45

The Infiniti Q45 is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured

and marketed by Nissan's Infiniti brand for model years Infiniti Q45
1989-2006, over three generations.

The first generation Q45 (1989–1999) was based on the

Nissan President; the second generation (1997–2000) and
third generation (2002–2006) were based on Nissan's
JDM Nissan Cima. Exports of the Q45 ended after MY
2006.
Overview
Manufacturer Infiniti (Nissan)
Contents Production August 1989 – 2006
First generation (G50; 1989–1996) Assembly Japan: Kaminokawa,
Second generation (Y33; 1997–2000) Tochigi
Third generation (F50; 2001–2006) Body and chassis
Replacement Class Full-size luxury car
References Body style 4-door sedan
External links Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-
drive
Related Nissan President
First generation (G50; 1989–1996) Chronology

The first generation Q45 came to market in 1989 as a Successor Infiniti Q70L
1990 model with a high-output 4.5 L V8 engine rated at
278  hp (207  kW) and 292  lb⋅ft (396  N⋅m). All Q45s First generation (G50)
included a VLSD (viscous limited-slip differential), as part
of a multi-link suspension. At the time, Nissan was
working on a program called the "901 Movement," with
the aim of making Nissan's the best handling lineup in the
industry.[4] In Japan, it was marketed as the Nissan
Infiniti Q45, and was exclusive to Nissan Prince Store
locations, as its platform twin the President was exclusive
to Nissan Motor Store locations.

Equipment included a Bose sound system, leather interior,

power adjustable front passenger seats with two position
memory feature that also electrically adjusted the steering
wheel, exterior mirrors, one-touch power windows, digital 1994-1996 facelifted version
climate control, and keyless entry system.
Overview
It was equipped with instrument lighting using a reverse Also called Nissan Infiniti Q45 (Japan
effect of white light on the gauges with black numbers. and Australia)[1]
Revisions in 1993 included 17:1 steering (except on the
Production August 1989 – June 1996
 Q45t, which Model years 1990–1996
retained the
Designer Shunji Yamanaka
original 15.1:1
ratio), lower ratio (1987)[2][3]
1st and 2nd gears, Body and chassis
and a dynamically Related Nissan President
smooth
suspension, thicker Powertrain
1993 Infiniti Q45 (pre-facelift, with
cloisonné front insignia) glass, keyless Engine 4.5L VH45DE V8, 280 PS
remote, auto-dim (206 kW; 276 hp)
rear-view mirror,
Transmission 4–speed automatic
dipping side view
mirrors, revised Dimensions
transmission heat Wheelbase 1990–91: 2,875 mm
exchanger and (113.2 in)
external ATF filter,
1992–96: 2,880 mm
revised oval intake
(113.4 in)
1993 Infiniti Q45, rear view ports and revised
disc injectors, fog Length 5,090 mm (200.4 in)
lights and metal- Width 1,825 mm (71.9 in)
backed camshaft timing chain guides.
Height 1990–1993: 1,430 mm
Infiniti offered the Q45 in three trim levels: base, Q45t, (56.3 in)
and Q45a. The Q45t and Q45a featured a multi-link 1994–1996: 1,425 mm
suspension at both the front and rear wheels, and included (56.1 in)
a rear stabilizer bar (with the Q45a model being larger in Curb weight 1,780–1,840 kg (3,924–
diameter) and both models having a 1  mm smaller in
4,057 lb)
diameter front sway bar, rear spoiler, BBS forged alloy
wheels, 4-wheel steering. HICAS and the faster steering
ratios was discontinued in the 1995 Q45t model and the Q45a model was not imported in 1996.

In 1989 (as a 1990 model) a full "active suspension (FAS)" was introduced. It employed 10 sensors
sending signals to microprocessor-controlled hydraulic actuators at each wheel. It was designed to reduce
body roll, dive and pitch and was very similar to Mercedes-Benz's Active Body Control, which was
introduced in 1999 on the C215 CL-Class.

