Automotive
In 2001, Infiniti unveiled the third generation of the Q45, positioning it as a unique blend of sports car dynamics and luxury sedan comfort, all powered by an advanced V-8 engine.
The development of the 2001 Q45 was a meticulous process. The model was derived from the Japanese Nissan Cima and President, which underwent extensive testing in Japan before Infiniti decided to launch it in the United States. However, sales figures fell short of expectations, despite the vehicle’s impressive performance capabilities and opulent interior.
As Infiniti’s flagship sedan, the Q45 entered a competitive segment alongside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Cadillac DTS, and Lexus LS. Its distinctive front end featured tall headlights that extended above the horizontal grille, while an aerodynamically sculpted bumper hinted at its performance-oriented nature. The side profile shared similarities with the Maxima model.
The interior boasted a lavish design with leather upholstery and wood trim accents on the dashboard, center stack, and console. The cabin was equipped with a powerful 300-watt Bose audio system, an LCD screen on the center stack that could accommodate a DVD-based navigation system, and a cutting-edge voice recognition system developed by Visteon, allowing the driver to control climate and audio functions hands-free. The spacious cabin, thanks to its generous wheelbase, comfortably accommodated five passengers, including the center seat passenger.
Mechanically, the Q45 housed a significantly revised 4.5-liter V-8 engine. While it shared the engine block and part of the cylinder head with the previous generation’s 4.5-liter powerplant, the rest of the engine was extensively re-engineered for improved performance.
