Infiniti Q45 premium luxury car doubles for racy performance
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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ROME, Italy -- There's no question that the fastest route to Rome, heading south down the peninsular boot of Italy, happens to be the A1 freeway -- the autostrada primo, as Italians call it -- which follows the Tiber River into the ancient capital.
It's a smooth road of multiple lanes with attentive drivers and relaxed speed limits that combine to move the traffic at an excessive clip.
Still, intense muscle stemming from a prototype issue of the Q45, a stunning new treatment of the prime luxury sedan from Infiniti of Japan, propels this powerful car to the lead in the A1 fast lane.
The needle of this Q's speedometer in a crisp electroluminescent display easily surpasses the mark of 220 kilometers per hour (about 136 mph) for extended periods, yet even more juice remains in the accelerator.
In fact, there's so much latent power in that pedal that at a lesser speed -- a mere 150 kph (93 mph) -- only a gentle tap to the throttle snaps shoulders back into a padded bucket seat and hurls more than two tons of metal, leather and chrome forward in a shocking display of accelerative force.
Such strength, drawn from a sophisticated new V8 engine that produces as much as 340 horsepower, clearly casts this new rendition of the luxury flagship in Infiniti's fleet in a different light.
It's feisty now and so enthused in spirit that the Q45 behaves like a superior sports machine.
However, the classy new 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 a different image, one of premium refinement for an ultimate luxury sedan.
This contradiction of personality is integral to the fundamental plan for a new Q45, as Infiniti stakes a bold position for its flagship as a muscular and aggressive performance car draped in a dramatic package and fitted with consummate features for comfort and convenience.
Trekking to Italy to drive a Japanese sedan designed for America's luxury market was prompted by the potential for high speed tests on Italian freeways, which quickly demonstrate the dominating characteristics of a new powertrain in the Q.
Its quickness clearly wins the acceleration contest in this class of full-size luxury performers, as the Q45 can rip from zero to 60 mph in something less than six seconds.
But narrow back roads cast like wiggly spaghetti noodles across the hills of Tuscany in Chianti also show the lithe and agile nature of a vehicle that's obviously designed to appeal to a hands-on kind of driver.
The rigid new platform for Q45, with wheelbase extending for 1.6 inches longer than Q's predecessor and the structure expanding almost an inch in width and two inches in height, supports fully independent suspension elements mounted on subframes, including a new multi-link design at the rear. Shock tuning produces the impeccably smooth ride of an imported luxury car yet the stiffness of the chassis in conjunction with the independent suspension projects the nimble attitude of a vehicle far smaller than the full-size dimensions of Q might suggest.
High-tech hardware driven by microcomputers also consorts to effect the controlled handling traits. Subtle force governs the quick rack and pinion steering system, while a big disc brake goes to every wheel, plus linkage to anti-lock action, a traction controller and brake booster for maximum force in emergency maneuvers.
Further, the Q carries Infiniti's Vehicle Dynamic Control, a computerized system coupled to brakes and powertrain that can automatically correct the vehicle's lateral skidding on slippery pavement and move it back into a safe forward track.
And optional equipment due soon after the first Q45s reach the American market this spring adds a smart cruise control system that uses lasers and actuators on throttle and brakes to measure the distance to a car ahead in the path, then adjusts the throttle or applies brakes as needed to maintain a pre-set distance between the vehicles.
That new powertrain is also high-tech machinery.
The V8 displaces 4.5 liters and comes with dual overhead cams, modular cylinder heads and titanium valves, a continuously variable valve timing control system and electronic throttle. Output runs to 340 hp at 6400 rpm with torque as much as 333 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.
It connects to an efficient new electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with both automatic and manual shifter gates.
A new external design for the Q45 looks dressy and stylish but also strong and aggressive. Smooth sculptured lines flow across flat side panels and the arching profile to converge at a distinctive prow containing a bold titanium-tinted grille and exaggerated corner multi-lens headlight clusters. These headlights, with seven lenses and projector high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, score as the most powerful automotive headlamp system and cast such broad beams that foglamps become superfluous.
The expansive Q45 cabin also 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.
Two big bucket seats stand in the front row flanking a console housing the shift gate and storage bins. Behind the buckets, a three-person bench has sculptured sections for two with a fold-down armrest and padded storage compartment.
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 a premium Bose audio system; the Visteon 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 packages bring even more, like the Sport Package with a sport suspension and 18-inch Z-rated tires, or a Premium Package with sunroof, power sunshades, rear climate controls and heated seats for front and rear.
A new price chart for the Q45 starts well below competitors at $50,500. The Navigation Package is separate for $2,100 or incorporated in the $8,000 Premium Package.
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| 2002 INFINITI Q45 VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Full-size luxury sedan
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| Model Options: |
Full-size luxury sedan
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| Wheelbase: |
113.0 inches
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| Overall Length: |
199.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 4.5-L V8
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| Transmission: |
Auto/5
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| Drive: |
Rear
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS/EBD/TCS/VDC
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| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side)
+ 2 (side curtain)
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| Gas Mileage: |
17/23 mpg
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| MSRP Price: |
$ 50,500 to $ 58,680 |
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