Infiniti Q45 reviews

1997 Infiniti Q45 Walkaround

The exterior redesign has given the Q45 an elegant look which is distinctive, and slightly reminiscent of Jaguar sedans. It is still stallion sleek with a long, sloping nose, a thin roofline and steeply raked rear glass. A big change in the look is the absence of the third side window, which made possible the wider rear roof pillar, which in turn is responsible for much of the freshened appearance. Losing the third window meant gaining rear windows that go all the way down, a rarity in today's designs. There's also a strong character line that separates top from bottom.

It's a rare thing to have a car company say, "hey, look at us--our engine is smaller this year," but that's what we have here. The engine is called "new", but in reality is a refinement of the 4.5-liter, dual overhead cam, 32-valve V8 previously used.

The numbers are, at first glance, puzzling. Displacement is down to 4.1 liters. Horsepower has gone to 266 from 278. Torque is 278 pound-feet, down from 294 at 4000. However, because of weight saved in the refinement process, the power-to-weight ratio is unchanged from last year. (This Q45 weighs 3879 pounds vs. 4039 last year.)

So why go to the trouble and expense of changing the engine? The smaller displacement and internal refinements in reducing weight and frictional power losses have meant an increase in efficiency. Fuel consumption has gone up from 17/22 city/highway to 18/23, which means the Q45 no longer falls within gas guzzler territory. The new engine takes some load off the front wheels to give the big sedan a more nimble feel. Although peak torque is still 4000 rpm, there is more usable torque lower in the power range and that means better low-speed acceleration.

By the way, the engine has a second, or improved, generation of variable valve timing, which adjusts according to engine speed and load. Variable valve timing is a key element in the new engine's efficiency. Although it sounds complicated, the system is not another thing to go wrong and should be considered a plus.

The new V8 drives the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission and viscous limited-slip differential with traction control.

The suspension got refinements as well. The MacPherson strut front suspension is 44 pounds lighter, which improves the front/rear weight distribution, which in turn has a positive effect on handling.

In the rear, the Q45 has a multi-link arrangement designed to keep more tire contact patch on the road, and more patch means more grip. Anti-dive and anti-squat characteristics mean less passenger discomfort under hard braking and acceleration.

The Q45t (touring), from $50,395, has a slightly more aggressive suspension tune for a sportier feel.