1997 Q45 EXPANDS INFINITI'S PASSION FOR TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE, WHILE HONORING THE FLAGSHIP'S PERFORMANCE HERITAGE

When the Infiniti Q45 was introduced in 1989, it set new standards for design and performance in the premium luxury sedan category -- just as the Infiniti Division set new standards for customer care with its' innovative Total Ownership Experience® (T.O.E.) philosophy.

The all-new 1997 Q45 begins where the original Q45 left off, taking all of the first Q45's best features -- its stirring performance, driving character, and understated luxury -- and broadening them to appeal to a wider audience. In doing so, Infiniti designers and engineers have created a Q45 that not only satisfies the most committed Q45 devotee, but today's new breed of luxury customers.

The new Q45 includes both an enthusiasts' and a luxury aficionado's wish list of advanced technology and design details -- including. a 4.1-liter dual overhead-cam 32-valve V8 engine with variable valve timing (NVTCS) for more responsive and efficient performance, strut-type front and independent rear multi-link suspension for great handling, and a stylish, aerodynamic body whose rigid construction helps provide a new level of quiet, comfortable ride.

4.1-Liter Dual Overhead-Cam 32-Valve V8 with 266 Horsepower
The new 1997 Q45's 4.1-liter engine, although slightly smaller than its predecessor, actually produces more power for its size -- a higher "specific output." The engine produces 266 horsepower at 5600 rpm, but more important it has a very broad power band. This band provides immediate response at most engine speeds -- one of the primary characteristics of a "driver's car" that is both fun and secure feeling to drive.

The new engine is also lighter and more efficient. Its aluminum engine block, cylinder head and oil pan construction save weight and increases rigidity, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and overall performance, while reducing vibration.

Other state-of-the-art technologies include four camshafts, four valves per cylinder, 6-bolt main bearing caps and timing chain-driven camshafts. Molybdenum-coated pistons help reduce frictional power losses, further improving engine response and fuel economy.

The Q45's engine uses Infiniti's second-generation variable valve timing and direct ignition (NDIS), which enhance engine responsiveness, broadens the usable rpm range, improves fuel efficiency, and helps to reduce maintenance costs. With the addition of equal-length intake manifolds, a shorter crankshaft stroke and a recalibrated throttle valve actuator, this advanced powerplant offers outstanding initial response, acceleration and passing power combined with incredible smoothness.

The Q45 engine management system is electronically controlled and linked to the transmission, providing silky-smooth upshifts that are not jarring to occupants, even during full throttle acceleration. The exhaust system, shift linkage and transmission mount are also specially tuned to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.

Platinum-tipped spark plugs with 60,000-mile service life, and timing chains (instead of belts) that provide precise camshaft actuation and reduce engine noise --help reduce periodic maintenance schedules and costs.

Second Generation Variable Valve Timing (NVTCS)
Infiniti's NVTCS is a sophisticated, electronically controlled hydraulically actuated system that adjusts the Q45's intake cam timing in response to engine load and rpm. At low rpm, optimum performance is attained when NVTCS hydraulically rotates or retards each of the two intake camshafts so that they open later in the pistons' cycle. This results in efficient cylinder filling and scavenging, and maximum torque. High-rpm performance is attained as NVTCS hydraulically advances the intake camshafts so that they open earlier in the intake cycle. By opening earlier, the cylinders have more time to fill, and therefore can produce more power with each stroke.

Electronic sequential multi-point fuel injection
The Q45's sequential multi-point injection meters an exact amount of fuel to each cylinder at precisely the right time in relation to valve and piston position which increases fuel economy and reduces emissions.
This optimizes fuel distribution in the intake ports and improves fuel vaporization for crisp throttle response and better overall operation under severe conditions.

Second Generation Direct Ignition System (NDIS)
Direct ignition eliminates the need for a conventional distributor and spark plug wires, resulting in a stronger, more reliable ignition spark. Although the original Q45 also had this feature, the 1997 Q45 has an individual power transistor on each coil to provide better durability.

On-Board Diagnostic System (OBD II) and CONSULT
The On-Board Diagnostic System, as required by federal law, illuminates a "Check Engine" light in the event of a malfunction, providing fast response to emissions-related incidents and reducing the risk of damaging expensive components in the event of an emissions incident. The Q45's "Check Engine" warning light illuminates if the system detects an emissions incident. However, the vehicle can still be driven to the dealership for diagnosis and/or repair of the emissions system.

Every Infiniti service facility utilizes the CONSULT diagnostic tool, an electronic device which reads signals being sent to individual engine controls. When plugged into the Q45's electrical system, the CONSULT diagnostic tool can simulate actual driving and atmospheric conditions, reducing diagnostic time for various systems including automatic transmission, ABS, air bags, cruise control, power steering and traction control.

