Infiniti Q45

The Infiniti Q45 is a full-size luxury car that served as the flagship of Nissan's Infiniti marque from 1990 until 2006, when the Q45 was no longer exported. It is a rear wheel drive sedan powered by a V8 engine, which was the sole powertrain. The original Infiniti Q45 was based on the Japanese-market Nissan President (the flagship sedan of Nissan), but later generations were based on the slightly lower-end Nissan Cima. The Q45 competed most directly with the Lexus LS and Acura Legend, as well as the higher-priced BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

First generation G50

The first Q45 came to market in 1989 as 1990 model. Car magazines and reviewers were impressed by the Q45's performance such as a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.7 seconds, and its high-output 4.5 L V8 engine rated at 278hp (207kW) and 292lb·ft (396N·m) of torque though many enthusiasts often claim a true power rating of over 300hp (224kW). At the time, its targeted competitors such as the Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ and Cadillac Fleetwood had much bigger engines with horsepower ratings in the lower 200hp (150kW) range and 0-60 mph times at an average of 10-11 seconds. All Q45s include a VLSD (viscous limited-slip differential), whereas the Lexus LS never did.