INFINITI FX

The 'Infiniti FX' is a mid-size luxury Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle (CUV) produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury brand since the 2003 model year. The FX replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size luxury SUV, despite being larger than its predecessor. It was released at the same time as its competitors, the Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90, and Volkswagen Touareg. It shares the same FM platform as the Nissan 350Z, whereas the similarly-sized Nissan Murano is based on the front-wheel drive Nissan Altima platform.
In creating the FX, its designers sought what they called a "cool fusion" – the blending of a substantial, SUV lower body with the sleek, elegant upper body more reminiscent of a classic sports car or sports GT. ^[1] In addition, they sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality. The FX is a unique combination of aggressive styling, outstanding performance and luxury car comfort. The FX was conceived on the theme of a "Bionic Cheetah," utilizing advanced technology to create one of the best performing premium crossover SUVs ever imagined. ^[2]

Contents

Engines

Features

2006 Facelift

Future and Replacement

Engines

References

External links

Engines

The nameplates FX35 and FX45 refer to the two available engines. The FX35 is available in two drivetrains, the RWD and the AWD, which are both are fitted to a dual overhead cam 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 VQ35DE gasoline engine, with aluminum-alloy block and heads, electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons that takes use of the Continuous variable valve timing which in part optimizes the opening of intake valves. This is also coupled with an electronically controlled super-wide ratio five-speed automatic with a manumatic shift mode that includes the option of sequentially selected manual gearshifts and Downshift Rev Matching.
The FX45 incorporates a 4.5-liter (4,494 cc) 32-valve V8 DOHC VK45DE gasoline engine with four valves per cylinder, microfinished camshafts with aluminum-alloy block and heads, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons, titanium intake and exhaust valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons, super-silent single stage cam drive chain, and a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System that optimizes opening of intake valves. ^[1]

Features

The Infiniti FX was the first passenger vehicle to offer a lane departure warning system.

2006 Facelift

The FX series was updated for 2006 with new options and standard features. The updates included an exterior facelift with new grille, bumper, wheel design and three new exterior colors, and inside a revised center console with new color screen. Many features previously optional were made standard, including the 300-watt Bose® audio system, RearView Monitor, 7-inch color display, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and 8-way power passenger’s seat.
The FX45 featured additional upgrades, including new 20-inch wheels, leather-appointed seats, a revised sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension with new dampers, a Bluetooth system, and the Premium Package became standard. The taillights on Sport Package equipped FX35 models and all FX45 models were changed from red to clear, and the trim surrounding the side windows was updated from black to chrome. ^[4]

Future and Replacement

Given that the FX35 and FX45 have received outstanding reviews and great sales figures since their debut in 2003, Infiniti will continue to produce the FX in future years. Although nothing has been officially released by Nissan Motor Co, rumors are that the 2009 Infiniti FX will be completely redesigned and offered as the FX37 and the FX50. The FX37 will be powered by the same 3.7 liter VQ-series V6 engine used in the G37 Coupe and will deliver over 310 hp. The FX50 will be powered by an all-new 5.0 liter V8 engine with an output of 390 hp and 369 ft·lbf torque. Exterior styling will likely depart from the current "Bionic Cheetah" look and instead blend in to look more like the G37 Coupe, G35 Sedan, and EX Crossover. ^[5]

Engines

★ 3.5 L '' V6

★ 4.5 L '' V8
'Performance (FX45)' ^[6]

★ 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds

★ 0-100 mph: 17.3 seconds

★ 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds at 95.1 mph

★ 200 ft Skidpad: .82g

★ Top Speed: 142 mph (electronically limited)
'Performance (FX35)' ^[7]

★ 0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds

★ 0-100 mph: NA

★ 1/4 mile: 15.5 seconds at 91.0 mph

★ 200 ft Skidpad: .79g

★ Top Speed: 142 (electronically limited)

References

1. http://www.infinitihelp.com/Infiniti/Models/2006/FX/Description.htm
2. http://www.topspeed.com/cars/infiniti/infiniti-fx37-and-fx50-ar40452-pa1.html
3. http://www.infinitihelp.com/Infiniti/Models/2006/FX/Description.htm
4. http://www.infinitihelp.com/Infiniti/News/The%202006%20Infiniti%20Lineup%20%E2%80%93%20Charting%20the%20Changes.htm
5. http://www.topspeed.com/cars/infiniti/infiniti-fx37-and-fx50-ar40452.html
6. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_0406_luxury_midsize_suvs/specs.html
7. http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/112_0309_luxury_suv_comparisons/index7.html

External links

★ Official American site

★ Official Canadian site

★ InfinitiFX.org - A site/forum dedicated to Infiniti FX35 & FX45 enthusiasts