2002 Infiniti Q45

While even the "base" Q45 comes with a huge roster of standards, those who want more can opt for a DVD-based navigation system ($1,500) or the ultimate Premium Package ($8,000), which brings all of the Sport Package and navigation system goodies plus heated front/rear seats, rear window sunshades, power reclining rear seatbacks, rear A/C and audio controls, B-pillar vents, and a RearView Monitor that uses small aft-positioned camera to assist one while reversing in tight confines.

Seven-lens HID headlamps will undoubtedly emerge as the Q45's signature feature. Standard wheels are 17-inch 6-spoke alloys, although an optional 18-inch package is available.

We put the Q45 through its paces in a number of different road regimens and weather conditions. In general, it came through with flying colors. Even the pre-production models we evaluated displayed impressively high levels of build quality. While the factory-claimed 5.9-second 0-60 mph time felt a bit optimistic, the new V-8 unquestionably packs all the performance most people will ever need. Even though the Q45's primary competition—which Infiniti execs see as the Lexus LS 430, BMW 5 Series and M-B E-Class—will continue to be formidable market foes, at long last, the Q45 seems fully ready and able to make its move into the limelight. (www.infiniti.com)