Infiniti Q45 History

Full-size luxury car · 1990–2006

History

The Q45 was the car that launched Infiniti when it went on sale in August 1989 as a 1990 model, powered by a 278-hp 4.5-liter DOHC V8 (VH45DE) and competing directly with the Lexus LS 400 and Acura Legend. Its early advertising was famously abstract — rocks and rivers rather than the car itself — which became a marketing cautionary tale.

Three generations spanned its life: the first (1990–1996) was developed specifically for Infiniti and based on the Nissan President platform; the second (1997–2001) was a more conservative rebadge of the Nissan Cima on the Y33 platform; the third (2002–2006) was a restyled car that continued until Infiniti retired the nameplate in favor of the Nissan Fuga-based M sedan.

Generations

First generation (G50) · G50 (1990–1996)

Photo: “File:1990 Infiniti Q45 (G50) (49857755532).jpg” by Jones028 from Hong Kong / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.

The purpose-built founding flagship — a 278-hp V8 rear-drive sedan that introduced Infiniti to North America.
- 1990
  Photo: “File:1990 Infiniti Q45 (G50) (49857755532).jpg” by Jones028 from Hong Kong / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 1993
  Photo: “File:1993 Infiniti Q45 in Beige, front left.jpg” by Mr.choppers / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 1994
  Photo: “File:1994 Infiniti Q45a in Black Obsidian, Front Left, 04-26-2023.jpg” by Elise240SX / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 1995
  Photo: “File:1995 Infiniti Q45 (4.5) V8 front 4.13.19.jpg” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation (Y33) · Y33 (1997–2001)

A rebadged Nissan Cima on the Y33 platform; more conservative styling than the original.
- 1997
  Photo: “File:1997 Infinit Q45 4.1L front 6.20.18.jpg” by Kevauto / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
Third generation (2002–2006)

The final Q45, restyled and updated; retired after 2006 as the M sedan took over the flagship role.
- 2004
  Photo: “File:2004 Infiniti Q45 (8878411795).jpg” by Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.