2005 Infiniti Q45 Debuts At New York International Auto Show With Exterior Enhancements, Performance Refinements

The 2005 Infiniti Q45 premium luxury sedan, which made its debut at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, has been refined for the new model year with a more distinctive, more aggressive exterior appearance, a more indulgent interior and a number of key performance enhancements.

The long list of exterior changes include new front and rear fascias, restyled hood and grille, new headlights and integrated fog lamps, restyled trunk decklid and finisher, LED taillights and new fine-line chrome trim. Inside, the 2005 Q45 adds to its highly luxurious appointments with new sport contour, double-stitched seats, new pure white meter cluster and soft touch control cluster finish, an all-new metal-trimmed shifter bezel and rich genuine dark maple wood and chrome accents.

In addition, the Q45’s advanced 5-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated for improved downshift response and smoother acceleration. The Q45’s performance-tuned active dampening suspension, previously available only on the Premium Package, is now standard on all 2005 Q45s. A new 17-inch wheel design with a titanium-colored finish is offered on Luxury models.

The 2005 Q45 goes on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide in July 2004.

Other enhancements for the new model year include standard rain- and speed-sensing windshield wipers, a standard DVD-based Infiniti Navigation system and new patented brake-operated “pre-crash” front seat belts, which tighten under emergency braking to enhance the position of the driver for emergency maneuvering control. It also helps to position the driver and front passenger for potential air bag deployment.

As in previous years, the 2005 Q45 continues to provide a vast array of standard and available performance and technology features, including a 340-horsepower V8 engine, voice-activated controls, a DVD navigation system with a 7-inch LCD information display screen, RearView monitor and one of the most powerful headlight systems in the world. Also available are climate controlled seats, Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking and heated, reclining rear seats.

“Since Infiniti’s inception in 1989, the Q45 has represented Infiniti’s best in style, luxury, performance and technology,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. “With the array of enhancements for 2005, the Q45 takes the Infiniti flagship to the next level of premium luxury sedan leadership.”

Restyled Exterior for More Assertive Tone:
The 2005 Q45’s exterior refinements are designed to give it a more aggressive appearance. The changes are led by a new front fascia with a redesigned grille, hood and headlights, and new integrated fog lamps. In the rear are a new fascia, bumper, trunk decklid and LED taillights, while new fine-line chrome trim helps accentuate the entire exterior. Two new metallic exterior colors are also available – Lakeshore Slate (medium blue) and Beryllium (medium brown).

“The exterior modifications bring a new sense of power and athleticism to the Q, along with a stronger family resemblance to our other Infiniti performance vehicles,” said Igo.

The Q45 continues to offer a distinctive, premium performance look that stands out in its class. The car’s sculpted profile features an elegant silhouette, raised rear deck, large taillights, body-color side molding and chrome door handles.

Dimensionally, the 2005 Q45 continues with its long wheelbase (113.0 inches) and wide cabin (72.6 inches) but a manageable overall length (200.8 inches). The Q also offers high aerodynamic efficiency with a 0.30 coefficient of drag.

One of the most striking features of the Q45’s exterior is the large, multi-lens projector High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlight system. Seven individual lenses and a free-surface reflector design combine to provide a wide distribution beam pattern utilizing a large luminous flux. Integrated fog lamps are newly added for 2005.

Invigorating Performance:
As always, the styling of the 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 4.5-liter V8, which is also utilized in the Infiniti M45 performance sedan and FX45 premium crossover SUV. In the Q45, this engine produces 340 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque.

The engine features titanium valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons and super-silent single stage cam drive chain. In addition, the V8 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 transmission with manual shift mode, which features a short 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 performance and smoothness. For 2005, the transmission has been recalibrated to improve downshift response and improved acceleration smoothness.

The Q45’s rigid body and compliant suspension system – 4-wheel independent suspension with a strut front and multi-link rear – provide a smooth, confidence-inspiring handling feeling.

The performance-tuned active damping “RJ” suspension, previously available only with the Premium Package, has been retuned for sportier handling and is now standard on all 2005 Q45s.

