Infiniti Q45 III 4.5 i V8 32V (340 Hp)
Overall Rating
Infiniti Q45:
The Infiniti Q45 is a full-size, rear-drive, five-passenger luxury sedan marketed as the Core product of Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division — across three generations spanning model years 1989-2006.
The first generation Q45 was based on the Nissan President; the second and third generations were rebadged variants of Nissan's Japanese Domestic Market Nissan Cima. Infiniti discontinued the Q45 after the 2006 model year.
The first generation Q45 came to market in 1989 as a 1990 model with a high-output 4. 5 L VH45DE DOHC 32V V8 engine rated at 278 hp and 292 lb⋅ft in North American trim. All Q45s included a viscous limited-slip differential and a multi-link suspension at the front and rear. Nissan chose to position it as a luxurious performance sedan, installing technology that would achieve this purpose, and used the letter "Q" from the western tradition of the Q-car meant to imply that its unassuming appearance hid its performance capabilities. At launch, the US$38,000 sedan had a single option, the Touring Package, which added Nissan's Super HICAS four-wheel steering system, a decklid spoiler, and alloy wheels....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Infiniti Q45 (III). With 451 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1820 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.9 s). The top speed reaches 230 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Infiniti Q45 III was primarily marketed in North America and Japan, and was not tested by Euro NCAP during its production run.
4.5 i V8 32V (340 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The VK45DE V8 engine delivers robust performance with 340 Hp and 451 Nm of torque, providing strong acceleration (0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds) and effortless highway cruising for this luxury sedan.
Fuel Economy
As expected for a large naturally aspirated V8 from this era, fuel economy is a significant drawback, with urban consumption at 13.8 l/100 km and extra-urban at 9.4 l/100 km.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engine (VK45DE)
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior
- • Distinctive and elegant styling
- • Excellent highway cruiser
- • Good value on the used market
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption
- • Limited aftermarket support compared to rivals
- • Steering feel could be more engaging
- • Rapid depreciation from new
- • Some interior plastics feel dated compared to competitors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1996 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Infiniti |
| Model: | Q45 |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.5 i V8 32V (340 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 340 Hp @ 6400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 75.7 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 451 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | VK45DE More details about the engine VK45DE |
| Engine displacement: | 4494 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.6 l |
| Coolant: | 9.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 82.7 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 230 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.4 kg/Hp, 186.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4 kg/Nm, 247.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1820 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 355 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5070 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1840 mm [20mm more] |
| Height: | 1500 mm [60mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2870 mm [40mm more] |
| Front track: | 1580 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1560 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
















Behind the wheel of the Infiniti Q45. How does it handle on the road?