| Model year | 2002 |
| Make | Infiniti |
| Model | Q45 |
| Style | 4dr Sedan (4.5L 8cyl 5A) |
| Base MSRP | $51,045 |
| As-tested MSRP | $50,345 |
| Drive type | RWD |
| Engine type | V8 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 4.5 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 340 @ 6400 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 333 @ 4000 |
| Transmission type | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut |
| Suspension, rear | multi-link |
| Steering type | power steering |
| Tire brand | Michelin |
| Tire model | Energy MXV4 |
| Tire size, front | P225/55VR17 |
| Tire size, rear | P225/55VR17 |
| Brakes, front | front and rear ventilated disc |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.3 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.7 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 9.6 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 15.1 @ 93.5 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 29 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 118 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 58.1 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 36.1 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 69 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 73 |
| Acceleration comments | We expected better times from the Q45 than we were able to produce, especially given its 340 horsepower rating. The best time we were able to achieve was a disappointing low 15 in the quarter-mile. We tried several different techniques in our five attempts seeking 14s, but fell just short. Our best run was our fourth using a brake-torque start and manually shifting the automatic close to its 6,700-rpm redline. |
| Braking rating | Excellent |
| Braking comments | Braking was short and repeatable. Our best distance came on the second run with a high 117 from 60 miles per hour. Our third run changed only by 3 feet from the first run, so fade does not appear to be an issue. Stability was good, and ABS system noise was noticeable but not intrusive. Overall, the Q's braking performance was very impressive. |
| Handling rating | Poor |
| Handling comments | We had expected handling from this BMW-competitor to be quite good, but were shocked to find out that it handled the cones rather poorly. We've driven SUVs through the cones at higher speeds than we were able to obtain with the Q45. With the "VDC" off, the vehicle was a handful, with the rear wanting to come out on every turn through the slalom. With the "VDC" on, the car still had movement, but it felt more confident and we were able to generate slightly better times. Usually we are able to generate faster times with the electronic aides switched off, but this was not the case for the Q45. Electronic aides usually hinder the slalom testing by taking away too much, but for the Q they were well needed for its disappointing handling characteristics. |
| Elevation (ft.) | 85 |
| Temperature (°F) | 72 |
| Wind (mph, direction) | 1-2 mph |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | Auto 17/25 Manual / |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 15 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 21.4 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3801 |
| Length (in.) | 199.6 |
| Width (in.) | 72.6 |
| Height (in.) | 58.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 113 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 44 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 37.3 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.6 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.1 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 13.7 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 6 years / 70,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 7 years / miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years / miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | No |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard |
| Head airbags | Standard |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | braking assist |
| Traction control | Yes |
| Stability control | Yes |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | N |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | N |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | N |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | N |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | N |
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