2003 INFINITI Q45 Press Kit: Overview
INFINITI Q45 Performance Luxury Sedan Offers More Excitement, Luxury, Convenience and Style for 2003



The third generation INFINITI Q45, completely redesigned for the 2002 model year, enters 2003 with two dozen enhancements to its flagship combination of exciting performance, dramatic styling, luxurious interior and innovative technolo...

March 3, 2010


The third generation INFINITI Q45, completely redesigned for the 2002 model year, enters 2003 with two dozen enhancements to its flagship combination of exciting performance, dramatic styling, luxurious interior and innovative technology.  The refinements include a higher numerical final drive gear ratio for a better acceleration feel, revised grille and rear finisher appearance, new exterior colors, the addition of standard heated seats and full-size spare tire, available integrated satellite radio and new optional equipment packages.  



These changes are in addition to the Q45’s already impressive list of available performance and technology features, including a 340-horsepower V8 engine, voice-activated controls, an LCD information display screen, RearView monitor and one of the most powerful headlight systems in the world.  



“We’re in the process of totally reinvigorating the INFINITI model lineup for 2003 with new vehicles like the G35 sport sedan, M45 performance sedan and G35 sport coupe,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division.  “We thought it only fitting that our flagship Q, the vehicle that started the product revival, keep pace with continuous improvement each and every model year.  The Q45 should always remain the most powerful expression of the very best INFINITI has to offer.” 



Dynamic Exterior Design

Leading the appearance enhancements for 2003 is a revised grille and headlight surround treatment and a new rear finisher with a new trunk lid INFINITI bar.  Three new exterior colors (eight total colors available) are offered for the new model year – Emerald Mist, Brilliant Silver and Golden Sand.



The Q45 continues to offer a distinctive, elegant performance look that stands out in class, with its large grille and prominent INFINITI badge setting the tone.  The car’s sculpted profile features a high-class silhouette, raised rear deck, large taillights, body-color side molding and door handles with chrome accent.  The side view is completed with new 17- or 18-inch wheel designs, giving the Q45 a high-performance look.  



Dimensionally, the Q45 has a long wheelbase (113.0 inches), wide cabin (72.6 inches) but a manageable overall length (199.6 inches).  The Q also offers high aerodynamic efficiency with a 0.30 coefficient of drag. 



Perhaps the most striking features of the Q45’s exterior are the large, multi-lens projector High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.  Seven individual lenses and a free-surface reflector design combine to provide a wide distribution beam pattern utilizing a large luminous flux, creating the most powerful headlight system in the world.  Additionally, the beam area is wide enough that additional fog lights are not necessary. 



For added luxury, Q45 is equipped with dual body-color heated and auto dimming outside mirrors with memory and auto reverse tilt-down function.  For 2003, puddle lights have been added underneath the outside mirrors.



Performance Intensified

While the styling of the 2003 Q45 gives a strong impression of performance, it’s what is under the hood that delivers on the promise.  Standard on every Q45 is a 340-horsepower VK45DE 4.5-liter V8 with 333 lb-ft of torque – more horsepower than most V8 competitors such as the Lexus LS430, Mercedes E430 and BMW 540 and 745 sedans.



The VK45DE is based on technology used in the award-winning VQ-series V6 engines found in the INFINITI G35, I35 and QX4 and features technology developed from years of research and racing experience.  Titanium valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons, super-silent single stage cam drive chain and a hydraulically driven cooling fan are all optimized for maximum performance while maintaining low noise levels. 



In addition, the VK45DE is outfitted with a variable length air induction system and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) to enhance the engine’s power delivery and operation efficiency.  



The exceptional power of the 4.5-liter V8 is channeled through a high-torque capacity, electronically controlled 5-speed automatic with a manual shift mode.  For 2003, a new, higher numerical final drive gear ratio of 3.133:1 is utilized for better acceleration feel.  	



An Electronic Torque-Demand Powertrain Control system manages engine power, throttle position, and the transmission gear selections to optimize smoothness and performance.



The Q45’s four-wheel independent suspension was completely redesigned for 2002.  The Q45’s rigid body and compliant suspension system – independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and completely new multi-link at the rear – provide a supple ride and “smooth and secure” handling feeling.   



Braking is provided by 4-wheel vented discs with anti-lock function.  The braking system contains two advanced features for increased braking effectiveness and controllability – Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which controls front and rear brake distribution depending on load condition (passengers and cargo) and Brake Assist (BA), which reduces pedal effort in hard or panic braking situations.  



Also standard on every Q45 is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a system that controls brake pressure and engine torque automatically in understeer, oversteer or slippery road surface situations, assisting the Q driver only when necessary.  Optional on the Q45 (included in Premium Model or Journey Package) is Intelligent Cruise Control, which uses the brakes, throttle and laser sensors, to maintain a set distance between the Q45 and a vehicle in front of the car.



Making contact with the road are standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55 all-season tires or optional 18-inch titanium color sport alloy wheels (available with Premium Model, also available with chrome finish) and 245/45 V-speed rated all-season tires.  Optional 17-inch run-flat tires are now available with Journey Package on Luxury Model.  These tires are capable of being driven 50 miles after a puncture at speeds up to 55 mph.  Standard on all Q45s is a low-tire pressure monitoring system.



