Infiniti FX: the bionic cheetah crossover

The Infiniti FX was a mid-size luxury crossover sold from 2002 to 2013 over two generations. It replaced the QX4 in Infiniti’s range, had no Nissan-branded equivalent and was never sold in Japan; in 2013 its name changed to QX70.

Infiniti FX at a glance

Based on one source: the English Wikipedia article on the Infiniti QX70, which covers the FX.

History of the Infiniti FX

First generation (S50; 2002)

The FX grew out of the 2001 Infiniti FX45 concept, a show car built around the “Bionic Cheetah” theme and shown at the North American International Auto Show in January 2001. A second, production-based concept followed in January 2002, and the production FX45 made its debut at the same show in January 2003, going on sale on 24 January 2003. The two nameplates stood for the engines: the FX35 used a 3.5-litre V6 VQ35DE in rear- or all-wheel drive, and the FX45 a 4.5-litre V8 VK45DE. Both came with a five-speed automatic with manumatic shifting and downshift rev-matching.

The 2005 model was the first passenger vehicle in the United States to offer a lane departure warning system. For 2006 the range was facelifted with a new grille, bumpers and wheels, a revised centre console and more standard equipment, including a 300-watt Bose audio system and a RearView Monitor. Production of the first generation ended in February 2008. The FX45 was the rarer car: in 2007 it found 1,598 buyers, about a tenth of the FX35’s total.

Second generation (S51; 2008)

The redesigned FX for the 2009 model year was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on 4 March 2008 and went on sale in June 2008. The V6 car stayed an FX35, now with the VQ35HR engine, while the V8 was renamed FX50 for its new 5.0-litre VK50VE. The body kept some of the first generation’s “giant scarab” profile and gained longer, shark-like headlights, a large trapezoidal grille with horizontal dark-chrome waves and functional side air vents.

Design and features

• Bionic Cheetah styling: the shape came from a 2001 concept and survived into the second generation as the “giant scarab” profile.
• V8 power: the FX45 and later FX50 used large V8s in a class where six-cylinder engines were the norm.
• Lane departure warning: the 2005 FX was the first passenger car in the United States to offer it.
• No Japanese sales: the FX had no Nissan-badged twin and was never marketed in Japan.

Infiniti FX versions

• FX35 (2002–2008): 3.5-litre V6, rear- or all-wheel drive.
• FX45 (2002–2008): 4.5-litre V8, about a tenth of FX sales.
• FX35 (2008–2013): second-generation V6 with the VQ35HR engine.
• FX50 (2008–2013): 5.0-litre V8 VK50VE.
• QX70 (from 2013): the same car under the new naming.

The FX replaced the QX4, shared its platform family with the Infiniti EX, and in 2013 became the QX70. More cars are in the Infiniti collection.

Video: Infiniti FX vs. Porsche Cayenne – Angriff aus dem Nichts

Video by AUTO BILD on YouTube.

Sources

• Infiniti QX70, English Wikipedia: two generations, engines, design, equipment