Infiniti FX (2009)

Infiniti FX

The Infiniti FX, Infiniti’s dramatic premium crossover SUV, enters the 2007 year with minimal changes after a major 2006 upgrade. The FX35 offers a new 18-inch wheel paint color with high luster finish and, for FX45, new standard power folding sideview mirrors. Interior refinements include a new seat belt reminder system and available iPod accessory.

Since its debut in 2003, the Infiniti FX has steadily evolved into a technological tour-de-force in the highly competitive luxury SUV arena. A major revision came in model year 2006, with an exterior facelift featuring a new grille, bumper, wheel design and new exterior colors. More standard features were offered, including a 300-watt Bose® audio system, RearView Monitor, 7-inch color display, leather 10-way power driver’s and 8-way power passenger’s seats, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) and more. The FX45 received numerous option package features as standard equipment and improved interior styling and higher quality materials.

The FX is available in both FX45 and FX35 designations. The all-wheel drive FX45 comes with a standard 320-horsepower 4.5-liter DOHC V8 (shared with the award-winning Infiniti M sedan) and includes 20-inch wheels and tires, leather-appointed seats and a sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension. The FX35 features a 275-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and is available in all-wheel or rear-wheel drive. All FX models utilize a modified version of the advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, enhanced for SUV duties.

The 2007 FX continues to serve as a showcase for Infiniti’s award-winning technology and engineering leadership with the available Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Intelligent Key and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking.

"Since its introduction, the FX has been a leader in style, performance, utility and innovation," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "It embodies the Infiniti philosophy of combining design and performance in one luxurious package"

Aggressive Styling, Dynamic Platform

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.

The FX exterior features a wide, aggressive stance with a long, sleek hood, sleek roof and a "taut canopy" greenhouse. The short front and rear overhangs provide SUV-level approach and departure angles, while also helping accentuate the long wheelbase, wide track and large tires (18-inch standard on FX35, 20-inch standard on FX45). The wide yet narrow headlights and taillights give the FX an "in-motion" look, with the taillights extending past the body slightly. The exterior design also includes a large Infiniti signature grille, standard fog lights, bi-xenon headlights and large, split dual tailpipes with chrome finishers. Polished aluminum roof rails are standard on the FX45 and black roof rails are standard on the FX35.

By utilizing a modified version of the advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, Infiniti engineers position the FX’s engine behind the front axle. This results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 52:48 (V6 RWD), which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers, such as entering and exiting corners.

The FM platform's rigidity has been enhanced for use specifically with the FX by increasing plate thickness of the front side members, side sills and rear wheel housing.

The FX's long 112.2-inch wheelbase and wide track (62.7-inches front, 64.6-inches rear) combine with large wheels and tires to provide a stable driving foundation – as well as a large interior for both passengers and cargo.

A Choice of Two Confidence-Inspiring Engines

Two engines are available in 2007, starting with the high-performance power of the 4.5-liter DOHC V8. This advanced powerplant, also used in the Infiniti M45 sedan, has been specially tuned for use in the FX45 and produces 320 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque.

The engine's advanced design includes titanium valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons, super-silent single stage cam drive chain and a hydraulically driven cooling fan to help optimize performance.

In addition, the VK45DE is outfitted with a variable length air induction system and Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) to enhance the engine’s power delivery and operation efficiency.

Also offered is a 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with aluminum-alloy block and heads and electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system. Both the all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive V6 engine-equipped versions are designated FX35 models.

The V6 has been tuned specifically for use in the FX35, with a horsepower rating of 275. Torque is rated at 268 lb-ft. A 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, designed for high torque capacity and light weight, is standard with both V8- and V6-equipped models. Activated by the driver, a special Snow-Mode function changes the throttle input algorithm in low-speed slippery road conditions for enhanced traction control.

Infiniti’s advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction Control System is standard on all FX models. Vehicle Dynamic Control adjusts brake pressure and engine torque automatically in understeer, oversteer or slippery road surface situations, helping the drivers keep their intended paths.

The ATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system utilized on the FX45 and FX35 AWD uses an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions. It provides outstanding cornering capability due to optimum torque distribution for front and rear (50:50 up to 0:100). The system also provides high starting traction performance and smooth, stable acceleration, especially in snow-covered or off-road situations with the 50:50 torque split at standing start.

The Infiniti FX's dynamic handling is a result of its advanced 4-wheel independent suspension, which makes extensive use of aluminum-alloy components to reduce unsprung weight. The front suspension utilizes an independent front strut design, while the rear features a multi-link design. Large diameter stabilizer bars are utilized front and rear (front only on FX35 RWD model).

The suspension system also incorporates special "High Frequency Control" shock absorber technology with a rebound spring for responsive yet comfortable ride and firm, tight handling.

Standard on FX45 models are unique 8.0JJx20 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/50R20 all-season tires. The FX35 is equipped with high-luster Titanium-painted (changed from silver for 2007) 8.0JJx18 8-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/60R18 all-season tires, with sport 20-inch wheels and tires available.

Standard braking system components include 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). Responsive steering is provided by an engine-speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion steering system.

