Infiniti QX70

The Infiniti QX70, formerly the Infiniti FX until 2013, is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV marketed by Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division between 2002 and 2019 over two generations. The model replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size SUV. The model does not have a Nissan-branded equivalent, and was never sold in Japan.

First generation (S50; 2002)

The nameplates FX35 and FX45 refer to the two available engines. The FX35 is available in two drivetrains, the RWD and the AWD, which are both fitted to a dual overhead cam 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 VQ35DE gasoline engine, with aluminum-alloy block and heads, electronically controlled throttle system, and low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons that makes use of the continuous variable valve timing which in part optimizes the opening of intake valves. This is also coupled with an electronically controlled super-wide ratio five-speed automatic with a manumatic shift mode that includes the option of sequentially selected manual gearshifts and downshift rev-matching. The AWD FX45 incorporates a 4,494 cc 32-valve V8 DOHC VK45DE gasoline engine with four valves per cylinder, microfinished camshafts with aluminum-alloy block and heads, low-friction molybdenum-coated pistons, titanium intake and exhaust valves, modular cylinder heads, microfinished crankshaft, lightweight pistons, super-silent single stage cam drive chain, and a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System that optimizes opening of intake valves. Development began in 1999 under newly appointed CEO Carlos Ghosn's Nissan Revival Plan (NRP). Design work was completed in rapid succession in 2000, for late 2002 production. Designed prior to that, earlier on in 2000 under the "Bionic Cheetah" theme, the 2001 Infiniti FX45 Concept was introduced at the NAIAS in January 2001. From mid-2001, a new concept based on the production design was developed and completed in late 2001. Sketches were first released in late November 2001. The second-generation 2002 FX45 Concept was introduced in January 2002 at the NAIAS as a thinly-veiled production FX (S50) and planned production was announced for early 2003. In January 2003, the 2003 FX45 made its debut at the NAIAS and went on sale January 24, 2003.[3][4][5][6][7]

In 2003 for the 2004 model, changes were the addition of a standard eight-way power front passenger seat that replaced the previous four-way design, the availability of aluminum roof rails and chrome-plated 20-inch wheels. Also new were a dark silver metallic finish for the 20-inch wheels (non-chrome-plated), the addition of a standard HVAC filter for all models and the addition of a new Snow-Mode function.[8][9]

In September 2004 for the 2005 model year, the FX range received enhancements such as a lane departure warning (LDW) system that helps alert drivers to an unintended movement of the vehicle out of a designated traffic lane. Infiniti's system monitored the lane markings to alert passengers via an audible buzzer that the driver is drifting unintentionally. The LDW system utilizes a small camera, speed sensor, an indicator, and an audible warning buzzer. The 2005 FX was the first passenger vehicle to offer a lane departure warning system in the United States market.[10] In addition to LDW, the 2005 FX range was now equipped with standard roof-mounted curtain supplemental curtain airbags with rollover protection for front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Other changes included the addition of a dark chrome grille, headlight, and clear taillight accents to the FX45 (also available as part of the V6 Sport Package on FX35 models), a new key fob design for the Infiniti Intelligent Key system, and two new exterior colors, Sapphire and Sheer Platinum. Interior changes included a new standard etched aluminum trim.[9][11] The FX series was updated for the 2006 model year with new options and standard features. The updates included an exterior facelift with a new grille, bumper, wheel design, and three new exterior colors, and inside a revised center console with a new color screen. Many previously optional features were made standard, including the 300-watt Bose audio system, RearView Monitor, 7-inch color display, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, ten-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support and eight-way power passenger's seat.

The FX45 featured additional upgrades, including new 20-inch wheels, leather seats, a revised sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension with new dampers, a Bluetooth system, and the Premium Package became standard. Sales began in January 2006, after production commenced in November 2005. Production of the first generation FX ended in February 2008.

FX35: [12]

FX45: [13] Total 2007 sales of the FX45 were 1,598 units, about a tenth of the FX35s.[14]

• Performance

• 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
• 0-100 mph: 17.5 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 15.3 seconds at 91.0 mph
• 200 ft Skidpad: 0.79 g
• Top speed: 143 mph (drag limited)

• 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds
• 0-100 mph: 16.5 seconds
• 1/4 mile: 14.6 seconds at 96.1 mph
• 200 ft Skidpad: 0.82 g
• Top speed: 149 mph (electronically limited)

Second generation (S51; 2008)

The FX introduced its second generation for the 2009 model year as the FX35 and FX50.

Safety

Production

All vehicles were built at Nissan Motor Company's plant in Tochigi, Japan. Between 2013 and 2014, they were also built at Nissan Motor Company's plant in Shushari, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.

External links

• Official Infiniti USA QX70 homepage