Infiniti FX45
Vehicle design didn’t seem to be very important to Nissan in the 90’s. But at this 2001 Detroit Auto Show, Nissan has shredded that consensus to tiny little pieces. The Z and alpha Truck started it, and Infiniti’s FX45 crossover concept continues the trend.

"We started with a blank piece of paper and asked the question, ‘What kind of vehicle do we want to drive?’" said Tom Orbe, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "The result was the FX45 Concept — a sports car driver’s vehicle first with the practicality of an SUV second."






Certainly, the FX45 doesn’t quite look like any SUV we’ve seen before. It actually bears some resemblance to the D1Volkswagen concept, albeit injected with a massive amount of steroids. It has a low-slung stance and 5-door hatch profile that’s offset by a blunt nose featuring the new Infiniti grille and interesting headlights. The rear tailgate opens in two pieces — the glass hatch swivels upwards, the lower gate swivels downwards.



The interior follows Nissan’s new trend of stylish interiors, first seen on the 2002 Q45, followed by the Fusion concept, and now the FX45. Infiniti‘s theme called for “personalized zones” for specific areas of the car. The driver’s zone is maximized for driving enjoyment, with a large 9.5 LCD screen that access the NAV system, HVAC controls, audio controls, internet, and e-mail. The front passenger get’s it’s own climate control system and the rear passengers get a DVD player, video game system (PS2???), and water bottle cooler. The FX45 interior is covered in Alcantra fabric and leather, and highlight by aluminum accents. The result is a feeling of warm and cool design cues. 

According to Infiniti, the target of the FX45 wasn’t other SUVs, rather luxury-sport sedans. "FX45 Concept vehicle performance target is far above that of the current crop of SUVs," said Orbe. "Instead, we targeted large sports luxury cars, such as the BMW 7-series, Lexus GS430 and our own 2002 Q45."

Under the fat nose of the FX45 is a 4.5L V8 with more than 300hp and 300 ft-lbs of torque. Delivering this power is a 5-speed manumatic transmission connected to Infiniti’s All-Mode all-wheel-drive. 

The 4-wheel independent suspension is tuned for on-road handling rather than off-road prowess. For extra control under adverse conditions, the Vehicular Control System controls brake pressure and engine torque in oversteer and understeer situations. 

"With its high performance sports orientation, we feel that an FX45 driver will not participate in serious off-roading," said Orbe. "Instead, we’ve given it stability and exceptional performance in light traction situations such as rain, snow or gravel."

Stopping powers is contributed to by large, 4-wheel discs with ABS. Brake Distribution reads the vehicle load and puts the braking power on the wheels that can be most effective. Also featured is the Brake Assist System, which aids the driver in panic braking situations and adds braking stability.

20-inch wheels complete the package.

"We’re sure that the FX45 Concept vehicle will be a hit with consumers and send a strong message to competitors that Infiniti’s product resurgence is for real," said Orbe. "We are confident that the Infiniti brand is one worth aspiring to."