Infiniti Q45 - Second Generation FY33 (FYG33)

Second Generation FY33 (FYG33)

The Nissan President platform added a new model called the Nissan Cima in Japan, and Q45 in North America starting in 1996; the two previous generation Cimas shared a platform with the older Nissan Cedric and Gloria which were of the shorter executive car class. This Q45 had a more conventional appearance but worse performance with a smaller 4.1 L VH41DE engine that produced 266 hp (199 kW) and acceleration figures of 0-60 in about 7.5 seconds. From this model, both the Q45 and the Cima were merged. The all-multilink suspension was changed to struts at the front end, and was further tuned for comfort. The steering slowed down even more to an 18.5:1 ratio. Traction control was standard. None of this did much to help the car's sales; Q45 sales in the North American market remained much lower than sales of its primary competitor, the Lexus LS.

The 2000 Q45 Anniversary Edition had the highest trim level available for the second-generation Q45. This trim level was standard on the 2001 models. The Q45t was the most expensive vehicle in the Infiniti (excluding the AE for 2000) lineup and offered enhanced performance, a rear spoiler, heated seats, dynamically adjusted shock absorbers and other luxurious features not available in a standard Q45.

The car's appearance was slightly altered for 1999. For this year, HID headlights were added and the analog clock returned. Minor styling changes were made to the front and rear fascias. 17" wheels and an electronic adjustable suspension became standard on the Q45t. Numerous safety improvements in 1998 model were augmented in the 1999 and 2000 models.

Standard features for the second-generation Q45 included a leather interior with fake woodgrain trim, but no dual climate control, a Bose audio system with eight speakers with an in-dash single disc CD player, auto dimming rear view mirror, automatic light on and delay off timer, and steering wheel-mounted cruise control and head unit control. Also standard was a memorized adjustment system for the driver's seat and steering wheel. A CD changer and heated seats were available as options.

The car was sometimes derisively referred to as the "Q41" due to its reduced displacement and lesser performance. Nearly all Infinitis before or since have used a two-digit number following a letter to indicate displacement; the second-generation Q was an exception (as was the Nissan Pathfinder clone QX4).