The Infiniti FX gets a new V8 engine and 7-speed automatic transmission for 2009.
The Redesign
Infiniti's premium midsize SUV has always leaned more toward the sporty side of the spectrum, and now solidly claims more space there with the second-generation FX. For 2009, FX sports larger wheels, more horsepower, and more aggressive styling. FX grew slightly longer and wider and wears new side air vents and a larger, more muscular-looking grille.
In terms of styling, this FX retains its mold-breaker status with curvy, muscular lines and a sleek silhouette. "FX is an iconic product for Infiniti. It shapes the brand's character and draws attention to the brand and those driving it," said Stefan Conrady, a senior manager of product planning.
FX35 and FX50 models are available. Thirty-five models get power from last year's 3.5-liter V6 retuned for 303-horsepower. Infiniti reps didn't rule out a possible jump in the future to the 3.7-liter V6 that powers the 2008 G37 coupe.
Up-level 50 models use a new 390-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Both are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission, Infiniti's first. Wheel size also grew for 2009. FX35 again comes standard with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, but FX50 is now shod in 21-inchers instead of 20s.
One oft-heard derided feature of the previous-generation FX was its stiff suspension and harsh ride. The tradeoff is handling response that puts FX at the head of the premium-midsize-SUV class. Like the previous generation, FX retains its poise and nimbleness on even the sharpest of switchbacks, but ride still suffers. In a test FX35 with 20-inch wheels, there was still much to complain about in this department. Roads with even the slightest of pavement imperfections induced a rough, choppy ride. Anything worse was jarring.
In terms of styling, the 2009 FX retains its mold-breaker status with curvy, muscular lines and a sleek silhouette.
More new-for-2009 options include a variety of vehicle safety and information systems that deliver an increased awareness of your surroundings and decrease the risk of crashing. In one case, the car may brake itself out of a collision all together.
Man vs. Machine
FX is now accepting applications for lazy and careless drivers. With systems like Lane Departure Prevention and Intelligent Brake Assist, being a distracted driver is no match for FX.
Yes, these systems can reduce your risk of crashing, but how far is too far? A handful of them actually step-in and relieve the driver of a certain degree of vehicle control, though most of these systems have to be engaged by the driver. Do these tools give drivers a heightened awareness of the road and traffic around them or a license to tune out and let the car do the heavy thinking?
Around View Monitoring: Around View Monitoring (AVM), first introduced on the new-for-2008 EX35, works like a rear-obstacle detection system, only four times as well. The system uses four cameras to display the entire circumference of the car's exterior on the navigation screen. Cameras are mounted in the rear license plate, in both side mirrors, and on the grille. All the angles can be viewed separately on the navigation screen or together as one cohesive image of the entire vehicle. If the driver gets too close to a stationary object in any direction, a warning is sounded.
Around View Monitoring uses four cameras to display the entire circumference of the car's exterior on the navigation screen.
Distance Control Assist: During low-speed, heavy-traffic situations, Distance Control Assist (DCA) releases the throttle and applies the brakes to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. In stop-and-go traffic, for example, DCA automatically applies the brake when the car ahead slows down. The driver can then depress the accelerator to get the car moving again. If the closing distance to a vehicle ahead of the FX decreases too rapidly, a warning tone will sound so the driver knows to hit the brakes. DCA uses the Intelligent Cruise Control sensors to measure the distance of the car ahead. It is part of the Technology Package and is an option on both FX35 and FX50 models.
Intelligent Brake Assist: IBA sounds a tone to alert the driver of a possible frontal collision if one seems imminent. If the vehicle is about to rear-end the car in front of it, the system activates FX's brakes in order to help reduce the crash severity. IBA is part of the Technology Package and is optional on both models.
Intelligent Cruise Control: ICC is an updated version of the previous generation's system. It combines the brakes, throttle sensor, and laser rangefinder with the cruise control system to maintain a set distance between the FX and the car in front of it. It operates in what Infiniti calls full speed range; from zero to 90 mph. ICC is part of the Technology Package and is optional on both models.
Lane Departure Prevention: A successor to Infiniti's current Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) goes one step further and actually takes action to correct the vehicle's direction if it crosses the center or shoulder lines on the road. It works by gauging where the vehicle is in relationship to the lines on the road. If it senses the vehicle going out of those lines at speeds above 45 miles an hour, a warning signal is sounded. If the vehicle drifts too far, slight brake pressure is applied and FX's stability control system is activated to bring it back inside the lane.
While helpful in cases of distracted driving, LDP can get annoying because it constantly makes its presence known in places where it's tough to stay within the lines, like narrow or curvy roads. Then again, it's not something you have to use. The driver must engage it when the car is started and it can be turned off anytime via a button on the steering wheel. LDP and LDW are part of the Technology Package and are optional on both models.
The 2009 Infiniti FX goes on sale in late June.
The Value Question
Full pricing was not available for this report but expect the next-generation FX to get a pretty significant bump in price. Infiniti officials indicated that V6-powered FX35 models should start around $41,000 and V8-powered FX50 models around $14,000 more. Current FX35 models start at $37,950 and 2008 FX45 models sticker for $50,000.
Infiniti needs a hit with the latest FX, and that might be tough in this sluggish economy as consumers reign in spending on luxury items. Slow sales tapered FX's numbers from 2,179 units sold in March of 2007 to just 1,323 units sold in March of 2008. Will cash-strapped, fuel-conscious consumers pay more for a more-powerful, luxury frill-filled FX? Wait and see--the 2009 Infiniti FX goes on sale in late June.
05.01.2008
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