The INFINITI FX, INFINITI’s dramatic premium crossover SUV, enters 2007 with minor changes to its already long list of luxury and technology features. A new 18” wheel colour change from Silver to Titanium in the FX35 model and standard power folding outside mirrors on the FX45 model. The FX features a 300-watt Bose® audio system, RearView Monitor, 7-inch colour display Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) and more. The 2007 FX35 has standard leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and 8-way power passenger’s seat. Additional features include driver’s seat memory and power tilt/telescope steering wheel.
The FX is again available in both FX45 and FX35 designations. The all-wheel drive FX45 comes with a standard 320-horsepower 4.5-litre DOHC V8 and includes new 20-inch wheels and tires, leather-appointed seats and a revised sport-tuned 4-wheel independent suspension with new dampers. The FX35 features a 275-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 and also comes standard with all-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 with Preview Braking.
"Since its introduction, the FX has been a leader in style, performance, utility and innovation,” said Ian Forsyth, director, marketing, INFINITI Division.
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 on FX35, 20-inch on FX45). The wide yet narrow headlights and taillights give the FX an "in-motion" look, with the taillights extending past the body slightly to help create aerodynamic downforce. The exterior design also includes a large INFINITI signature grille, standard fog lights, bi-xenon headlights and large, split dual tailpipes with chrome finishers.
For 2007, the FX features a new grille, front bumper and wheel design. Polished aluminum roof rails are now standard on the FX45 and black roof rails are standard on the FX35.
All FX models utilize a modified version of the advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle. This results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 52:48, which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers, such as entering and exiting corners.
A Choice of Two Confidence-Inspiring Engines
Two engines are available again in 2007, starting with the high-performance power of the 4.5-litre DOHC V8. This advanced powerplant, also used in the M45, 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.
Also offered is a 3.5-litre 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 as 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. A special Snow-Mode function changes the throttle input algorithm in low-speed slippery road conditions (once activated by the driver) for enhanced traction control.
INFINITI’s advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction Control System is also standard on every 2007 FX. 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 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.
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 the FX 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 seating surfaces with driver seat memory and power lumbar, heated front seats and power tilt/telescope steering wheel are standard. In front is a driver-dedicated automatic air conditioning, 7-inch information display colour monitor and a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with illuminated integrated cruise and standard steering wheel-mounted audio system controls.
Available rear seat passenger features include personal reading lamps, centre 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.
The FX features standard sunroof, HomeLink® Universal Garage Door Opener (UGDO), auto on/off headlamps, Intelligent Key and Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System. The FX45 adds wood and aluminum trim, aluminum roof rails and cargo net and cover, and power folding outside mirrors.
The RearView Monitor projects a view of what's behind the FX onto the display monitor using a small camera mounted near the rear license plate (the system operates only when reverse gear is selected).
The Intelligent Key has the same functions as remote entry systems, including panic alarm and selective unlock mode and answer back.
Advanced Safety Features Including LDW
The FX’s available 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 72 kph. 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.
The INFINITI LDW system is also available on the M sedans.
Other safety features found on every 2007 include 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 seat 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 the deceleration g-force and simultaneously helping minimize cabin deformation, especially in the lower leg area. In offset impacts, the strong 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 two engine configurations: the V8-powered AWD FX45 and the V6-powered AWD FX35.
The Technology Package (available on both models) adds the INFINITI Navigation System, INFINITI DVD Entertainment System with a 7 inch LCD monitor and the Lane Departure Warning system.