Infiniti Q45

Infiniti Q45
Overview
Manufacturer	Infiniti
Also called	Nissan Cima
Production	August 1989–2006
Assembly	, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Related	Nissan President

First generation (G50)
1994-1996 facelifted version
Overview
Also called	Nissan Infiniti Q45 (Australia)
Production	August 1989–June 1996
Model years	1990–1996
Designer	Shunji Yamanaka (1987)
Body and chassis
Related	Nissan President
Powertrain
Engine	4.5 L VH45DE V8, 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp)
Transmission	4–speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1990–91: 113.2 in (2875 mm) 1992–96: 113.4 in (2880 mm)
Length	199.8 in (5090 mm)
Width	71.9 in (1825 mm)
Height	1990–1993: 56.3 in (1430 mm) 1994-1996: 54 in (1425 mm)

Second generation (Y33)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Cima FGY33
Production	July 1996–December 2000
Model years	1997–2001
Designer	Itaru Sugino (1993)
Body and chassis
Related	Nissan Cedric Y33 Nissan Gloria Y33 Nissan Leopard Y33
Powertrain
Engine	4.1 L VH41DE V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic with manual shift
Dimensions
Wheelbase	111.4 in (2830 mm)
Length	1996-99: 199.1 in (5056 mm) 2000-01: 199.6 in (5069 mm)
Width	71.7 in (1820 mm)
Height	2000-01: 56.9 in (1445 mm) 1996-99: 57.1 in (1450 mm)

Third generation (F50)
Overview
Also called	Nissan Cima
Production	January 2001–2006
Designer	Mamoru Aoki (1998) Yasuhiro Tani (facelift: 2003)
Body and chassis
Related	Nissan President
Powertrain
Engine	4.5 L VK45DE V8
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113 in (2870 mm)
Length	2001-04: 199.6 in (5069 mm) 2004-06: 200.8 in (5101 mm)
Width	72.6 in (1844 mm)
Height	2001-04: 58.9 in (1495 mm) 2004-06: 58.7 in (1490 mm)

The Infiniti Q45 is a full-size luxury car which was sold by Nissan's Infiniti marque from 1989 until 2006. It is a rear wheel drive, four-door sedan powered by a V8 engine. Early generations were based on the automaker's Japanese-market flagship sedan, the Nissan President, while models produced after 1996 were based on the slightly smaller Nissan Cima. Exports of the Q45 ceased after 2006, but the Cima continued to be sold in Japan until August 2010, when production of both the Cima and President ended.

The first generation Q45 came to market in 1989 as a 1990 model. Car magazines and reviewers were impressed by the Q45's performance such as a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and handling. Its high-output 4.5 L V8 engine is rated at 278 hp (207 kW) and 292 lb·ft (396 N·m). All Q45s include a VLSD (viscous limited-slip differential), as part of a multi-link suspension. The name for the Q45 was inspired by the term "Q-car", implying a high-performance vehicle without a high-performance appearance. In Japan, it was sold as the Nissan Infiniti Q45, and was exclusive to Nissan Prince Store locations, as its platform twin the President was exclusive to Nissan Motor Store locations.

In terms of styling, the Q45 was a distinctive vehicle. Infiniti sought assistance from Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau, and attempted to redefine the modern luxury sedan by offering a car with the usual amenities, such as a Bose sound system, leather interior, power adjustable front passenger seats with two position memory feature that also electrically adjusted the steering wheel and exterior mirrors, one-touch power windows, digital climate control and keyless entry system. However, the leather seats were more firm than other competitors, instead of cushy couch-like seats and a lack of chrome or woodgrain interior trim. The car's interior was crafted to appeal to the sense of touch, using padded surfaces throughout the vehicle, with stark color contrasts such as a pearl white exterior with white leather upholstery, interior door panels, and carpeting with black floor mats, center console and dashboard.