2002 INFINITI Q45 Press Kit: Overview
All-New, Third Generation 2002 INFINITI Q45 Debuts Revolutionary Flagship Performance Luxury Sedan On Sale Now



The 2002 INFINITI Q45, the third generation of INFINITI&rsquo;s flagship sedan, is a unique combination of exciting performance, dramatic styling, luxurious interior and innovative technology.  It features a 340-horsepower V8 engine, v...

March 8, 2010



 The 2002 INFINITI Q45, the third generation of INFINITI’s flagship sedan, is a unique combination of exciting performance, dramatic styling, luxurious interior and innovative technology.  It features 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.  
 
 “The new Q combines the personality of the original model, while incorporating all the technological advancements made over the 12-year period between the first and the third generation,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division.  “It is designed to set a new standard in the highly competitive premium luxury class and brings the passion of INFINITI to life for a whole new generation of buyers.”
 
 The 2002 INFINITI Q45, with its avant-garde styling and invigorating performance, went on sale in April 2001 at more than 150 INFINITI retailers nationwide.  
 
 “We have pursued the promise of the INFINITI brand to combine luxury and performance in new, unique and inspiring ways,” said McNabb.  “The new Q is a powerful expression of the very best we have.  A performance luxury sedan designed to set a new standard for INFINITI and the world.”
 
 Design Realized
 “At first glance, we want you to think dynamics,” said Mamoru Aoki, Q45 product chief designer.  “We wanted the new Q45 to come across as strong, very impactful and very personal – different from the others in the segment.” 
 
 A large titanium-color grille and prominent INFINITI badge sets the tone for this exciting performance sedan.  An integrated front bumper and fascia frames the grille.  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 true performance look.  
 
 Versus the previous generation Q, the 2002 model is wider (72.6 inches vs. 71.7) and has a longer wheelbase (113 inches vs. 111.4), but the overall length remains the same at 199.6 inches – larger than almost any other car in class.  The new Q is also more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor, with a .30 drag coefficient (vs. .32).
 
 Perhaps the most striking features of the new Q45’s exterior is 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 for right hand door mirror.
 
 The new Q45 is available in eight rich exterior colors, all chosen to complement the Q’s sophisticated body lines. 
 
 Performance Intensified
 While the styling of the 2002 Q45 gives a strong impression, it’s what is under the hood that is most impressive.  The INFINITI engineers’ primary objective was to greatly increase engine performance, but with an ear for quietness.  The result is a 340-horsepower VK45DE 4.5-liter V8 with 333 lb-ft of torque – up 74 horsepower and 55 lb-ft from the previous generation.  This is also more horsepower than most V8 competitors such as the Lexus LS430, Mercedes E430 and BMW 540 and 740 sedans.
 
 The VK45DE is based on technology used in the award-winning VQ-series V6 engines found in the INFINITI 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 to enhance the engine’s power delivery and operate efficiently.  
 
 The exceptional power of the 4.5-liter V8 is channeled through an all-new high-torque capacity electronically controlled 5-speed automatic with a manual shift mode.  The 5-speed automatic, with its increased number of gear ratios, provides better acceleration and fuel mileage.  Additionally, the new transmission is almost 50 pounds lighter than the 4-speed transmission it replaces. 	
 
 An Electronic Torque-Demand Powertrain Control system manages engine power, throttle position, and the transmission gear selections to optimize smoothness and performance. 
 
 The new Q45’s four-wheel independent suspension has also been completely redesigned.  The new Q45’s rigid body and compliant suspension system – independent strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and completely new multilink at the rear – provide a supple ride and “smooth and secure” handling feeling.  Through corners, the new Q45 feels like a car half its size and displays an excellent balance of stability, secure handling feeling and first class ride comfort.  Combined with fine-tuned vehicle speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering, the Q45’s handling prowess is greatly increased and the vehicle is truly poised to take on the world’s best automobiles.
 
 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 Distribution, which controls front and rear brake distribution depending on load condition (passengers and cargo) and Brake Assist, which reduces pedal effort in hard or panic braking situations.  In preliminary testing of these systems, stopping distances were shortened 10 to 15 percent.  A brake actuator, or active booster, in the braking system allows linear brake pressure to control smooth deceleration, in comparison to the driver’s ordinary braking action.
 
 Standard on the new Q is Vehicle Dynamic Control, 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 new Q is Adaptive Cruise Control, which uses the brakes, throttle and laser sensors, to maintain a set distance between the Q 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 wheels with champagne finish and 245/45 Z-speed rated all-season tires.  For the first time on any INFINITI, optional 17-inch run-flat tires are now available.  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 fully redesigned Q45 interior features a hand-crafted look.  All interior surfaces are covered in rich textured materials, including soft leather and genuine Bird’s Eye Maple wood.  The interior, larger by 9.7 cu.ft. (107.1 vs. 97.4), was designed to seat five passengers in comfort.
 
 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.  To start the Q, an electronic key system is used.  This key is easier to carry and provides improved security with an ID transponder that is virtually impossible to copy.
 
 Once the Q is turned on, the Vehicle Information System (VIS) comes to life.  This system, with a 7.0-inch LCD screen (or 5.8-inch without the Navigation Package), 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.
 INFINITI’s first-ever voice recognition system, developed with second generation Visteon Voice Technology™, can control the Bose® audio system, HVAC system and select navigation system functions.  The system provides audible feedback with beeps to signify listening or errors as well as verbal phrases. This feature increases 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 will continue to set the bar for factory-installed audio systems.  It features eight speakers with a 12-inch woofer, a glove compartment mounted 6-disc CD changer, digital architecture and a new standard in noise compensation called Bose AudioPilot Noise Compensation Circuit Technology.  Revised insulation assists in enhancing the audio system’s quality as well as aiding general quietness in the new Q.
 
 Other features of the Q45’s interior include an instrument panel with fully integrated switchgear, 10-way driver’s 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.  More rear leg and head room create a less cramped 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 2002 Q45 features myriad standard safety features, including dual front supplemental air bags with dual-stage inflators that sense collision levels and react accordingly.  Front seat occupants also get supplemental side impact air bags and front seat active head restraints, which protect against excessive backward head movement and reduce whiplash neck injuries suffered in low-speed rear-end collisions.
 
 The newest Q45 safety feature is side curtain supplemental air bags that deploy from the roof for head protection.  These cushions protect both front and rear seat passengers.  Also standard is the LATCH rigid bar child seat anchorage system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).  All Q45s are equipped with the INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System, an advanced anti-theft system.
 
 Optional Luxury
 Q45 comes standard with a full array of luxury and convenience features incorporating everything from heated and auto dimming outside mirrors to 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar adjustment.  
 
 An available Premium Package features a long list of luxurious amenities including rear audio controls, rear seat memory and rear view monitor.  Q45 buyers can also opt for the Navigation Package or an aggressive Sport Package with available 18-inch wheels.  
 
 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.
 
 “Twelve years ago, we began with a vision for the future: combining luxury, performance and uncompromising service to create a superior automotive experience called INFINITI,” said McNabb.  “The 2002 INFINITI Q45 leads the way into a new dimension of driving enjoyment and advanced technology.”
 
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