Technical
As the names FX35 and FX45 would indicate, there are two different engines offered. The base 35 gets its name from the 3.5L V6 shared with
many other Infinitis. In this package, it puts out 280 hp at 6 200 rpm and 270 lb/ft of torque at 4 800 rpm. The 45 inherits the potent 4.5L V8 and it pounds the pavement with 315 hp at 6 400 rpm and 329 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. Both engines feature continuously variable valve timing control and dual overhead cams. A 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual mode is all that is available. They also get Nissan's ATTESA E-TS electronically controlled AWD system. The suspension is fully independent and stopping is managed by 4-wheel vented discs. Standard tire size is P265/60R18 with 18" wheels. Optional on the FX35 and standard on the FX45 are P265/50R20 tires on 20" wheels.
On the road
What else can one say about a 4.5L V8 that growls like a caged lion and that propulses a nearly 2 000 kg vehicle as though it weighed half as much? Power is phenomenal and delivery is strong throughout the rev band. The 5-speed automatic shifts crisply and knowingly. It has an adaptive logic that basically adapts to the driver's habits. Of course, there is a penalty to pay for so much performance. In the best of times, I was averaging 14.5L / 100 km. In the worst of times, the FX was chugging well over 20 L / 100 km. My returned average for nearly a 1 000 km test was 17.5L / 100 km.
The brakes are not at the same level as the powertrain. Initial bite from the pads on the discs is timid and the firm pedal requires a fair amount of sustained pressure in hard stopping situations. Steering is impressively sharp and precise. Turn-in is decisive and nicely communicative.
The ride of the FX is a poorly sorted out affair. On a smooth highway, the super-fat tires are gripping the tarmac and refusing to let go. Sharp curves do nothing to hamper the tire's and suspension's determination. Over any type of surface imperfection though, the FX looses every semblance of control. The suspension is over-taut and travel is very limited. The comfort level is deeply affected. However, for someone who lives in a newer area with nice roads or in the USA for example, will find the FX's handling to be nothing short of impressive.
The cabin is well isolated from road noises and disturbances however tire hum does make its way into the passenger quarters. The AWD system can vary torque split from 100% rear to a 50/50 division. The transfer of power is done without driver input and is seamless.
Of the many gadgets found in the FX45, the lane departure warning system is the most superfluous. Its usefulness is quite questionable as I suspect that most drivers will turn the system off the moment the alarm goes off to warn the driver. This is why Infiniti decided to make the device
function by default. If it was up to the driver to turn it on, it would never be "en marche". The intelligent cruise on the other hand is a great tool for cruising. By presetting the desired minimal distance between vehicles and setting the system, this is as close to "Auto-pilot" as we should ever get. The laser guided procedure will automatically slow down the FX as another vehicle approaches, at a rapid rate if need be, and then pick up speed when the obstacle is no longer in the line of fire. The most difficult thing to do at first is to trust that the computer will sufficiently slow down the FX... I am still alive today therefore I can say that it works well.
As the names FX35 and FX45 would indicate, there are two different engines offered. The base 35 gets its name from the 3.5L V6 shared with
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On the road
What else can one say about a 4.5L V8 that growls like a caged lion and that propulses a nearly 2 000 kg vehicle as though it weighed half as much? Power is phenomenal and delivery is strong throughout the rev band. The 5-speed automatic shifts crisply and knowingly. It has an adaptive logic that basically adapts to the driver's habits. Of course, there is a penalty to pay for so much performance. In the best of times, I was averaging 14.5L / 100 km. In the worst of times, the FX was chugging well over 20 L / 100 km. My returned average for nearly a 1 000 km test was 17.5L / 100 km.
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The ride of the FX is a poorly sorted out affair. On a smooth highway, the super-fat tires are gripping the tarmac and refusing to let go. Sharp curves do nothing to hamper the tire's and suspension's determination. Over any type of surface imperfection though, the FX looses every semblance of control. The suspension is over-taut and travel is very limited. The comfort level is deeply affected. However, for someone who lives in a newer area with nice roads or in the USA for example, will find the FX's handling to be nothing short of impressive.
The cabin is well isolated from road noises and disturbances however tire hum does make its way into the passenger quarters. The AWD system can vary torque split from 100% rear to a 50/50 division. The transfer of power is done without driver input and is seamless.
Of the many gadgets found in the FX45, the lane departure warning system is the most superfluous. Its usefulness is quite questionable as I suspect that most drivers will turn the system off the moment the alarm goes off to warn the driver. This is why Infiniti decided to make the device
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