Segment: Upper Premium
Production years: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Infiniti introduced the third generation of the Q45 in 2001 and promised a mix between a sports car and a premium sedan powered by an evolved V-8 engine.
The carmaker did its homework when it developed the 2001 Q45 model. It was based on the Japanese Nissan Cima and the President. Nissan thoroughly tested those two in its home market before the carmaker decided to introduce the Infiniti version on the U.S. market. But the results were far lower than expected, despite its above-average performances and luxurious cabin.
Infiniti made the Q45 its sedan flagship model, competing against the S-Class from Mercedes-Benz, the Cadillac DTS, and the Lexus LS. Its front fascia featured a pair of headlights taller than the slatted grille, while on the lower side, an aerodynamically profiled bumper confirmed that it wasn't just a regular premium sedan. From its sides, it resembled the Maxima.
Inside, the carmaker installed a leather-clad interior with wood trims on the dash, center stack, and center console. Infiniti installed a 300 W Bose sound system and, above it, on top of the center stack, the carmaker placed an LCD with an option for a DVD-based navigation unit. Moreover, a Visteon-developed voice-recognition system allowed the driver could have state commands for the climate control system or the audio. Thanks to the large wheelbase, the Q45 could fit five people inside without too much trouble for the middle-seated passenger from the bench.
Under the body, Nissan installed a redeveloped 4.5-liter engine. It was an upgraded version for the previously used 4.5-liter V-8 from its predecessor but heavily improved. Only the engine block and part of the cylinder head were similar to the older 4.5-liter powerplant from the second generation.
ENGINE SPECS - 4.5L V8 5AT FWD (280 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4494 cm3 |
Power: | 206 KW @ 6000 RPM 280 HP @ 6000 RPM 276 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 333 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM 451 Nm @ 3600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 22.5 gallons (85.2 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 142.9 mph (230 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 225/60R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 196.7 in (4996 mm) |
Width: | 72.6 in (1844 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.2/61.4 in (1,580/1,560 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 113 in (2870 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 12.6 cuFT (357 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.3 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3902.8 lbs (1770 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4509.2 lbs (2045 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 298 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 4.5L V8 5AT FWD (340 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V8 |
Displacement: | 4494 cm3 |
Power: | 250 KW @ 6400 RPM 340 HP @ 6400 RPM 335 BHP @ 6400 RPM |
Torque: | 329 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 446 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 22.5 gallons (85.2 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 142.9 mph (230 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/60R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 196.7 in (4996 mm) |
Width: | 72.6 in (1844 mm) |
Height: | 58.7 in (1491 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.2/61.4 in (1,580/1,560 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 113 in (2870 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 12.6 cuFT (357 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.3 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3902.8 lbs (1770 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4509.2 lbs (2045 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 18.8 mpg US (12.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 298 g/km |