Advanced Luxury and Technology

The 2003 Q45 interior features a handcrafted look.  Enhancements for the new model year include standard heated front seats, moving the 6-disc, slot-type CD changer from the glove box to the center cluster (the cassette deck moves to the glove box), new visor extenders and the addition of an electronic compass to the rear view mirror, embroidered INFINITI logo on the front seat backs and a rear seat center head restraint with two-way manual adjustment.   



The Q45 Premium Model receives new climate controlled front seats with heating and cooling functions (in place of heated seats), new perforated leather seat inserts, driver lock-out for rear audio and HVAC controls and standard satellite radio (with a choice of XM or Sirius service).



The new Climate Controlled Seats® significantly enhance individual passenger comfort in virtually all climatic conditions by providing cooling and heating to front seat occupants, as desired, through a unique active temperature management system.  Ambient cabin air is drawn in through a low profile fan located on the bottom of the front seats.  From there, the air travels up the back of the seat through a thermo-electric device which conditions or heats the air and sends it through the air distribution channels molded in the foam seating surface.  Reticulated foam, sewn into a perforated leather trim cover, evenly distributes the conditioned or heated air to the seating surface.



As in 2002, every Q45 comes with a high level of standard luxury and convenience features.  All interior surfaces are covered in rich textured materials, including soft leather and genuine Bird’s Eye Maple wood.  For the driver, the Q’s cockpit features genuine wood and hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel and large, round instruments with electro-illuminescent illumination.  



The Q45 also utilizes an electronic key system, which provides improved security through use of a key-mounted ID transponder that is virtually impossible to copy.



Every Q45 also includes an advanced Vehicle Information System (VIS) with a 7.0-inch LCD screen (or 5.8-inch without the Navigation Package).  The monitor is mounted at the highest position on the instrument panel for better visibility and greater operability.  The VIS integrates and displays vehicle operation information ranging from audio settings, climate control and maintenance updates to vehicle settings such as auto door lock and headlight delay.



In addition, the LCD screen can be used to view what’s behind the Q when equipped with the RearView monitor system.  The monitor operates when reverse gear is selected, displaying an image using a small camera mounted near the rear license plate.



The DVD-driven INFINITI Navigation System, with a 3-D Birdview™ display, contains the entire United States mapping on one disc.  This feature eliminates the need to change from one regional disc to another when traveling cross-country.



Another unique feature found on every Q45 is INFINITI’s first-ever voice recognition system.  Developed with second generation Visteon Voice Technology™, it features voice-activated control of the Bose® audio system, HVAC system and select navigation system (optional) functions.



The system provides audible feedback with beeps to signify listening or errors as well as verbal phrases.  These features increase Q45’s control level because the driver’s hands can stay on the wheel at all times.



The Q45’s 300-watt premium Bose® sound system continues to set the bar for factory-installed audio systems.  It features eight speakers with a 12-inch woofer, 6-disc slot-type CD changer, cassette deck, digital architecture and a new standard in noise compensation called Bose AudioPilot™ Noise Compensation Circuit Technology.  



Every 2003 is compatible with integrated satellite radio (with a choice of XM or Sirius service), while all Premium Model Q45s come with satellite radio installed as standard equipment. 



Other features of the Q45’s interior include an instrument panel with fully integrated switchgear, 10-way drivers and 8-way front passenger’s seat with memory and a dual-zone automatic temperature control system.  INFINITI’s signature in-dash analog clock adds the final touch to the instrument panel.



Rear seat passengers are just as coddled in the Q45 as the front occupants, with ample rear leg and head room creating a comfortable environment.  An available power rear sunshade along with manual rear door window sunshades, eases the heat from the sun, while available power rear seats with adjustable backrest angle and an oversize center armrest with rear audio and climate controls create a limousine-like environment for the rear passengers. 



Q45’s interior is available in three colors, Willow, Latte and Graphite, designed to complement exterior colors and interior features.



Safety Solidified

The Q45 features myriad standard safety features, including dual-stage supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors that sense collision severity, seat belt usage and deploy accordingly.  Front seat occupants also get front seat active head restraints, which help protect against excessive backward head movement and help reduce whiplash neck injuries suffered in low-speed rear-end collisions.  Front seats are equipped with supplemental side-impact air bags, side curtain supplemental air bags that deploy from the roof for enhanced chest protection and help protect the head of both front and rear seat passengers in certain side-impact collisions.  All Q45s are also equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) rigid bar child seat anchorage system and the INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System, an advanced anti-theft system.



Two Complete Models to Choose From

The 2003 Q45 Luxury Model comes standard with a full array of luxury and convenience features.  For buyers seeking a higher level of equipment, INFINITI also offers a Q45 Premium Model, with a long list of luxurious amenities including the RJ adjustable suspension, 18-inch 8-spoke titanium-color sport alloy wheels, 245/45R18 V-rated tires, RearView monitor, rear power sunshade and rear door manual sunshades, climate controlled front seats with heating and cooling functions and perforated leather inserts, navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD display, Intelligent Cruise Control, satellite radio, auto open/close trunk, heated power-reclining rear seats with memory, rear controls for audio and HVAC and rear HVAC vents in B-pillar and front seatback grips.  Chrome-finished 18-inch wheels are available with the Premium Model in place of the titanium color wheels. 



Q45 Luxury Model buyers can also opt for the new Journey Package, which offers navigation system, Intelligent Cruise Control, sunshades and run-flat tires (replaces full-size spare).



All INFINITIs come standard with The Total Ownership Experience (TOE), a philosophy that has fostered a unique relationship between retailers and purchasers of INFINITI vehicles.



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