2004 Infiniti FX45 in Morristown, TN - $0

Different. Effective. Cool. And built to stay that way! With much fanfare, the resurgent Infiniti marque introduced the FX45 Premium Crossover SUV to journalists in Palm Springs at the beginning of the year. With an advertising tag line which boasts "twice the sport, all the utility," Infiniti has developed a fast-moving, agile handling, uniquely designed ground-based rocketship designed for the "Modern Maverick."

Spending some quality time in the mountains and across the desert floor proves that the FX45 is the vehicle to drive when it is inconvenient to drive a Harley! According to the Infiniti brass, the V-8 powered FX45 (and its V6 sibling, the FX35), are the embodiment of the direction and evolving soul of the Infiniti brand.

Sleek, smooth, quiet, powerful and responsive, the FX is a study of timeless beauty in sheetmetal. The underpinnings of the FX starts with an enhanced version of the FM (Front Midship) platform -- not a fancy version of the Nissan Murano on the FF-L platform! The FM platform, shared with the sporty G35 coupe/sedan and the awesome Nissan 350Z coupe, received rigidity improvements to handle the increased weight and torque demands of the FX SUV.

The result of the intelligent engineering incorporated into the FX is the ability to go toe-to-toe with a new BMW 7-Series sedan in uh... low triple digits on a desert highway! (That is all I am saying publicly!) Superb handling and stability are possible as a result of the rigid chassis.

Suspension hardware can then be easily tuned for both optimum performance and a comfortable ride. Throttle-by-wire technology eliminates mechanical cables and rods -- allowing Infiniti engineers to literally "dial in" the exact amount of throttle response from rest and at speed.

Power for the FX45 is supplied by a sophisticated and refined 4.5L V8 engine. The FX35 is propelled by a version of the award winning VQ35 3.5L V6 motor. Both engines are mounted longitudinally for optimal weight distribution and control. A five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard for both models. V6 models are offered in both rear-wheel and full-time all-wheel drive. V8 models are offered in full-time all-wheel drive mode only.

Interior appointments reflect first rate accommodations! Comfortable seating and creature comforts galore spoil driver and passengers! The display pod moves with the steering wheel (like the G35) so the driver always has an unencumbered view. Although the center stack was a bit busy with controls, it is not enough to make time in the FX any less exciting.

By the time this article is published, local Infiniti dealers will have several FX SUVs in stock. The automaker is forecasting sales of 30,000 units for the 2003 calendar year. Be sure to check it out!

Quick vehicle stats

Wheelbase: 112.2; overall length: 189.1; width 75.8, height: 65.0 -- measurements in inches

Engine: VQ35 3.5L DOHC 3.5L V6; VK45 4.5L DOHC 4.5L V8

Transmission: electronically controlled five-speed automatic with manual shift mode

Cargo capacity: 27.4 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags, vehicle dynamic control, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and vehicle immobilizer

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