2004 INFINITI Q45 Press Kit: Overview
2004 INFINITI Q45 Performance Luxury Sedan Continues to Offer Exciting Combination of Luxury, Performance and Technology



Sophisticated luxury, driver-oriented performance and innovative technology are just a few qualities that define INFINITI&rsquo;s flagship sedan, the Q45.  Since 1989, the Q45 has represented more than just a luxury sedan.  It is the s...

March 2, 2010


Sophisticated luxury, driver-oriented performance and innovative technology are just a few qualities that define INFINITI’s flagship sedan, the Q45.  Since 1989, the Q45 has represented more than just a luxury sedan.  It is the symbol of INFINITI, reflecting the very best the company has to offer.



Completely redesigned for 2002 and greatly enhanced in 2003, the Q45 receives several key enhancements to its exceptional combination of exciting performance, dramatic styling and luxurious interior for 2004.  RearView Monitor is now standard on all models (previously only available with the Premium Package) and a new exterior color is available – Royal Pewter.



The 2004 Q45 continues to provide an array of standard and available performance and technology features, including a 340-horsepower V8 engine, voice-activated controls, an LCD information display screen, DVD navigation system, Climate Controlled Seats™, Intelligent Cruise Control and one of the most powerful headlight systems in the world.



“The Q45 has been nothing short of impressive and pioneering for 15 years running,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division.  “It continues to offer an exciting combination of styling, performance and luxury car comfort and amenities.” 



Dynamic Exterior Design

The Q45 offers 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 chrome door handles.  The side view is completed with stylish 17- or 18-inch wheel designs, giving the Q45 a high-performance look.  A new Royal Pewter exterior color is available for 2004 (replacing Royal Cabernet).  



Dimensionally, the Q45 has a long wheelbase (113.0 inches) and 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.  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 and puddle lights underneath the outside mirrors.



Performance Intensified

The styling of the 2004 Q45 gives a strong impression of performance and what’s under the hood clearly delivers on that promise.  Standard on every Q45 is INFINITI’s highly regarded VK45DE 4.5-liter V8, which is also utilized in the INFINITI M45 performance sedan and FX45 premium crossover SUV.  In the Q45, the engine produces 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque – more horsepower than most V8 competitors such as the Lexus LS430, Mercedes S500 and BMW 745 sedans.



The VK45DE shares similar technology used in the award-winning VQ-series V6 engines found in the INFINITI FX35, G35 and I35 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 standard high-torque capacity, electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, which has been revised for 2004 and features a high numerical final drive gear ratio of 3.133:1 for strong 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 rigid body and compliant suspension system – 4-wheel independent suspension with a strut front suspension with stabilizer bar and 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 which help to increase 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 senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity.  



Also standard on every Q45 is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a system that controls brake pressure and engine torque automatically, which helps improve vehicle stability during understeer, oversteer or adverse road conditions.  Optional on the Q45 (included in Premium Model or Journey Package) is Intelligent Cruise Control and is designed to use the brakes, throttle and laser sensors to maintain a set distance between the Q45 and a vehicle in front of it.



Making contact with the road are standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R17 V-speed rated all-season tires (Luxury Model) or 18-inch titanium color sport alloy wheels (Premium Model, also available with chrome finish in place of Titanium color) and 245/45R18 V-speed rated all-season tires.  Standard on all Q45s is a Tire Pressure Monitor System.  P225/55R17 run flat tires are optionally available on the Q45 Luxury Model.



Lavish Interior

The 2004 Q45 interior features a handcrafted look with a high level of standard luxury and convenience features.  All interior surfaces are covered in rich textured materials, including soft leather appointments and genuine Bird’s Eye Maple wood.  For the driver, the Q’s cockpit features a hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel and large, round instruments with electro-illuminescent illumination.  



The Q45 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 5.8-inch LCD screen (or 7.0-inch with 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 is used to view what’s behind the Q with the standard 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 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, allowing the driver’s hands to stay on the wheel at all times.  The system provides audible feedback with beeps to signify listening or errors, as well as verbal phrases.  



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 Bose AudioPilot™ Noise Compensation Circuit Technology.  Every Q45 comes pre-wired for satellite radio (with a choice of XM or Sirius service). 



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 treated to the same high level of luxury 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 setting for the rear passengers.  



The Q45 Premium Model offers Climate Controlled Seats in the front with heating and cooling functions (in place of heated seats), perforated leather-appointed seat inserts and driver lockout for rear audio and HVAC controls.



The 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. 



Q45’s standard leather-appointed 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 reduce whiplash neck injuries suffered in certain rear-end collisions.  Front seats are equipped with supplemental side-impact air bags for enhanced chest protection, side curtain supplemental air bags that deploy from the roof to 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) system and the INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System, an advanced anti-theft system.  



Two Complete Models to Choose From

The 2004 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, 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, 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 Journey Package, which offers navigation system, Intelligent Cruise Control and sunshades.  Also available on the Luxury Model are P225/55R17 run flat tires (with a temporary spare replacing the full-size spare tire). 



“The INFINITI lineup has gone through a complete makeover the last 15 years with the additions of the G35 sport sedan and sport coupe, M45 performance sedan, FX45/FX35 and soon a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle.  But the flagship has always been the Q45,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division.  “The Q45 anchors the lineup and continues to be the most powerful expression of INFINITI.”



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