So Infiniti is on a roll with the G35 sedan and coupe. Now Infiniti just needs to induce another spark in the line up to get more enthusiasts into the fold...and the FX may just be the ticket.
The first FX45 concept appeared at the 2001 NAIAS show. Then in 2002 they showed off a refined concept that shared very little, design-wise, with the previous concept. Now Infiniti has unveiled the final FX production duo at the 2003 NAIAS show that is strikingly similar to the 2nd concept. We have to say the new FX is quite curvy and appealing at least to our eyes. Infiniti calls it a "cool fusion" of a thick SUV lower body and a sleek upper body of a GT. The FX also continues Infiniti's emerging design theme signified by a long hood, tight roofline, wide stance, and wheels pushed out to the corners. Narrow, pulled back headlights and taillights help to give the FX an "in-motion" look, or at least Infiniti likes to think so. The squinting headlights mixed with a large signature Infiniti-style grille somehow tell left-lane loafers to "get the hell outta the way" when they see you coming up in their rearview.
"The FX45 draws on a foundation born of our G35 sport coupe and sport sedan and our experience with our popular QX4 SUV - elements of which come through the first time you set eyes on the FX45," said Mark McNabb, Infiniti VP and General Manager. "Thus the exterior is all about projecting a unique sense of agility and dynamic performance - along with a healthy dose of SUV versatility and the all-wheel drive flexibility to occasionally leave the paved world behind."
And with the FX's power-packed engines, you'll be coming up on slower traffic in a hurry. The FX45 comes with the big 4.5L V-8 engine (VK45DE) found on the upper crust Q45 but in this trim it makes 310 bhp and 329 lb-ft of torque (versus 340 bhp and 333 lb-ft of torque in the Q). As you may know, the VK featured titanium valves, microfinished crankshaft, modular cylinder heads, lightweight pistons, and a "super-silent" single-stage cam driven chain. In the FX, it also has a hydraulically driven cooling fan to help optimize performance. Its also got a variable length induction system and a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System.
Underpinning the new FX is a specially tailored version of Nissan's FM (Front Mid-ship) rear wheel drive platform that is also found under the G35 Sedan and Coupe, plus the 350Z. In this instance, it offers up a 112.2-inch wheelbase and AWD. Thanks to the FM's signature trait of placing the engine behind the front axle, the FX45 (with standard AWD) features a front-to-rear weight balance of 54:46, exceedingly good for an SUV. For this application, the FM platform has been strengthened by increasing the plate thickness of the front side members, side sills, and rear wheel housings.
The AWD system (standard on the FX45, optional on the FX35 is a version of the ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) system found originally on the Japanese Skyline GT-R sports car. The system is also found on the current QX4 (called All-Mode AWD for that application). According to our sources, ATTESA E-TS consists of a variable electronic torque-split transfer mechanism. It directs torque to the forward drivetrain through a multi-plate clutch. The clamping force on the clutch varies between 0-50% dependant on wheel speed sensors that measure slip and a lateral G-force sensor. For the FX series, the system can send a full 100% of the torque to the rear wheels, or up to a 50/50 split when needed. Thus the FX acts as a sporty rear wheel drive vehicle until adverse conditions cause the AWD to kick in.
Add to this Nissan's praised 4-wheel independent suspension with its extensive use of aluminum components to reduce weight. Up front there is an independent strut design while the rear is of multi-link design. Special "High Frequency Control" shock absorber technology with a "Rebound Spring" that helps smooth out bumps while allowing for what Nissan claims is a compliant ride. Stabilizer bars are used front and rear, sans the rear in V6 RWD versions. According to sources who've driven the vehicles, there's very little body roll and generous amounts of grip around corners. Though initial tests by
Road & Track and Car and Driver suggest the ride may be a bit too harsh for some tastes. Since we're due for a road test later this month we'll have to see for ourselves! Stay tuned.
All models come with a 5 speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode. Huge 20-inch
alloy wheels are standard on the FX45, and optional on the FX35. 18-inch rolling stock is standard on the FX35.
Hauling all that power down will be the responsibility of large, vented disc brakes all around (12.6" up front, 12.13" out back). Helping them out is a host of technological aids. That includes the usual Brake Assist (BA) and Emergency Brake force Distribution (EBD). Something new, however, is Infiniti's "Preview Braking" system. It uses Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control (see below) to sense the vehicles ahead in the same lane and the distance and relative speed from it to "pre-pressurize" the Brake Assist and maximize braking response and performance in emergency situations.
Forget the Q45, the FX may perhaps be the most advanced production Infiniti ever. The interior reflects that thought. The five passenger FX was designed with three "zones" in mind. There is the "driver zone," the "comfort zone" for the front passenger, and the "play zone" for the rear bench. The driver zone takes advantage of the cockpit-like design, with an 8-way power driver's seat with memory function, dedicated auto climate control, driver oriented controls and 6.3-inch information display screen, three-spoke power tilt/telescope steering wheel (that moves with the instrument cluster) with integrated cruise and audio system controls
The "comfort zone" includes a 4-way power seat, passenger adjustable armrest, and dedicated auto climate control. The "play zone" for rear passengers offers such available features like a DVD player with wireless headphones, individual reading lamps, center armrest with storage, seatback pockets for DVDs and magazines, reclining seats, and B-pillar mounted vents for added comfort.
While this isn't a minivan, storage space should provide adequate. The flip-down rear seats feature quick-release levers on each side of the cargo area. There are three under-floor compartments. The door is made of a lightweight, steel-reinforced composite and features an electromagnetic opener switch and automatic closer assist system.
Getting back to the high-tech stuff, a high-priced "Technology Package" comes with a DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System (that also bumps the screen to a full 7 inches); an Intelligent Key that offers keyless entry and engine start; a RearView Monitor that utilizes a small rear-mounted camera and the Information Display in the dash to display live video of where you're backing up; and the aforementioned Intelligent Cruise Control system that uses lasers to maintain a set distance between the FX and the vehicle in front of it. There is an Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System that features a DVD player connected to a 6.3-inch roof-mounted LCD screen for rear passengers and an available 300-watt Bose audio system with 11 speakers mounted all around the passengers.
A higher level of safety is basically a given in luxury cars, and Infiniti makes no exception with the FX. Not only are there the standard front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, and front and rear side impact curtain airbags; the FM platform was designed with breakaway brake pedal and propeller shaft, and an engine that drops out under the car to create a larger crumple zone during high-impact collisions.
As for pricing, the FX45 will start at $44,225 MSRP. The FX35 AWD is priced $35,700 and $34,200 for the optional two-wheel drive model.
"The FX45, like the Q45, G35 and M45, represents our intention to stand out from the pack of less exciting, less confident vehicles currently in the performance luxury market," said McNabb. "It is an innovative design with its trend-setting exterior and interior styling, and in its application of technology and engineering toward the creation of stunning performance."
Infiniti realizes now that to be a true luxury player, it cannot attract buyers on value alone. A unique design (in all aspects of the word) and image is what's needed to create a loyal following and a special allure to steal buyers away from more established nameplates. The FX is an exclamation point to what Infiniti has learned.
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