Q45 sales didn't take off due in part to an advertising campaign which did not include actual photos or
information about the car.[5][6] Poor sales were also attributed to the car's unconventional styling,
particularly the grille and lack of interior woodgrain or chrome trim.

In 1993 the Infiniti brand was launched in Australia with the sole model on offer being the Q45. With a
price of A$140,000, the Q45 sold poorly and the brand was subsequently withdrawn from the market in
1996.[7][8] The G50 chassis continued in production in Japan until 2002 as the President in both regular
and extended wheelbase versions. The Japanese version had many options that never appeared on the
North American G50.

Second generation (Y33; 1997–2000)

The second generation Q45 was a lightly revised variant Second generation (Y33)
of Nissan’s JDM Nissan Cima, using the Cedric / Gloria
platform. For the prior generation, the Q45 took its name
from its 4.5-liter V8; the nameplate remained though the
second generation, which featured a 4.1  L VH41DE
engine producing 267  hp (199  kW) and acceleration
figures of 0-60  mph (97  km/h) in about 7.5 seconds.
Standard equipment included traction control.

The 2000 Q45 Anniversary Edition had the highest trim

level available for the second-generation Q45, standard on
the 2001 models. The Q45t was the most expensive
vehicle in the Infiniti line and offered enhanced
Overview
performance, a rear spoiler, heated seats, and dynamically
adjusted shock absorbers. Also called Nissan Cima
Production July 1996 – December
The Q45 front and rear fascias were slightly revised for
2000
1999; HID headlights and an analog clock became
standard equipment. 17" wheels and an electronic Model years 1997 – 2001
adjustable suspension became standard on the Q45t. Designer Itaru Sugino (1993)

Standard features for the second-generation Q45 included Body and chassis
a leather interior with faux woodgrain trim, single zone Related Nissan Cedric Y33
climate control, Bose audio system with eight speakers Nissan Gloria Y33
and in-dash single disc CD player, auto dimming rear view Nissan Leopard Y33
mirror, automatic light on and delay off timer, and steering
wheel-mounted cruise control and head unit control. Also Powertrain
standard was a memory system for the driver's seat and Engine 4.1 L VH41DE V8
steering wheel. A CD changer and heated seats were Transmission 4-speed automatic with
available as options.
manual shift
Nearly all Infinitis before or since have used a two-digit Dimensions
number following a letter to indicate displacement; the Wheelbase 2,830 mm (111.4 in)
second-generation Q was an exception (as was the Nissan
Pathfinder clone QX4). Length 1996-99: 5,056 mm
(199.1 in)
2000-01: 5,069 mm
(199.6 in)
Width 1,820 mm (71.7 in)
Height 2000-01: 1,445 mm
(56.9 in)
Infiniti Q45 1996-99: 1,450 mm
(57.1 in)

Third generation (F50; 2001–2006)

Third generation (F50)

Pre-facelift Infiniti Q45

Introduced as a concept at the 2000 New York Auto
Show, the Q45 was completely redesigned for 2002 and
was heavily based on the JDM Cima. This Q45 focused
on performance again with a new 340 hp (253 kW) 4.5 L
VK45DE V8 engine, HID headlights, and revised styling.
The car featured a 5-speed automatic transmission with
overdrive.

Development began in 1996, with exterior designs under

Mamori Aoki frozen in 1998 and patented in March
2000.[10][11] It was the first Infiniti with laser autonomous
cruise control system. Overview

1129 Q45s were sold in the United States for 2005. The Also called Nissan Cima/President
3rd generation Q45 reviewed by Car and Driver, Production January 2001 – 2006
Edmunds and Consumer Guide, receiving relative positive 2001 – 2008 (Middle East)
reviews.[12][13][14][15] 2005–2008 (South Korea)

