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Revealed: 2009 Infiniti FX50

 
8 2,336 views Mar 4, 2008

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Revealed: 2009 Infiniti FX50

Revealed: 2009 Infiniti FX50

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On the eve of Infiniti’s launch in Western Europe, Nissan’s luxury division has presented the second-generation Infiniti FX SUV powered by an all-new 5.0L V8 engine. Debuting in flagship FX50 form, the new V8 develops a peak output of 390hp and 500Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and ATTESA-E TS intelligent AWD system.

Compared with the previous model, the new 2009 version features a 35mm longer wheelbase and a 50mm wider track. The SUV also gets a revised suspension set-up with active damping control and rear active steering, and being based on Nissan’s FM platform the new FX also benefits from a 54-46 split weight distribution - not bad for a V8 SUV.

Additional development was undertaken to reduce weight and enhance body strength. For example, the FX’s aluminum front and rear door panels, which have the same strength and stiffness of conventional steel doors, are 20 kilograms lighter all up than the previous model. In fact, the FX50’s body weighs 90kg less than its predecessor but is 1.6 times more resistant to twisting and 3.4 times more resistant to bending.

Standard features of the car include 21in alloy wheels shod with 265mm performance tires, fog lamps and Bi-Xenon headlights, a DVD based navigation system, Around View Monitor parking aid, self-healing scratch resistant paint, and a Bose stereo.

The new Infiniti FX50 will be available in North America in June and will reach European showrooms by October. The V8 model will be joined by a V6 version, likely to be Nissan’s new 3.7L unit from the Infiniti G37 and EX37 models, later in the year.
2009 Infiniti FX50 SUV

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Comments (8)

  1. By Sir Yappie Posted: 3/4/2008 6:15pm PST

    i wont hold my breath in getting this to Australia.
    They would have a market for this type of car what with Lexus, Range Rover, Porsche, VW gettign strong sales of exec SUVs
     
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  2. By Gigan Posted: 3/4/2008 6:34pm PST

    390hp? I guess the HP wars aren't over just yet ...
     
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  3. By HECTOR Posted: 3/4/2008 7:13pm PST

    I guess they didn't think it was necessary to make the passenger view pleasant if one is to judge by that large expanse of empty dashboard in front of him.

    The (almost) certainly fake side vents are a study in how to add tackiness to a car. They're almost as ugly and unnecessary as those 3 side vents on the Buicks.

    And finally, can anyone tell me if they bothered to put independent turn signals in the back or if they're still using the brake lights a la Grand Marquis?
     
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  4. By Ivan Posted: 3/4/2008 11:22pm PST

    I have to agree side vents look really out of place. At least shape them to compliment car, but not to stick out. I think side vents from Land Rover Sport would look better here.
     
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  5. By CraigS Posted: 3/5/2008 7:59am PST

    Overall I like the look of the new FX. All they need to do is bring a model out with a nice turbo diesel and I'd consider it.
     
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  6. By KanosWRX Posted: 3/5/2008 9:09am PST

    Not impressed at all It looks like they made a stop in Mexico added some chrome and stretched it in all the wrong places. The previous gen looked much cleaner and better in my opinion. Everything just looks out of place and thrown together last minute. The ex35 is a much better looking car I think.
     
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  7. By New Cars Nutter Posted: 3/5/2008 1:48pm PST

    For an SUV this looks pretty slick.
     
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  8. By Chris Posted: 3/5/2008 3:05pm PST

    I think in this redesign they were going for a more aggressive look and they definitely achieved it.
    Also, the nose isnt any longer. The length of the vehicles has stayed the same as the previous one, the front end is just squished down and sleeker.

    I personally like the new look...

    Oo and the side vents are functional!

    not like the phony 08 escalades...
     
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