Background: Infiniti, the luxury car division of Nissan Motor Corporation burst onto the automotive scene in 1989. The rear-wheel drive Q45, one of Infiniti's first introductions, debuted late in the fall of '89 and represents Infiniti's top-of-the-line, flagship offering.
New for '97 Slash...slash...slash...That sound you hear is Infiniti reducing the dimensions, trunk volume, weight and price of its Q45 sedan. The Q45 receives a complete makeover this model year, including a new standard engine.
Prices: The Base Q45 has a suggested retail price of $47,900. Touring editions start $2,000 higher at $49,900. If these prices seem a bit high, thrifty luxury car buyers will be happy to know this reflects a decrease from the start of the 1996 model year when a base model retailed for $53,520 and the Touring edition checked in at $56,970. The destination charge is and additional $495.
Interior: Simulated wood tones and leather upholstery surround passengers. Trunk and fuel release levers are found on the driver's door arm rest along with power window buttons controlling all four windows and side-view mirror controls. Dual cup holders are hidden from view by a wood-grain flip-tip. A clever, two-level center storage bin between the front bucket seats holds every thing from compact discs to loose change. The push-button and dial-monitored climate control system sits above the stereo in the center of the dashboard. Headlights activate from the turn signal stalk and windshield wipers monitor from a right-hand side drivetrain stalk.
Seating comfort The leather-upholstered drivers seat includes two memory settings. Both the front driver and passenger seat have 10-way power settings. Front seat riders have plenty of headroom even with the standard sunroof. Since the Q45 is rear-wheel drive, back seat riders must contend with the transmission hump running down the center of the vehicle. Headroom is not as generous in back as in front. Two passengers sit comfortably in back.
Safety features: Dual air bags, traction control, energy-absorbing steering column, child safety rear door locks, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control, and automatic anti-glare day/night rearview mirror are standard in both trim levels.
Exterior: The aerodynamic slanting front nose and grill combined with a inverse curve at the rear C-pillar (between the back side and rear large rear window) create a recognizable style. Jewel-like headlights and integrated fog lights enhance a sporty looking front. Aluminum alloy 16-inch wheels are standard. Taillights increase in size too. Chrome plated pull-type door handles provide a luxurious feel. Exterior colors include: black Bordeaux, cabernet pearl, cypress pearl, espresso, ivory, pewter and silver crystal.
Trim levels: The Japan-built, Q45 is available in two trim levels: Base and Touring Coupe. Don't let the Base name lead you astray because both come loaded to the gills. The Touring model adds sports tuned suspension, heated front seats, tiny rear spoiler, performance alloy wheels and trunk-mounted compact disc changer as standard equipment.
Standard features: The long list of features includes four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, cruise control, automatic climate control, power sunroof, power windows and side mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry rear defoggers, power sunroof and telescopic steering wheel.
Engine: The Q45 derived its name from its original 4.5-liter V-8 engine. However, this year's standard engine is a 4.1-liter V-8. In the interest of product identification however, Nissan wisely kept the Q45 name rather than remaining the vehicle Q41. The revamped 4.1-liter double overhead cam, 32-valve V-8 engine with variable valve timing now delivers 266 horsepower, down slightly from 278 horsepower from the previous generation's engine. This new engine provides more torque and low and mid-speed ranges.
Dimensions: Overall length: 199.2 inches (One half inch shorter than last year.) Overall Width: 71.7 inches Overall Height: 56.9 inches Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle): 111.4 inches Cargo volume: 12.6 cubic feet Curb weight: 3,890 (down from 4,039) Front seat head room: 37.6 inches Rear seat headroom: 36.9 inches
Trunk: The 12.6 cubic foot trunk is remarkably small for a vehicle of this size and stature. It's smaller than last year's trunk which held 14.8 cubic feet of cargo. The back seat does not fold down, but there is now pass through window for toting skis or other long items.
Fuel economy: Premium fuel is recommended for the 4.1 V-8 engine. The reduced size of the redesigned engine increases both city fuel estimates by one mile per gallon and highway mileage estimates by two miles per gallon. Mileage estimates check in at 18 miles per gallon city and 24 highway. With 11,200 odometer miles, our test Q45T clocked in at 21 miles per gallon. The fuel tank holds 21.1 gallons of gasoline.
Final thoughts: The refined suspension contributes to a smoother ride, good steering response and lower interior wind noise at highway speeds. This is a very smooth gliding vehicle. But before spending $50,000 on a new vehicle, check out the competition, including the well regarded Lexus LS400. |