The CONSULT diagnostic unit provides information to technicians about the current operation of those components, as well as abnormalities that may have occurred during recent driving. This allows them to monitor the operation of various components and test their functioning during actual operation. The benefit is quicker, easier, more accurate diagnosis of system operation problems, resulting in less diagnostic time.

Engine Friction, Vibration and Noise Countermeasures
For the new Q45 engine, friction and noise countermeasures include molybdenum-coated pistons, harmonic dampers on the shift linkage, exhaust system and automatic transmission case, a more rigid aluminum engine oil pan, and two liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid-filled engine mounts absorb engine vibrations before they reach the passenger compartment, reducing engine noise and vibration for improved passenger comfort.

The Q45 employs additional measures to reduce noise. Equal-length engine air intake runners, multiple (four) engine air intake resonators, a cast-aluminum rear transmission cross member, an anti-noise engine cover, and polyester fiber carpet insulation and dash insulator reduce engine noise, while rubber bushings in the front suspension reduce road noise.

Electronically Controlled Four-speed Automatic Transmission
The Q45's electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission has its own microprocessor which helps ensure extremely smooth upshifts by working interactively with the engine's microprocessor (ECCS).

When the automatic transmission is about to shift, ECCS retards the engine timing momentarily to reduce shift shock, increasing driver and passenger comfort. To further improve passenger comfort (and EPA Highway economy), the transmission has overdrive and a lock-up torque converter, which reduces cabin noise at highway speeds by lowering engine rpm. The automatic transmission also has a fail-safe mode, which enables the transmission to function in a reduced capacity (locked in third gear) in case of electronic malfunction, high transmission oil temperature, or low oil level. In the event of one of these problems, the fail-safe mode can help the driver to reach a destination safely.

Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD)
Inside the Q45's VLSD housing are a series of interlacing plates, with one set connected to the left rear wheel and one set connected to the right rear wheel. These plates are separated from the rest of the differential gearing inside a dedicated sealed housing that contains a temperature sensitive silicone-based fluid. This fluid expands rapidly when heated.

Under normal driving conditions, when both rear wheels are traveling at the same speed, the plates are all rotating together at the same speed. If one wheel begins to spin, one set of plates within the differential will begin to turn much faster than the other set.

Since the plates are very close together, this disparate motion causes the fluid to heat and expand. The expanding fluid increases friction between the plates -- so that the slower-turning plates absorbs torque from the set that is spinning faster.

Second Generation Traction Control System (TCS)
The Infiniti Traction Control System -- standard on every 1997 Q45 -- works with the Viscous Limited-Slip Differential to virtually eliminate rear-wheel slip (wheel spin) under most conditions, improving driver control and active safety. The system senses traction loss and corrects it by closing a secondary engine throttle, momentarily shutting off one or several fuel injectors, and/or upshifting the transmission. TCS helps improve driver control of vehicle in most slippery conditions, and also on dry surfaces if throttle is over-applied. The system works automatically, but may be manually disengaged by the driver if desired (for safety, the system automatically re-engages every time vehicle is started).

Strut-Type Front Suspension
New for 1997 is the Q45's strut-type front suspension, which provides long suspension travel for a comfortable ride quality -- especially over long distances.

A unique offset spring design helps resist strut binding, thereby enhancing suspension compliance and ride quality. Additionally, the system's light weight contributes to reduced unsprung weight, further improving ride quality. A brace connecting the shock towers helps maintain suspension geometry for improved steering response and vehicle tracking, especially on rough roads.

Multi-Link Rear Suspension
The rear multi-link suspension found on the Q45 is a direct descendent of the multi-link system first introduced on the Nissan 300ZX. In simplest terms, the goal of the Q45's multi-link rear suspension is to help keep tires perpendicular to the ground by minimizing camber change, thus helping to keep the tire contact patch on the road. This optimum relationship between tire contact patch and road surface allows maximum traction and driver control.

The Q45's advanced multi-link design combines high dynamic performance with a smooth and comfortable ride. Superb body roll control helps occupants remain comfortable while the Q45 is cornering -- even during an evasive maneuver.

The rear multi-link suspension also incorporates anti-squat and anti-dive geometry. This helps the vehicle body remain relatively flat -- and the occupants more comfortable -- even during sudden acceleration or braking.

A brace connecting the shock towers helps maintain suspension geometry, thereby allowing greater wheel travel, increasing its ability to absorb rough road surfaces.

The rear multi-link suspension on the Q45t (Touring Model), equipped with low friction bushings, a stiffer spring rate and a 19.1 mm stabilizer bar, providing sharper steering response and less body roll during cornering than the Q45.

Front and Rear Suspension Soft-Mounted Subframes
Rather than being mounted directly to the body, the Q45's front and rear suspensions are attached to subframes that are joined to the body by rubber bushings. By absorbing the impact of hitting ruts and bumps in the road, the design provides a more comfortable ride and reduces vibration and road noise.