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 to improve vehicle stability during understeer, oversteer or adverse road conditions. Optional on the Q45 (included in Premium Package) is Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking, which uses the laser sensors, throttle and brakes to maintain a set distance between the Q45 and a vehicle in front of it.

The Q45’s new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are finished in a new titanium color to go with the 225/55R17 V-rated all-season tires (Luxury Model). The Premium Package includes new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels (also available with chrome finish) and 245/45R18 V-speed rated all-season tires. A Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is standard on all Q45s. P225/55R17 run flat tires are available on Q45s equipped with 17-inch wheels.

An Indulgent Interior:
The Q45’s lavish interior receives several enhancements in 2005, including new sport contour, double-stitched seats, a redesigned pure white meter cluster with soft touch control cluster finish, real metal knobs, as well as an all-new shifter bezel and revised dark, genuine maple wood and chrome accents.

The Q45’s interior continues to feature the best Infiniti has to offer with a handcrafted look and a high level of convenience features. All interior surfaces are covered in rich textured materials, including soft leather appointments and genuine wood accents. For the driver, the Q’s cockpit features a hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel and large, electro-illuminescent instruments.

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.

The standard DVD-driven Infiniti Navigation System with a 7.0-inch LCD screen and 3-D Birdview™ display LCD contains mapping for the entire United States on one disc. The LCD monitor is mounted at the highest position on the instrument panel for better visibility and greater operability. The LCD screen is also 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 from a small camera mounted near the rear license plate.

The standard Vehicle Information System (VIS) integrates and displays vehicle operation information ranging from audio settings, climate control and maintenance updates to vehicle settings.

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® premium audio system, HVAC system and select navigation system functions, allowing the driver’s hands to stay on the wheel at all times.

The Q45’s 300-watt premium Bose audio system continues to set the bar for factory-installed audio systems. It features eight speakers, including a 12-inch Nd® woofer, an in-dash 6-disc, slot-type CD changer, cassette deck, digital architecture and Bose AudioPilot™ Noise Compensation Circuit Technology. The Q45 Luxury model comes pre-wired for optional satellite radio (with a choice of XM or Sirius service), while the Q45 Premium Package now includes standard satellite radio.

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

Rear seat passengers are treated to a high level of luxury, with ample 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. Available power rear seats with adjustable backrest angle and exit assist, as well as an oversize center armrest with rear audio and climate controls, create an exclusive, limousine-like setting for the rear passengers in the Q45 with Premium Package.

The Q45 Premium Package also offers climate controlled seats in the front with ventilated heating and cooling functions (in place of heated seats), perforated leather-appointed seat inserts and driver lockout for the rear audio and HVAC controls.

The climate controlled seats significantly enhance individual passenger comfort in virtually all climatic conditions 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 appointments, evenly distributes the conditioned or heated air to the seating surface.

Q45’s standard leather-appointed interior is available in three premium color combinations, Graphite, Latte and a new, dual-tone Black and Firebrick. All are designed to complement the available range of exterior colors.

A Focus On Safety:
The Q45 features myriad standard safety features, including new patented brake-operated “pre-crash” front seat belts, which tighten under emergency braking to enhance the position of the driver for emergency maneuvering control. It also helps to position the driver and front passenger for potential air bag deployment. If there is not a crash, the pre-crash belts return to a normal mode, ready for the next emergency braking situation.

The 2005 Q45 also comes standard with dual-stage supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors that sense collision severity and 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 also equipped with supplemental side-impact air bags for enhanced chest protection and side curtain supplemental air bags that deploy from the roof to help protect the heads 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 Well-Equipped Choices:
The 2005 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 Package, with a long list of luxurious amenities including new 18-inch 7-spoke 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 appointments, Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking, and heated power-reclining rear seats with rear controls for audio and HVAC. Chrome-finished 18-inch wheels are also available with the Premium Package.

“The Infiniti lineup has gone through a complete makeover the last few years with the additions of the G35 Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe, M45 performance sedan, FX crossover SUV and most recently, the QX56 full-size luxury SUV. But the flagship has always been the Q45,” said Igo. “The Q45 anchors the lineup and continues to be the most elegant expression of Infiniti.”

Story by Inifiniti