The 2003 model received a revised security system, Model years 2002–2006

numerically higher final drive ratio (for better acceleration Designer Mamoru Aoki (1998)
- decreased highway fuel economy), reprogrammed TCU, Yasuhiro Tani (facelift:
and a mid-year satellite radio option. The CD changer 2003)[9]
could load CDs directly at the dashboard head unit. The
2005 Q45 received revised front and rear fascias, hood, Powertrain
grille, trunk lid and headlights, integrated fog lights and Engine 4.5 L VK45DE V8
LED taillights, contoured double-stitched seating, white
Transmission 5-speed automatic
luminescent gauge markings, chrome accents, dark maple
trim, recalibrated transmission and new 17" alloy wheels. Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,870 mm (113.0 in)
Standard equipment included a leather interior, power
sunroof, 8-way power front seats, remote keyless entry, Length 2001-04: 5,069 mm
rain-detecting wipers and side curtain airbags. Standard (199.6 in)
electronics include: CD, 8 speaker Bose audio system, trip 2004-06: 5,101 mm
computer, rear view parking camera system, and voice- (200.8 in)
activated navigation system. The 2002 Q45 was the first Width 1,844 mm (72.6 in)
vehicle to ever offer voice-activated navigation controls
and a reverse parking camera outside Japan, following the Height 2001-04: 1,495 mm
JDM 1991 Toyota Soarer. The car seated five passengers (58.9 in)
and was offered at MSRP of US$56,200 (equivalent to 2004-06: 1,490 mm
$84,669 in 2021). (58.7 in)

2005-2006 Infiniti Q45

2005-2006 Infiniti Q45

Replacement
The Q45 was no longer exported to the USA after 2006, being unintentionally replaced by a newly
redesigned M35 and M45. While the M45 has a shorter length than the Q45, it boasts more interior room,
greater performance, a superior rear multilink suspension and front double wishbone, and much friendlier
ergonomics, so it succeeded the Q45 as Infiniti's flagship.

A new Q flagship was anticipated by the end of the 2000s decade. According to Mark Igo, the general
manager of Infiniti North America, "the new Q will make the brand better, but it is questionable whether it
will be very profitable".[16]

Infiniti introduced the next iteration of its flagship, the Y51 series Infiniti M37/56/Nissan Fuga in
November 2009. The new Infiniti M is only 50 mm (2.0 in) shorter than the final generation Q45, with the
same width dimensions of 1,845 mm (6.1 ft) and height of 1,515 mm (5.0 ft) compared to the F50 series
Cima of 1,490 mm (4.9 ft) height.

By August 2010 the Nissan Cima, on which the final generation Q45 essentially was, had been
discontinued in Japan, along with its Nissan President sibling. This made the second generation Nissan
Fuga the marque's top-of-the-line flagship sedan. When the Fuga assumed the role as flagship sedan of
Nissan Japan August 2010, it became the first time that Nissan didn't sell a premium luxury V8 sedan in
Japan, although the Fuga's North American cousin, the Infiniti M56, is offered with a V8 shared with the
Infiniti QX56.

In May 2012, Nissan released a new version of the Cima in Japan, based on the Fuga Hybrid (Infiniti
M35h).[17]

On 17 December 2012, Infiniti announced that all of its future sedan offerings will use the Q prefix, starting
from the Q50 as a G37 replacement, Q70 for its M35/45/56 replacement, and a rumored Q80 for the new
flagship model.[18]

