REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Talent is not always enough

The first Q45 generation had plenty of style and character. But it wouldn’t sell. The second generation, issued in 1997, tried to please with its low profile and its less inspired road handling. It didn’t fare any better. What can the problem be? Infiniti is trying again this year, with a third proposal, more talented but still lacking some kind of charisma.

On paper, the new Infinity flagship is promising: 4.5-litre V8 (340 hp), 5-speed semi-automatic transmission and lots of safety devices (anti-skid, anti-spin, etc.) and no less than "The world’s most powerful headlights". Who could ask for anything more?

Infinity still hasn’t acquired the brand status of BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes and even Lexus with customers who often use their car as a symbol of their success.If the Q45’s business card has what it takes to make tech-lovers salivate, its overall appearance does not. Once again, Infinity stylists will miss the Nobel Prize for creativity by more than a mile.

The front end looks like a blown-up Taurus, while the rear end is visibly borrowed from the Audi A6. At least, it’s somewhat wider, and the body is less sensible to wind, with its drag factor down from 0.32 to 0.30. The first Q45 was certainly one of the purest achievements in Japanese automobile know-how. The third generation (let’s be nice and forget about the second) tries to recreate it. Livelier, friendlier, I agree, but where is that "Je-ne-sais-quoi" that made the first Q45 so special?

This Infinity’s interior has put stars in our eyes at first glance: two-way adjustable steering, automatic two-zone temperature control, voice recognition system (see below). The Q45 seems able to do everything short of brewing coffee. And for an additional $5,000 (the cost of the Privilege trim), you get electric heating seats, even on the well-padded back seat. That back seat can bear two or three passengers, but toes can hardly squeeze under the front buckets because of all the instruments hidden there. On second thought, two is enough when the trunk as merely as roomy as that of a Civic.

Aware that appreciating competitors’ virtues requires reading the owner’s manual and its extensive knowledge, Infinity designers have made it very simple. The owner’s manual is not the Webster and will not require months of training. A Nintendo-like lever can be used to adjust on a color display (hard to read in sunlight) the air conditioning, the radio, or know the air pressure in each tire, the distance made so far or directions to pay a visit to Aunty Marge. You find the system too complex? The most often used controls are duplicated in conventional form on the dashboard.

Are you hearing instead of vision-oriented? The Q45 can talk to you. Equipped with a voice recognition device, this car performs many little attentions, provided you ask in English. Infinity officials say they are developing a French version, but it may not be ready before several years. Even at $80,000, the Q45 does not come with English lessons, but recognizes some 6,000 different pronunciations.Technically speaking, Infinity engineers have been very careful in correcting the safety and technology of the car after the poor performance of the second edition. Now equipped with side air curtains, the Q45 also features an electronic brake relay, anti-skid, a laser cruise control that maintains a safe distance with the car in front (offered only this fall, too bad if you’re in a hurry) as well as extra-bright Xenon headlights. In spite of all these new accessories, the new Q45 is some 100 kg lighter than its predecessor. That’s great news. Lighter and more powerful, this Q45 carries a 340-hp 4.5-litre V8 under the hood. The former 4.1-litre produced 266 hp. During our test drive, we tested the manufacturer’s claim that this car does 0-100km/h in less than six seconds. One thing is for sure; this Q45 is a fast car. Don’t let your driver’s attention drift too long. The cabin is so sound proof that it’s hard to realize how fast you’re actually going.

The smooth and performing engine is matched with a gentle and accurate 5-speed semi-automatic that really meets the highest expectations.

On the road, this Q45 is a pleasant and surprisingly nimble vehicle, even with its considerable weight. Its short turning radius allows for efficient city driving. But watch out when parking: this Infinity is not equipped with parking radar, unlike most of its competitors. Let’s mention that the steering gets heavier in the center and that the over-assisted rack and pinion seems stuffed with marshmallow. This flaw would be easily forgiven if side winds did not impact its directional stability.

With the Privilege trim, the Q45 receive adjustable shock absorbers. The driver selects "Normal" or "Sport" on a switch. On "Normal" mode, the car feels like a Buick Roadmaster, said one of my passengers. It ’ s comfortable, but very, very soft. Without sacrificing much of the comfort, the "Sport" mode is a better match for the sporty spirit and performance of this sedan. So why offer the option - undoubtedly costly to produce and costly to repair? My guess is: poor customer definition. Instead of tuning the suspension to please a given clientele, engineers had to come up with this system in order to increase the potential customer base. It’s easily understandable when you think only 41 Q45 have been sold last year.

This time, the Competitively-priced Q45 has enough talent to make its way among the great brands. But playing a major part on the crowded prestige car scene requires more than talent and Infinity’s branding still seems too fragile

PROS
Strong motor
Good chassis
Unique headlights

CONS
Brand name still to make
Too many gadgets
Bizarre styling