The History Of Infiniti QX56

The Infiniti QX56 is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold under the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury brand. It is based on the Nissan Armada full-size SUV, and shares the F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Titan pickup truck.

The truck is propelled by a 5.6L VK56DE V8 engine (315hp [227kW] @ 4,900 rpm and 390lb·ft (529N·m) torque @ 3,600 rpm) and a 5-speed automatic transmission with an overdrive. Each cylinder in the engine is lined with cast iron. The valvetrain is a DOHC design with four valves per cylinder. Infiniti designed the QX56's throttle responsiveness to correspond to specific drivetrain modes: when the driver selects all-wheel drive, the throttle becomes less sensitive, presumably to allow easier regulation of acceleration when off-road.

The Infiniti QX56 has around 9,000 lb (4082 kg) of towing capacity. Mileage at peak performance drain is 12miles per US gallon (20L/ 100km; 14mpg-imp). It comes in one trim level, with only key options such as: DVD entertainment system, 4WD/ 2WD, and a bench instead of captain chairs as the second row. Other features which come standard are a ten-speaker Bose system, DVD-based navigation system, leather trim for all seats, dual-climate control, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, and an adaptive cruise control system. A precrash system is a novelty in the market as well.

As with the Nissan Armada, it is built in Canton, Mississippi; and is currently only available in the United States, Canada, Russia,Bahrain,UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It is also the first Infiniti built in the United States. Since priced lower than the Lexus LX, the QX56 has become a success for Infiniti, outselling the Lexus LX.

Since the demise of the Q45 (which was priced above the QX56) after 2006, the QX56 is the most expensive Infiniti in North America, and is Infiniti's only full-size vehicle. For 2008, the Infiniti QX56 received a minor facelift which included more standard equipment and standard 20-inch chrome wheels.

As with the Armada, the QX56 was very unreliable in Consumer Reports' surveys mainly due to problems with the brakes. However, the 2008 model had all the brake problems solved, and the QX56 now has an average rating in CR's surveys. For 2009 the QX56 received auto locking doors and deep garnet metallic was added as a new color. The 2009 model is the last year for the QX56's first generation.

Infiniti has announced a replacement based on the Kuraza concept. The production model will be shown at the New York Auto Show. According to an article posted by Autoblog December 12, 2008, Nissan, the parent company of Infiniti, is strongly considering cancelling the slow selling QX56 and its platform mate, the Nissan Armada, and the Nissan Titan is being replaced with the Nissan NV2500 commercial vehicle.