Four-Wheel Vented Disc Brakes with ABS
The Q45's four-wheel vented disc brakes provide outstanding resistance to fading from heat buildup during rigorous or lengthy braking applications, such as descending mountain roads. Compared to the original Q45, the 1997 Q45's front disc brakes are larger in diameter; the rear brakes are thicker and vented for improved cooling during severe use.

The standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) individually applies and releases the Q45's brake calipers up to 18 times per second, helping to prevent wheel(s) from locking up and helping driver maintain control of vehicle in a panic stopping situation, especially on slippery surfaces or during evasive maneuvers. Unlike some competitive vehicles, the Q45's brake pedal pulse is less dramatic during ABS engagement.

16-Inch Alloy Wheels with P215/60-16 Tires
New on the 1997 Q45 are 16-inch wheels, which allow the use of lower profile tires and larger brakes to improve vehicle cornering and braking capability (while improving overall exterior appearance). All-season tires, which are standard, provide confident traction in a wide variety of climatic conditions. The tires were specially selected to match the Q45's suspension and handling characteristics, contributing to the overall handling. The tire's low rolling resistance contributes to improved fuel economy.

Intelligent Body Assembly System
Infiniti's exclusive Intelligent Body Assembly System (IBAS) process uses robotics and other automated technologies to improve the way Q45 is built. IBAS brings the major body structure components into one place, locates them with extreme precision using robots instead of conventional fixtures, and then welds them all at one time. The process reduces the chance of any movement -- and therefore assembly error. Panel fit accuracy is held to within +/- 1.0 mm. The result is seams and joints that are more even, enhanced durability and reliability, and minimized squeaks and rattles.

Edge Cover Electrocoating and Cross-Linking Clear Coat Paint
On all Infiniti vehicles, the outer body panels are coated with an electrically charged paint that helps ensure a paint thickness of 20 microns (0.0008 inches). As a result, the paint is applied at a uniform thickness, even on the edges, where too much paint can be as bad as too little if coverage is uneven.

In addition, every Q45 uses Cross-Linking Clear Coat paint, a special type of clear coat finish, that is highly resistant to hairline scratching from automatic car washes, ultraviolet deterioration and retains its high gloss shine. As a result, brilliance and "reflectivity" are superb and long lasting, enhancing long-term visual appeal of vehicle. Cross-Linking Clear Coat paint also helps the Q45's paint resist etching from airborne contaminants -- a common problem in urban areas.

Microfilter Ventilation System
To help reduce the amount of pollen and other particulate pollutants that enter the passenger compartment, the 1997 Q45 has dual replaceable filter elements which reduce the amount of particulate pollution that can enter the passenger cabin. The system filters out particulate matter as small as three microns, helping to enhance the comfort of passengers by reducing allergic reactions to outside environmental contaminants.

Infiniti Personalized Protection System (IPPS)
The 1997 Q45 has an advanced new theft-deterrent system that combines 60,000 possible ignition key codes with a new "rolling code" (a numerically random code) generated by the engine's ECM each time the ignition is turned off. Together, this combined "hardware" and "software" system renders it virtually impossible to start Q45 without the correct key.

Here's how it works: Surrounding the ignition lock on the steering column is a microtransmitter. When an ignition key is placed in the ignition lock, a radio signal is transmitted from the lock surround to the key. The car will only start if the key is calibrated correctly to respond to this signal. Each time the key is used, ECCS (the engine's microprocessor) automatically generates a new code. This prohibits a would-be thief from capturing the "correct" radio signal and using it to start the car.

Nighttime Driving Features
The 1997 Q45 contains a host of user-friendly features that make nighttime driving more convenient and enjoyable. An automatic on/off function relieves the driver from having to remember to turn the headlights on and off. The feature is activated simply by rotating the light switch to the left of the steering column to the auto on/off position. This signals the Q45's the headlights to automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn.

An improved illuminated entry system includes an Interior Light Logic feature, which turns the interior lights on most brightly in the open door to provide the lighting needed for safe entry and exit -- without overlighting the rest of the cabin. An automatic anti-glare rearview mirror eases driver eyestrain and distraction. Lastly, a pin light bathes the center console and front door panels with soft illumination, improving the driver's and front passenger's ability to use the controls at night.

Integrated HomeLink® Transmitter
The Q45 now features the Integrated HomeLink® Transmitter -- built by the Prince Corporation of Holland, Michigan -- which provides a convenient way to consolidate the functions of up to three individual hand-held RF transmitters in one handy device built into the driver's side visor. This allows the driver to operate a security gate, garage door, or home lighting system from the comfort and safety of the vehicle -- and before entering.

Vehicle Speed Sensitive Windshield Wipers
To reduce the need for the driver to manually adjust the windshield wipers while driving, the vehicle speed sensitive windshield wipers feature automatically adjusts the speed of the windshield wipers according to the vehicle speed. This increases driver convenience and helps improve visibility.