2006 Infiniti Q45 - Review

Infiniti's flagship luxury sedan adds a new Sport model for 2006 that features Rear Active Steer, a sport suspension, and 19-inch performance wheels and tires for added cornering prowess. The rear-drive Q45's 4.5-liter V-8 engine produces 340 horsepower, and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability; for 2006 this gearbox receives a number of performance-enhancing improvements. An active suspension system provides tenacious handling while maintaining a smooth ride. Standard safety and chassis-control systems include front-side and side-curtain airbags, four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, traction control, and Vehicle Dynamic Control. The Q45's laser-guided cruise control comes with a preview-braking function that pre-pressurizes the brake lines in anticipation of a panic stop if the system detects that a car ahead is slowing suddenly or the motorist's foot is abruptly removed from the accelerator pedal. A rear-view video monitor is included to help make parallel parking easier and safer. A Bluetooth hands-free phone is newly standard for 2006, and Infiniti's Lane Departure Warning system that alerts the driver when the car veers beyond the lane markers is added to the available Premium Package.