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SAN DIEGO – Introduced in 2003, the Infiniti FX was an industry first as a fast and sleek cross/utility vehicle that emphasized sporty over utility.
“It was a breakthrough; there was nothing else like it at the time in that segment,” says John Weiner, director-product planning for Nissan North America Inc.’s Infiniti luxury division.
The FX was fast. And as a style statement featuring curvy lines, it looked more like a sports car than a typical CUV or SUV with a 2-box design.
But one drawback was the FX had the rough ride of a sports car, bumping along on uneven road surfaces. “Clearly it was a customer area we had to address,” Weiner says.
So, the redesigned ’09 FX features a smoother ride and higher level of impact absorption, due to a refined 4-wheel independent suspension with front double-wishbone and rear multi-link designs.
The new FX also is sleeker and more powerful.
The wheelbase has been stretched 1.4 ins. (3.5 cm), with the front wheels moved forward and out for a more pronounced stance. Other sports-car cues include a long hood, short overhangs and low center of gravity.
A creased profile line across the side metal is new. So are side air vents that are functional to meet European standards, not just for show.
