1997 Infiniti Q45...Continued

Our Impressions of the Drive:

Engine Response: The previous Q45 had a bigger engine and more horsepower. It was a 4.5-liter V-8 engine generating 278 horsepower. The new model has a 4.1-liter V-8 engine with 266 horsepower. Motor-heads say this is no big deal though. They say, because the new car weighs less, acceleration is about the same as before. And accelerate it does! Not sports-car style, but excellent freeway merging and great two-lane passing verve. Having a Q45 means never having to say, "I should have had a V-8."

Shifting The Gears: The electronically-controlled 4-speed automatic transmission (no manual transmission option with this car) is exceptionally smooth and quiet. "The transmission has its own microprocessor," explains Infiniti, "which helps ensure smooth shifting by working interactively with the engine's microprocessor." This, they say, increases driver and passenger comfort. And we agree.

Handling: We drove the Q45 like most people do. No death-defying mountain passes or race car maneuvers, just challenging freeway travel and city stops and starts. Somehow the frustrations of urban traffic are easier when you're at the wheel of a big powerful responsive automobile. A couple short highway trips were enough to know that this is a great traveler's car. The combination of power and luxury is hard to beat.

Ride: There's a secure feeling that comes with riding in the Q45. It has to do with the height of the door sills and windows. When a vehicle's windows aren't very tall, you feel more isolated from the world around you and, therefore, more secure. So it is in this car. A quiet ride is a hallmark of Infiniti. The Q45 meets this mark well. Insulated, smooth, soothing. That's what it's like to ride in the new Infiniti flagship.