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.

Nissan was very determined to enter into the premium segment, and the Q45 was its strongest contender for the U.S. market.

The Japanese carmaker took its domestic market models and converted them into Infiniti products. In 1996, it introduced the second generation of the Q45, built on the same base as the Japanese Nissan Cedric. While it was shorter than its predecessor, it promised to be a better all-around vehicle for U.S. customers.

Unlike Acura and Lexus, Infiniti tried to approach the sportier niche market of the premium segment. Its Lancia-like grille with a chromed vertical slat in the middle and the rectangular, swept-back on the sides headlights with clear lenses showed a sporty yet elegant look. The bodywork’s slightly curved lines emphasized the luxurious side of the car, while the five-spoke light-alloy wheels were a sporty accent.

Inside, the carmaker tried to put at least wood trims as possible since that element wasn’t fit for the sports-cars customers. Yet, it offered a leather-clad interior, with bucket-seats at the front and a profiled-for-two bench in the rear. Depending on the trim level, it sported a big infotainment system with a color screen on the center stack.

Under the hood, Nissan installed a 4.1-liter V-8 gasoline engine, which fit the American taste, even though the displacement was not impressive. It was mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox and sent the power to the rear wheels. Thanks to its independent suspension in all corners, the Q45 was both comfortable and sporty.

Infiniti introduced the Q45 on the U.S. market in 1989 as its flagship model, but it wasn’t a completely new vehicle.

Nissan started to push harder with the Q45 series, which was nothing more than a re-badged Nissan Cedric Cima from the Japanese market. As expected, there were some differences, other than the badge and the headlights.

Unusually for most of the cars on the market, the Q45 didn’t feature a front grille. Instead, the design team did the front fascia with a flat shape and a big badge in the middle. Infiniti brought the air needed for cooling the engine via a grille on the lower side of the bumper. Its curved margins and a sloped rear window created a sportier appearance than Lexus LS400, its main competitor.

Inside, Infiniti installed bucket seats at the front with high bolstering and a curved dashboard with a center stack tilted toward the driver. The instrument cluster was wide and narrower than most of the cars from that era. Thanks to the long wheelbase, the Q45 provided enough room for four adults. In the rear, the tall center tunnel made the center seat almost unusable. At least, it offered a big trunk.

Infiniti carried over the Nissan Cedric Cima’s powertrain with its 4.5-liter V-8 engine paired to a standard four-speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly for its size, the car could rocket from 0 to 60 mph (0-97 kph) in 6.7-seconds.