OVERALL EVALUATION:
Important: Frontal crash test ratings can be compared only among vehicles of similar weight.
The Infiniti Q45 was redesigned for the 1997 model year. All 1997 and later Q45 models manufactured after March 1997 include structural changes to improve occupant protection in frontal crashes (note: information about when a specific vehicle was manufactured is on the certification label typically affixed to the car on or near the driver door).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has evaluated the crashworthiness of a Q45 with the structural changes in two 40 mph frontal offset crash tests into deformable barriers. (Following discussions with the automaker about the head injury criterion in the first crash test, the second offset test was conducted. Similar results were obtained. This evaluation is based on both tests.)
Restraints/dummy kinematics — Dummy movement wasn't well controlled in either crash test. After the dummy moved forward into the airbag, the seatback moved forward so that the head restraint hit the dummy's head. During rebound, the dummy's head hit the B-pillar.
Injury measures — Measures taken from the chest indicate low risk of injuries to this body region in a crash of this severity. In both tests, forces on the head indicate that injuries to the head would be possible. Forces on both tibias indicate that injuries to the lower legs would be possible. Head acceleration from the B-pillar hit was low.
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