Infiniti FX

The Infiniti FX is a mid-size luxury 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, although the QX4 was smaller than the FX. It was released at the same time as its competitors, the Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90. It shares the same FM platform as the rear-wheel drive Nissan 370Z, whereas the similarly sized Nissan Murano is based on the same D platform as the front-wheel drive Nissan Altima. The FX and QX56, whose platform is shared with the Nissan Armada, are not sold in Japan.The FX has been described as having the profile of a "giant scarab" or a "Bionic cheetah". 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.In addition, they sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality. The FX is now in its second generation, since the 2009 model year FX35 and FX50.The nameplates FX35 and FX45 refer to t

he 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 makes 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.Total 2007 sales of the FX45 numbered just 1,598 units, about a tenth of the FX35s.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.The Infiniti FX was the first passenger vehicle to offer a lane departure warning system in the United States market. 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.

The redesigned 2009 Infiniti FX was officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2008, and went on sale in June 2008. The V6 model is still called the FX35 with the VQ35HR V6, however the V8 model has been renamed FX50 in recognition of its 5-liter engine with the newly-developed VK50VE.The exterior retains some of the first generation's "Bionic Cheetah" look and "giant scarab" profile, while incorporating new styling cues. Some of the most distinct features of the new FX are the longer, sharklike sculpted headlights, a large trapezoidal grille filled with horizontal dark-chrome waves, and completely functional side air vents. The overall size and dimensions of the new model, both external and internal, remain similar to the previous model.The interior was completely redesigned to bring the FX up to the level of luxury found inside of other Infiniti models like the G37 and EX35.Features include stitched leather seats, stained maple wood or piano black finishes, and matte-finish surfaces.The FX comes with a new double-wishbone front suspension design, similar to that found on the G37 and EX35, replaces the previous generation FX’s front strut-type suspension. The suspension’s upper and lower A-arms help provide superior control of a wheel’s motion, especially when the suspension compresses and extends, providing more travel than the previous strut design. The net result is a better ride and improved handling. The current FX is now 1.6 times more torsionally rigid and 3.4 times more resistant to bending than the previous model. (Europe)