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.