2002 Infiniti Q45...Continued

Trekking to Italy to drive a Japanese sedan designed for America's luxury market was prompted by the potential for high speed tests on Italian freeways, which quickly demonstrate the dominating characteristics of a new powertrain in the Q. Its quickness clearly wins the acceleration contest in this class of full-size luxury performers, as the Q45 can rip from zero to 60 mph in something less than six seconds.

But narrow back roads cast like wiggly spaghetti noodles across the hills of Tuscany in Chianti also show the lithe and agile nature of a vehicle that's obviously designed to appeal to a hands-on kind of driver.

The rigid new platform for Q45, with wheelbase extending for 1.6 inches longer than Q's predecessor and the structure expanding almost an inch in width and two inches in height, supports fully independent suspension elements mounted on subframes, including a new multi-link design at the rear. Shock tuning produces the impeccably smooth ride of an imported luxury car yet the stiffness of the chassis in conjunction with the independent suspension projects the nimble attitude of a vehicle far smaller than the full-size dimensions of Q might suggest.

High-tech hardware driven by microcomputers also consorts to effect the controlled handling traits. Subtle force governs the quick rack and pinion steering system, while a big disc brake goes to every wheel, plus linkage to antilock action, a traction controler and brake booster for maximum force in emergency maneuvers.

Further, the Q carries Infiniti's Vehicle Dynamic Control, a computerized system coupled to brakes and powertrain that can automatically correct the vehicle's lateral skidding on slippery pavement and move it back into a safe forward track.

And optional equipment due soon after the first Q45s reach the American market this spring adds a smart cruise control system that uses lasers and actuators on throttle and brakes to measure the distance to a car ahead in the path, then adjusts the throttle or applies brakes as needed to maintain a pre-set distance between the vehicles.

That new powertrain is also high-tech machinery.

The V8 displaces 4.5 liters and comes with dual overhead cams, modular cylinder heads and titanium valves, a continuously variable valve timing control system and electronic throttle. Output runs to 340 hp at 6400 rpm with torque as much as 333 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.

It connects to an efficient new electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with both automatic and manual shifter gates.