The upscale line of Infiniti, developed through Nissan of Japan but with sophisticated automotive technology applied, consists of five distinct products in the 2004 class, each canted toward performance and fitted with premium equipment.

Infiniti's elegant Q45 flagship sedan leads the line as a full-size luxury car rigged with a powerful V8 engine mounted up front with all muscle directed to the rear wheels for classic rear-wheel-drive (RWD) format. The Q-car projects aggressive body styling outside while draping the spacious passenger compartment with ultimate features for comfort and convenience.

Shrink the Q one size to reach Infiniti's M45 performance sedan, which stocks Q45 drivetrain components. It draws on a 340-hp V8 and has four-wheel independent suspension, high intensity discharge (HID) xenon headlights and vehicle dynamic control (VDC) with traction control system (TCS).

Next step down in size leads to the I35 midsize luxury sedan, motivated by Infiniti's 3.5-liter V6 that develops 255 hp in this instance through a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission and standard TCS.

Infiniti's alphanumeric model designations extend further to the G35 series with a premium sports sedan and spirited two-door 2+2 sports coupe variation. Both can romp, thanks to the twin-cam 3.5-liter V6 aboard - the sedan achieves 260 hp but the coupe punches output to 280 hp through a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed electronic automatic with manual shift mode.

For a sport-utility vehicle, Infiniti shows two dramatic designs with powertrain variations for the new FX series of crossover wagons. Riding on Nissan's Front Mid-ship (FM) platform with RWD and all-wheel-drive (AWD) organization, the two Infiniti wagons share the chassis with G35 sedan and coupe. FX35 also gets the coupe's 3.5-liter V6 worth 280 hp, while FX45 has the Q's 4.5-liter V8 with a rating of 315 hp.

The QX4 SUV, derived from Nissan's Pathfinder, fades to history this year, but in the oven is a yet-unnamed full-size SUV propelled by a 5.6-liter twin-cam V8. The new Infiniti wagon, spinning off Nissan's 2004 Pathfinder Armada, will come together at Nissan's new $1.43 billion Mississippi assembly plant and should reach the market early in 2004.

Classy exterior styling -- hard cut lines and sensuous curves carved from painted metal and glittery chrome, plastic and glass -- along with cushy interior appointments -- supple leather hides and high-gloss hardwoods plus a host of high-tech electronic gear -- portray an image of premium refinement for an ultimate luxury sedan for the Infiniti flagship.

However, it's also feisty and so enthused in spirit that Q45 behaves like a superior sports machine. Hardware driven by microcomputers also consorts to effect the controlled handling traits. Further, Q carries Infiniti's VSC computerized anti-skid controller. The V8 engine displaces 4.5 liters and knocks out 340 hp. It connects to an electronically-controlled five-speed automatic with manual shift gate.

The expansive Q45 cabin scores with world-class luxuries and elegant appointments, along with high-tech gear and power-motivated gizmos that make the experience of driving and riding safe and comfortable, even fun. Leather covers seats and door panels, with strips of bird's-eye maple wood running across doors and dash, console and steering wheel.

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