Description: Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $58,100
Invoice Price Range: $53,359
Where built: Japan

Infiniti's elegant flagship sedans have a powerful V8 engine mounted up front with all muscle directed to rear wheels in classic rear-wheel-drive (RWD) format.

The 2006 editions include a Sport model with RAS controls, tight suspension tuning and 19-inch wheels capped by high-performance tires. RAS adjusts rear suspension geometry in relation to steering input and vehicle speed to produce uncanny agility.

Power for Q45 and the Sport stems from a hunker 4.5-liter V8 knocking out 340 hp. It connects to an updated electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate and new torque converter applied. All Qs also carry Infiniti's vehicle dynamic control (VDC) with traction control system (TCS) for computerized anti-skid control.

In the five-seat cabin, world-class luxuries abound with leather sport bucket seats up front and trimwork in real wood and chrome. High-tech gear includes DVD navigation and RearView monitoring plus Visteon voice recognition.

Infiniti, the high-tech brand derived from Nissan of Japan, strengthens a 2006 line of luxury and performance cars with the re-do of mid-size M45 as a screamer sports sedan, while Q45 the flagship sedan spins off a new Sport model with Rear Active Steer (RAS) controls. In all, there are six distinct products in Infiniti's Class of 2006, each posed for high-powered action and packed with premium appointments.