Infiniti Q45 V8 Luxury
The Infiniti Q45, launched alongside the Lexus LS 400 in 1989, was Nissan's bold entry into the American luxury car market. Where Toyota's Lexus division targeted traditional luxury values of refinement and reliability, Infiniti's Q45 took a more individualistic approach, offering a high-performance V8 engine, a deliberately grille-less front end, and a driving experience that emphasized dynamism over serenity. The Q45's approach was controversial, but it represented one of the most ambitious product launches in Japanese automotive history.
The VH45DE engine was a masterpiece of engineering. This all-aluminum 4.5-liter quad-cam V8 produced 278 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque - figures that exceeded the Lexus LS 400 and competed directly with the BMW 750iL. The engine was smooth, powerful, and willing to rev, with a sophisticated variable intake system that optimized power delivery across the entire RPM range. The VH45DE was arguably the most technically advanced production V8 in the world at the time of its introduction.
The Q45's most controversial design element was its grille-less front end, which replaced the traditional luxury car grille with a smooth, body-colored panel featuring a prominent 'Q' badge. This was a deliberate statement against the chrome-heavy convention of luxury car design, and it polarized opinion dramatically. Some praised the clean, modern aesthetic; others felt it made the Q45 look anonymous and lacked the visual gravitas expected of a flagship luxury sedan.
The chassis was technically sophisticated, with multilink suspension at all four corners and available Super HICAS four-wheel steering. The Q45 was designed to be a genuine driver's car in the luxury sedan class, with sharper steering response and more athletic handling than the ultra-refined Lexus LS 400. Active suspension was available on some models, automatically adjusting damping rates based on driving conditions.
The interior was luxurious by any standard, with leather upholstery, real wood trim, and a comprehensive list of standard features. The Bose audio system was among the best available in any production car. Build quality was excellent, reflecting Nissan's determination to compete with the world's best.
Commercially, the Q45 was less successful than the Lexus LS 400. Its controversial styling, combined with Infiniti's abstract zen-inspired advertising campaign, failed to connect with the American luxury car buyer in the way that Lexus's more straightforward approach did. However, those who did buy Q45s were rewarded with a genuinely excellent automobile that combined V8 performance with luxury appointments at a competitive price.
Today, the first-generation Q45 is an affordable and largely forgotten luxury car that offers genuine value. The VH45DE engine's reliability is excellent, the driving experience is engaging by luxury sedan standards, and the car's relative obscurity keeps prices low. For enthusiasts who appreciate Japanese engineering at its most ambitious, the Q45 is a hidden gem.
The VH45DE V8 is reliable but check for timing chain tensioner noise, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, and coolant system condition. The 4-speed automatic should shift smoothly. Active suspension components (if equipped) can be expensive to repair. Super HICAS four-wheel steering is a potential maintenance concern. Check for rust on the underbody. Interior leather and wood trim condition varies. Service history from Infiniti/Nissan dealers adds value. Low-mileage examples are the best investments.
The first-generation Q45 was produced from 1989 to 1996 at Nissan's Tochigi plant. It was sold in Japan as the Nissan Cima and in North America as the Infiniti Q45. The car was Infiniti's launch model and flagship product.