Also available on FX45 models with the Intelligent Cruise Control System is a special feature of the standard Brake Assist system – Preview Braking. Brake Assist with preview function is designed to help improve brake response. Whereas normally braking is activated only when the driver recognizes the need and moves his or her foot to activate the brake pedal, the preview function utilizes the ICC sensors to identify sudden braking situations (by sensing the vehicle ahead in the same lane and the distance and relative speed from it) and "pre-pressurizes" the Brake Assist system before the driver steps on the brake pedal.

An Interior That Combines High Tech with Luxurious Comfort

The five-passenger interior of the FX blends the comfort and amenities of a luxury car with an array of high tech driver and passenger features. Leather-appointed seating surfaces with driver seat memory and power lumbar, heated front seats and power tilt/telescope steering wheel are standard. In front are driver-dedicated automatic air conditioning, 7-inch information display color monitor and a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated integrated cruise control and standard steering wheel-mounted audio system controls.

Available rear seat passenger features include personal reading lamps, center armrest with tray and storage, dual seatback pockets for storing DVDs and magazines, reclining seats and rear B-pillar mounted air conditioning vents for enhanced cooling performance.

Standard features on FX also include a new-for-2007 iPod accessory, which can be tied into the standard 300-watt, 11-speaker Bose audio sound system with 6-disc CD autochanger, two subwoofers, mp3-CD playback and steering wheel audio controls. Other features include electroluminescent gauges, heated leather seating surfaces, power lumbar support and power tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Also standard is RearView Monitor, which, when reverse gear is selected, projects a view of what's behind the FX onto the display monitor using a small camera mounted near the rear license plate.

The 2007 FX45 adds standard sunroof, HomeLink® Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO), auto on/off headlamps, Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, wood and aluminum trim, aluminum roof rails and cargo net and cover.

Every FX model also offers exceptional utility, including a large cargo area with easy cargo accessibility, flip-down rear seats with quick-release levers conveniently located in the cargo area, three under-floor storage compartments and a lightweight, steel-reinforced composite rear cargo door with electromagnetic opener switch.

A number of special high tech features are also available, including an advanced DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System and Intelligent Key with keyless entry and push button start (standard on FX45).

Also available is Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control, which uses the brakes, throttle and laser sensors to maintain a set distance between the FX and a vehicle in front of it.

The available Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System features a DVD player with a 7.0-inch roof-mounted flip-down rear LCD screen. Other interior amenities include an Infiniti signature analog clock, driver and passenger one-touch up/down front power windows and power door locks.

Advanced Safety Features Including LDW

Available on the FX and M Sedan, the Lane Departure Warning system recognizes lane markings through the use of a small camera mounted behind the rearview mirror. The camera’s signal and the vehicle’s speed are sent to the system’s advanced microprocessing unit, which combines the information to calculate both the distance between the vehicle and the lane marking and the lateral velocity to the lane marking at speeds above 45 mph. A judgment is then made as to whether the vehicle is moving out of the lane (depending on the distance and lateral velocity to the lane).

The Infiniti LDW system is temporarily disabled by driver activation of the vehicle’s turn signals, which informs the system’s control unit of intended lane changes. The system also features a manual cancel switch, which allows the driver to turn the system off when desired. The system automatically resets when the vehicle is restarted.

Other safety features found on every 2007 include a new seat belt reminder system, standard Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with passenger seat occupant sensor and dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and front and rear curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover protection for front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors. It is also equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

The FX's SUV-enhanced FM platform Zone Body construction is designed to help protect occupants in a collision by helping to absorb crash energy through use of front and rear crushable zones. In a high-speed frontal collision, for example, the crushable zone crumples while the engine is designed to move under the occupant compartment.

This has the effect of expanding the crushable zone, thereby helping to reduce deceleration g-force and simultaneously helping minimize cabin deformation, especially in the lower leg area. In offset impacts, the body construction helps decrease the amount of cabin deformation.

Other FX features that contribute to improved occupant safety include the breakaway brake pedal and the double-wall construction of the bulkhead to help reduce lower leg injuries and a breakaway construction of the propeller shaft (connected with the engine-drop function).

Models and Packages

The fully equipped FX is offered in three engine/drive configurations: the V8-powered AWD FX45, the V6-powered AWD FX35 and the V6-powered rear-wheel drive FX35.

In addition to the long list of equipment on the FX35, the FX45 includes additional standard equipment, including sport suspension tuning, 20-inch tires and unique aluminum-alloy wheels, aluminum roof rails, auto on/off headlights, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System, sunroof, Intelligent Key, wood and aluminum interior trim, aluminum pedals (accelerator, brake and footrest) and a unique V8 engine cover.

The V6 Sport Package (available only on FX35) includes special 20-inch wheels and tires, sport-tuned suspension, aluminum pedals and aluminum roof rails, etched aluminum interior trim, tinted exterior lamp lenses and dark chrome exterior accents. The Technology Package (available on all models) adds the Infiniti Navigation System, Intelligent Cruise Control, satellite radio with choice of XM® or Sirius™ providers and the Lane Departure Warning system. Also available on all models is the Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment System.

Available on FX35 (standard on FX45) is the Hands-Free Package, which includes Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System and Intelligent Key. FX35 also offers a Touring Package with sunroof, Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO), auto on/off headlamps and cargo net.

A Run Flat Tire Package is also available, which replaces the standard tires with run-flat models, deletes the spare tire for more under cargo area storage, and adds special sport suspension tuning to compensate for the different ride characteristics of run-flat tires.