1992model Nissan Infiniti Q45

During the prosperous bubble economy in Japan, the yen appreciated significantly following the 1985 Plaza Accord. This posed a major challenge for Japanese automakers, who had relied on offering high-quality vehicles at low prices overseas. In 1989, at the peak of the bubble, domestic automakers like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda launched new overseas branding strategies, giving birth to Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura. This marked the beginning of a new era.

In this context, Nissan planned to develop and produce high-end vehicles that maintained the high quality of Japanese manufacturing while adding extra value, leading to the creation of the Infiniti brand. The target rivals were, of course, European luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar, as well as Toyota’s newly launched Lexus brand. In 1989, Nissan introduced the Infiniti Q45, its first offering under the new Infiniti brand, to compete with these rivals.

The concept of “Japan Original,” seeking a unique value distinct from traditional luxury cars, was brought to life by Shunji Yamanaka. After graduating from the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Engineering, Yamanaka joined Nissan’s design department and later became a professor at the University of Tokyo’s Institute of Industrial Science. He is widely known for designing the Suica automatic ticket gate. For the Infiniti Q45, he fused engineering with art, expressing the subtle elegance of the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic on this automotive canvas.

The Q45 was Yamanaka’s first and only car design. While it may not have been widely understood at the time, a closer look today reveals the unparalleled craftsmanship and unique worldview it embodies, a car that would never be replicated in today’s cost-conscious automotive manufacturing environment.

This remarkable worldview is exemplified by the pristine 1992 model, serial number 101335, with only 10,500 km on the odometer. It features a Twilight Blue Graphite Pearl color, standard coil suspension, and 100% wool moquette seats. Let’s take a closer look at this collector’s treasure.

The long wheelbase of 2875mm and dimensions of 5090mm in length, 1825mm in width, and 1430mm in height give the car a grand presence. The stunning press lines of the shoulder, emphasizing texture and form, extend from the front to the rear, creating a rich expression. The grille-less front and inverse design evoke the image of a samurai in armor, while the elegant body lines reflect Japan’s changing seasons beautifully.

The Twilight Blue Graphite Pearl color, a hallmark of the Q45, shifts subtly with changes in light, enveloping the car in a sophisticated aura. The aluminum moldings, extending seamlessly from top to end, add unwavering accents to the elegant body lines. The chrome-plated die-cast door handles, distinct from common plastic, are weighted for a solid feel, enhancing the experience of entering the car.

With only 10,500 km, this car remains in near-original condition, including protective seals on the kick plates and original tags on the turn signal lever. The interior combines the texture of black panels and 100% wool moquette fabric, offering a simple yet profound aesthetic that delights the senses.

A closer inspection reveals that the seemingly black panels are actually textured synthetic leather. The steering wheel and shift lever, made from the same piece of leather, offer a satisfying tactile experience, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. The switches and levers, designed to feel substantial, embody the wabi-sabi spirit and elevate the Q45’s unique “Japan Original” identity.

Despite aiming for 300 horsepower, the Q45’s 4494cc VH45DE V8 engine was limited to 280 horsepower due to Japanese regulations at the time. The collector who owned this car preferred the standard coil suspension over the complex and often troublesome hydraulic active suspension, believing it better showcased the car’s multi-link characteristics and provided a smoother ride. Driving this model reveals its quiet yet powerful performance, gliding effortlessly over the road.

The Q45 is indeed a driver’s car, reminiscent of Bentley owners who would take the wheel themselves to enjoy the drive. Though it received mixed reviews at launch, many journalists agreed that its sporty handling surpassed that of its contemporaries. Once behind the wheel, it becomes clear that the Q45 is truly a driver’s car, offering a driving experience that is both powerful and refined.