References
1. Tony Davis, The New Car Buyers Guide No 6, Australia's Premier Passenger Car Guide,
1994, page 174
2. Hsu, Ben. "25 YEAR CLUB: The Infiniti Q45 is officially a Japanese Nostalgic Car" (http://ja
panesenostalgiccar.com/the-infiniti-q45-is-officially-a-japanese-nostalgic-car/).
3. "山中俊治 日本デザインコミッティー
- " (http://designcommittee.jp/member/yamanaka_shun
ji.html).
 4. "History of the Car Selection: Nissan Infiniti Q45" (https://web.archive.org/web/20041117092
645/http://gazoo.com/meishakan/meisha/pdf/3095.pdf) (PDF). Gazoo.com (in Japanese).
Toyota Motor Corporation. Archived from the original (http://gazoo.com/meishakan/meisha/p
df/3095.pdf) (PDF) on 2004-11-17.
5. "Infiniti water commercial" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rIUAuW6vLk). Youtube.
Retrieved 2 February 2017.
6. "Infiniti Launch Commercial" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm8gXPQmHpw).
Youtube. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
7. "Next Car's prediction of Infiniti's local release confirmed" (http://www.nextcar.com.au/n.infinit
i.110322.au.html). Next Car. 22 March 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
8. Fallah, Alborz (18 May 2006). "Nissan to bring the Infiniti Brand to Australia?" (http://www.ca
radvice.com.au/7/nissan-to-bring-the-infiniti-brand-to-australia/). CarAdvice. Retrieved
14 March 2012.
9. "Home" (http://oami.europa.eu/RCDOnline/RequestManager). Retrieved 15 July 2015.
10. "Nissan Shows Early Fruits Of Renault Union" (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1999-04-0
8/business/9904080329_1_nissan-and-renault-qx4-infiniti). tribunedigital-chicagotribune.
Retrieved 15 July 2015.
11. Michael Frank (5 February 2001). "Infiniti's Q Factor" (https://www.forbes.com/2001/02/05/02
05feata.html). Forbes. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
12. "Cadillac DTS vs. Jaguar S-type 4.0, M-B E430, Infiniti Q45, Lexus GS430, Audi A6 4.2
Quattro, BMW 540i - Comparison Tests" (http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/
01q3/cadillac_dts_vs._jaguar_s-type_4.0_m-b_e430_infiniti_q45_lexus_gs430_audi_a6_4.
2_quattro_bmw_540i-comparison_tests). Caranddriver.com. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
13. "Sports Sedans Supreme: 2007 Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT vs 2007 Audi S8 vs
2007 Mercedes-Benz S63 - Latest News, Features, and Road Tests - Automobile Magazine"
(http://www.automobilemag.com/roadtests/sedans/0703_sports_sedans_supreme_maserati
_quattroporte_audi_s8_mercedes_benz_s63/index.html). Automobilemag.com. 2010-12-13.
Retrieved 2011-07-31.
14. "BMW 760Li, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, Porsche Panamera Turbo - Luxury Sport Sedan
Comparison - Automobile Magazine" (http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/driven/1002_
2010_bmw_760li_mercedes_benz_s63_amg_porsche_panamera_turbo_comparison/inde
x.html). Automobilemag.com. 2010-12-13. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
15. "Entry-Level Fullsize Luxury Sedan Comparison" (https://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sed
ans/1103_entry_level_fullsize_luxury_sedan_comparison/index.html). Motor Trend. 2010-
12-13. Retrieved 2011-07-31.
16. "New Infiniti Q flagship still in doubt - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots" (http://w
ww.motorauthority.com/new-infiniti-q-flagship-still-in-doubt.html). MotorAuthority. Retrieved
2009-06-25.
17. "Nissan Releases All-New Cima" (https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235620/http://www.
nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2012/_STORY/120425-01-e.html). Archived from the original
(http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/2012/_STORY/120425-01-e.html) on 2016-03-03.
Retrieved 2012-12-29.
18. "Infiniti Unexpectedly Changing All Model Names to Q, QX for 2014, Confirms New Range-
Topping Sedan" (http://blog.caranddriver.com/infiniti-unexpectedly-changing-all-model-name
s-to-q-qx-for-2014-confirms-new-range-topping-sedan/). Car And Driver. Retrieved
2013-03-21.

External links
 Official Infiniti USA site (http://www.infinitiusa.com/)
Q No Longer Available, See Infiniti M (https://web.archive.org/web/20090129190602/http://w
ww.infiniti.com/m/index.html)
Official Canadian site (https://web.archive.org/web/20060428184208/http://infiniti.ca/en/mod
els/q45/overview.html)
1997 Q45 vs 1997 Lexus LS 400 Motor Trend article (http://fgy33.tripod.com/id20.html)

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