Once underway, wheel-spin or not, it becomes necessary at some point to bring the brute to a halt. This is accomplished with very strong, fade resistant anti-lock disc brakes at all four corners. Holding the four wheels in place is a fully independent suspension system offering, in the mind of this mid-life guy, the perfect compromise of ride and handling characteristics. Although the Q incorporates slightly more firmness in its ride than its Lexus LS 400 competitor, its ride absorbs road irregularities with ease and comfort - fortunately though, not at the expense of its confidence inspiring handling on twisting roads.
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| The Q45 sports many standard features that are found in modern luxury vehicles, including automatic climate control, memory power seats and a premium Bose audio system. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
During long hauls, the Q45 cares for its occupants in a solid, relaxing cabin that is replete with many of the standard features found in modern luxury vehicles including, automatic climate control, power seats with memory, power tilt and telescopic steering, power windows and a premium Bose audio system with in-trunk CD stacker. What more can a purist ask for?
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| The first generation Q45 didn't come equipped with a passenger airbag until late 1993, and no side or curtain airbags throughout it's run. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Although the European-like firm leather seats were not heated prior to 1994, they are very supportive and fatigue-free. Infiniti deserves praise for what I think was one of the nicest dash designs ever conceived. The gauge cluster features a large analog speedometer and tachometer, along with fuel and engine temperature gauges. The dash flows smoothly around the driver and seamlessly connects to the console between the front seats, where power window switches, audio controls and the traction-control button are located.
The 1991 to 1993 Q45s were equipped with only a driver-side airbag, with the passenger not benefiting from this technology until the late 1993 arrival of the 1994 model. No side or curtain airbags were available throughout the entire six-year run.