Infiniti FX

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Infiniti FX
2003-2005 Infiniti FX35
Manufacturer Infiniti
Parent company Nissan
Production 2003—present
Assembly Kanagawa, Japan
Predecessor Infiniti QX4
Class Mid-size crossover SUV
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform Nissan FM platform
Related Infiniti G35
Nissan 350Z
Infiniti M
Infiniti EX35
Infiniti G37
First generation
2006–2008 Infiniti FX
Production 2003–2008
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Engine(s) 3.5 L V6 280 hp (209 kW)
4.5 L V8 320 hp (239 kW)
Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic with manual mode
Wheelbase 112.2 in (2850 mm)
Length 189.1 in (4803 mm)
Width 75.8 in (1925 mm)
Height 2003-05: 65.0 in (1651 mm)
2006-08: 65.9 in (1674 mm)
Fuel capacity 23.8 US gallons (90.1 L/19.8 imp gal)

The Infiniti FX is a mid-size Crossover SUV produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury vehicle brand since the 2003 model year. The FX replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size luxury-type 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 rear-wheel drive 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, performance and luxury car comfort. The FX was based on the notion of a "Bionic Cheetah," with advanced technology employed to create a premium crossover SUV.[2] The FX is now in its second generation with the 2009 FX35 and FX50.

Contents

[edit] First generation (2003–2008)

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 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. [3]

[edit] Features

The Infiniti FX was the first passenger vehicle to offer a lane departure warning system.[citation needed] Infiniti's version uses a camera that watches the lane markings to alert everyone in the car via an audible buzzer that the driver is drifting unintentionally.

[edit] 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]

[edit] Second generation (2009-)

Second generation
2009 Infiniti FX
Production 2009-
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Engine(s) 3.5 L V6
5.0 L V8
Transmission(s) 7-speed automatic with manual mode
Wheelbase 113.6 in (2885 mm)
Length 191.1 in (4854 mm)
Width 75.9 in (1928 mm)
Height 66.1 in (1679 mm)

The redesigned 2009 Infiniti FX was officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2008. The new FX will be offered as the FX35 and FX50. The FX35 will be powered by the same 3.5 liter VQ-series V6 engine used in the G35 Sedan and will deliver an output of 303 hp (226 kW). The FX50 will be powered by an all-new 5.0 liter V8 engine with an output of 390 hp (291 kW) and 369 lb·ft (500 N·m) of torque. Exterior styling retains some of the current "Bionic Cheetah" look, while incorporating new cues exclusive to the Infiniti brand. The interior has been completely redesigned to bring the FX up to the level of luxury currently found inside of the EX35 Crossover, and resembles that of the new 2009 Nissan Maxima.[5]

[edit] Engines

  • 3.5 L V6 (2003-present)
  • 4.5 L V8 (2003–2008)
  • 5.0 L V8 (2009-present)

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 (153.0 km/h)
  • 200 ft (61 m) Skidpad: .82g
  • Top Speed: 142 mph (229 km/h) (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 (146.5 km/h)
  • 200 ft (61 m) Skidpad: .79g
  • Top Speed: 142 mph (229 km/h) (electronically limited)

Performance (FX35) Second Generation

  • 0-60 mph 6.1 seconds

Performance (FX50)

  • 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds

An FX37 (instead of an FX35) was released in Europe that produces 320 hp (239 kW).

[edit] References

[edit] External links