2005 INFINITI Q45 Press Kit

INFINITI’s flagship premium luxury sedan, the powerful and elegant Q45, 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 new Q45 includes the best equipment from the previous Luxury model and Journey Package in one fully equipped model. The new Premium Package offers the ultimate in luxury and performance equipment, including a new 18-inch wheel design. The 2005 INFINITI Q45 went on sale at INFINITI dealerships nationwide in late August 2004.

The long list of exterior changes from the 2004 Q45 include new front and rear fascias, restyled hood and grille, new headlights and integrated fog lamps, restyled trunk lid and finisher, LED taillights and new fine-line chrome trim. Inside, the 2005 Q45 adds to its extensive array of luxurious appointments with new sport contour seats, new all-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 2005 Q45’s advanced 5-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated for improved downshift response and smoother acceleration. The Q45’s performance-tuned active damping 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 standard, while the Premium Package includes a new 7-spoke 18-inch design. Chrome-plated 8-spoke, 18-inch wheels are also offered with the Premium Package.

Other enhancements include standard, driver-selectable rain- or speed-sensing windshield wipers, 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. The belts also help to position the driver and front passenger before an 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 luxury, style, performance and technology,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division. “With the 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 with chrome accents 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 FX45 premium crossover SUV and the upcoming 2006 INFINITI M45 performance sedan. 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 a 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.

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 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.

The performance-tuned active damping suspension with driver-selectable “Auto” and “Sport” modes, 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 (ABS). 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, which uses laser sensors, throttle and brakes to maintain a driver-selected distance between the Q45 and a vehicle in front of it.

Also available with the Intelligent Cruise Control System is a special feature of the standard Brake Assist system – Preview Braking. Brake Assist with preview function is designed to help improve brake response. Whereas normal braking is activated only when the driver recognizes the need and moves their foot to activate the brake pedal, the preview function utilizes the ICC sensors to identify sudden braking situations (by sensing the vehicle ahead in the same lane and the distance and relative speed from the vehicle) and “pre-pressurizes” the Brake Assist system before the driver steps on the brake pedal. This helps maximize braking response and performance by reducing the normal brake system activation time lag.

The Q45’s new 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels are finished in a new titanium color and feature 225/55R17 V-rated all-season performance tires. The Premium Package includes new 7-spoke 18-inch silver-finish aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/45R18 V-speed rated all-season performance tires. Also available are 8-spoke 18-inch wheels with chrome finish (available with the Premium Package). A Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is standard on all Q45s and provides real-time tire pressure readings. 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 for 2005, including new sport contour seats, a redesigned all-white meter cluster with soft touch control cluster finish, real metal knobs, an all-new shifter bezel and revised dark, genuine bird’s eye 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 wood-trimmed, 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-based INFINITI Navigation System with a 7.0-inch LCD screen and 3-D Birdview™ display LCD contains mapping for the entire continental United States on one disc. The LCD monitor is mounted at the highest position on the instrument panel for better visibility. 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 system also indicates the approximate distance to objects behind the Q45.

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 has 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 heated, power-reclining 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 Premium Package also offers climate controlled seats in the front with ventilated heating and cooling functions (in place of the standard 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.

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

A Focus On Safety
The Q45 features an abundance of standard safety features. Safety systems on the Q45 include a 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 before an 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 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.

One Well-Equipped Model
The 2005 Q45 comes standard with a full array of luxury and convenience features. For buyers seeking a higher level of equipment, INFINITI also offers an optional 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, heated power-reclining rear seats with rear controls for audio and HVAC, and rear HVAC vents in the B-pillars. Chrome-finished 18-inch wheels are available with the Premium Package.

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

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