The History Of Infiniti FX35

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, despite being larger than its predecessor. 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 350Z, whereas the similarly sized Nissan Murano is based on the front-wheel drive Nissan Altima platform.

The Infiniti FX is not sold in Japan.

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. 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. The FX is now in its second generation with the 2009 FX35 and FX50.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 a new 3.5liter V6 engine and will deliver an output of 309hp (230kW). The FX50 will be powered by an all-new 5.0liter V8 engine with an output of 390hp (291kW) and 369lb·ft (500N·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.

• 3.5L VQ35HR V6 (2009-present)
• 5.0L VK50VE V8 (2009-present)

Performance (FX45)

• 0-60mph (97km/ h): 6.5seconds
• 0-100mph (160km/ h): 17.3seconds
• 1/ 4mile: 14.8seconds at 95.1mph (153.0km/ h)
• 200ft (61m) Skidpad: .82g
• Top Speed: 142mph (229km/ h) (electronically limited)

Performance (FX35) First Generation

• 0-60mph (97km/ h): 7.3seconds
• 0-100mph (160km/ h): N/ A
• 1/ 4mile: 15.5seconds at 91.0mph (146.5km/ h)
• 200ft (61m) Skidpad: .79g
• Top Speed: 142mph (229km/ h) (electronically limited)

Performance (FX35 RWD)(FX35AWD) Second Generation

• 0-60mph (97km/ h): 6.1seconds
• 0-60mph (97km/ h): 6.5seconds

Performance (FX50)

• 0-60mph (97km/ h): 5.5seconds
• 0-100mph (160km/ h): 15.7

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

Standard features of the Infiniti FX35 include air conditioning w/ dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power tilt/ telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/ radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front bucket seats, 10-way power driver seat w/ lumbar adjustment, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), split folding rear seat w/ power release, heated power mirrors, AM/ FM radio w/ in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, rearview camera, outside-temperature indicator, power liftgate, automatic day/ night rearview mirror, compass, and rear privacy glass. The Infiniti FX50 adds on remote engine start, wireless cellphone link, universal garage door opener, and power sunroof. Options include a navigation system ($1800), DVD entertainment system ($1400), and an iPod adapter ($290).

An Infiniti FX50 Sport is expected in early 2010. It will have the same 5.0 liter V8 engine found in the Infiniti FX50, though instead of reaching 60mph in 5.5 seconds and having 390 horsepower (competing with the Porsche Cayenne GTS), it will get blasted to 60mph in just 5.0 seconds with a remarkable 490 horsepower under the hood. The FX50 Sport will compete with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the slightly quicker Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

An Infiniti FX30 Hybrid is in consideration for mid-2010. It will have a 3.0 liter V6 engine with 220 horsepower. The FX30 Hybrid will have a cylinder deactivation system, shutting off two of the car's cylinders when not needed for operation. The FX30 will reach 60mph in about eight seconds, and will reach as high as 21mpg city and 28mpg highway. A sportier Infiniti FX40 Hybrid is also in consideration, with a 4.0 liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower. The FX40 Hybrid will reach 60mph in about 6.8 seconds and get 19mpg city and 25mpg highway.