2002 Infiniti Q45

To put it mildly, Infiniti's flagship sedan has led a less-than-charmed life since it rolled onto the scene in 1989. Nissan designers seriously miscalculated the nature of the luxury-sedan market in the first-generation Q-ship, giving archrival Lexus a massive step up on the premium-channel luxury game. The second-generation Q45 arrived in 1997, seriously hamstrung by numerous design compromises mandated by Nissan's deepening financial difficulties.


Based on our first encounter with the all-new Gen III model, it's likely to be a whole different story this time around. Boldly styled and packing a host of new techno touches plus a base price of $51,045, the 2002 Q45 makes a great first impression on all fronts.

The all-aluminum 4.5L V-8 is now Infiniti's premium engine. It boasts increases of 74 hp, 55 lb.-ft. of torque and 24% in 0-60 mph time compared to the 4.1L engine it replaces.

Heart of the new Q45 is a 4.5-liter DOHC V-8 that makes a class-leading 340 horsepower. Features include variable-length air induction, variable valve timing, titanium valves, modular cylinder heads, a micropolished crank, lightweight pistons, a single-stage timing chain and a hydraulically driven cooling fan. The V-8 is paired with a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic that also offers a manual mode. Compared to the 4-speed it replaces, the new transmission is 50 pounds lighter and provides better acceleration and fuel economy. Interfaced with an Electronic Torque-Demand Powertrain Control, Infiniti claims that combo is good for 5.9-second 0-60 mph times.

Available in eight exterior colors, the 2002 Q45 is even striking from the rear.

Underpinning the car is a front-strut/rear-multilink suspension that works in consort with a standard dynamic stability system to keep things under control at all times. Steering is engineered to make the Q feel smaller than it actually is via a speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion system. Vented disc brakes at each corner are supplemented by Electronic Brake Force Distribution—which biases front/rear stopping power depending on load—and Brake Assist, which reduces pedal effort in panic-stop situations. Standard tire fitment is a 225/55VR17, however a 245/45ZR18 is available as part of the $1,500 Sport Package, which also adds an active damping system and unique interior trim.

The new Q's gadgetry includes a "Birdview 3-D" navigation system, "fine vision" instrumentation, heated multi-adjustable power seats, voice-recognition-activated controls, rearview monitor and a 300-watt Bose sound system with 6-disc CD changer.

Inside, the Q45 is awash in soft leather and real wood trim. From a driver's standpoint, the power-activated seating and steering column make getting comfortable a breeze, and overall dash layout and legibility are impressive. The centrally positioned information/multifunction control module does demand some degree of orientation effort. Once mastered, it provides mass quantities of useful data as well as full access to the audio and HVAC systems, which can be adjusted using voice commands as well as conventional switchgear.