The FX35 is all-new for the 2009 model year, the makeover gives it new styling, a new engine, and a new transmission. The 2009 Infiniti FX35 is the second generation of this performance crossover SUV from the luxury division of Nissan. The FX35 still has the V6 engine, but it has changed significantly, and also gets a new seven-speed automatic transmission to go with it. Based on the same platform as the Nissan 300ZX and Infiniti G37 sports cars, the Infiniti FX is a rear-wheel-drive based vehicle. You would think that the FX is just a luxury version of the Nissan Murano, but they have nothing in common. The Murano is a front-wheel-drive vehicle built on an entirely different platform.
I test drove an FX35 ($42,350) with the all-wheel drive system that most buyers in Denver would want instead of rear wheel. The all-wheel-drive system works flawlessly without any driver input; it puts power to the ground in the most efficient manner and after that the traction control takes over. With 7 inches of ground clearance, the FX35 is not designed for off-road travel, but will do fine on most Colorado roads. The all-wheel-drive models with the V6 engine are rated for towing 2000 pounds. The 3.5 liter V6 DOHC engine produces a healthy 303 horsepower and 262 ft lbs of torque. At 7000 rpm, the FX35 will reach 60 mph in just a little over 6 seconds, even with all-wheel drive. The FX is fast and offers sporty handling on windy mountain roads near Denver. The new seven-speed automatic does everything as promised, with quick gear changes up or down that handled spirited driving and also was smooth at lower speeds.. It offers downshift rev-matching for smoothness, a snow mode, two overdrive ratios for highway cruising, and improved mileage ratings in spite of the added power from the previous model (16/21 city/highway). The transmission can be operated in manual mode and will not downshift automatically even under full acceleration. Because the FX35 is based on the same platform as the Nissan 300ZX and Infiniti G37 sports cars, the FX is essentially a car with more ground clearance. The FX rides firmly, more like a sport sedan than a crossover or an SUV and the ride isn't jarring or stiff unless it's a really bad road.
The 2009 Infiniti FX cabin is very nicely finished. The FX offers the same front seating room as most midsize sedans with a broad back seat with ample legroom for adults. The back seats fold down flat and will give enough cargo room for two large suitcases. My tester came with the optional ($2,350) premium-package with nicely stitched leather, stained Maple wood, and climate controlled front seats. The FX comes loaded and if it isn't standard, it's probably available. Standard features include moonroof, bi-xenon headlamps, power hatch closure, and XM radio. Every FX comes with power leather seats, leather shifter and tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, dual-zone climate control, split-folding and reclining rear seats, moonroof, power heated folding mirrors with puddle lights, power door locks/windows, power hatch closure, automatic bi-xenon headlamps, fog lamps, rear privacy glass, dark chrome grille, Intelligent key, illuminated mirror visors with extensions, stainless logo scuff plates, HomeLink, Bose audio system (300 watts, dual subwoofers, MP3, XM), rear-view monitor, variable/fixed intermittent front/rear wipers, trip computer, and space-saver spare tire. Infiniti FX35 comes with a 6CD changer which reverts to single CD when navigation is ordered, and 18-inch alloy wheels. FX35-specific options include 20-inch wheels with all-season tires and matte-finish roof rails.
The Technology Package ($2,900) includes lane departure warning/prevention systems, adaptive headlamps, nine-inch LCD DVD rear-entertainment system, intelligent cruise control with distance control, pre-crash belts, brake assist, rain-sensing wipers These include IBA Off (intelligent brake assist), VDC Off (electronic stability control), DCA (distance control alert), FCW/LCW, AFS on/off (adaptive headlights that follow the road with steering input), and mirror adjustment and fold switches. The system recognizes voice for climate, audio, phone, and navigation, the latter run by a hard-disc drive and offering XM real-time traffic data on screen.
The Infiniti FX is a stylish crossover sport-utility, loaded with amenities, and sporty performance at a decent price. In the FX35, you will look good and have the power to get where you are going quickly and comfortably.
Denis & his wife Jeanie own the Mountain Man store in downtown Evergreen