Power to spare
Beyond a fresh new exterior, Infiniti is banking on a revised V8 engine to attract customers. And believe me when I tell you that there are more horses under the hood of this full-size SUV than in the many stables of Churchill Downs!
While displacement stays put, the engine now benefits from direct injection and variable valve timing. Output is up from 320 to 400 horsepower and the automatic transmission boasts seven gears instead of five, which improves fuel economy. The automaker gives the new QX56 a combined city-highway rating of 13.2 L/100 km, although my tester averaged 14.7 L/100 km.
Will typical full-size SUV buyers care at all? Probably not. They’ll be more interested in the upgraded powertrain’s flexibility, takeoffs and accelerations as well as the generally-pleasant driving experience it provides.
That being said, most QX owners won’t even think about the manual mode of the autobox, either. Therefore, Nissan chose not to include paddle shifters on the steering wheel even though any self-respecting luxury vehicle should have some.
On another note, these same drivers, whether they’re horsemen or family men, will rejoice in its massive towing capacity, which amounts to 3,856 kilos (8,500 pounds).
Smooth like a flying carpet!
The 2011 Infiniti QX56 features a fully-independent suspension with stabilizer bars and automatic self-leveling in the back. Even better, the available Technology Package ($8,000) adds a sophisticated new system called Hydraulic Body Motion Control.
Using hydraulic cylinders in conjunction with the regular shock absorbers, this system modulates ride stiffness and reduces body roll in surprising fashion. It also flattens bumps and potholes to improve comfort on the road. The resulting ride feels so smooth, actually, that I barely noticed the weight of this mastodon!
Beyond a fresh new exterior, Infiniti is banking on a revised V8 engine to attract customers. And believe me when I tell you that there are more horses under the hood of this full-size SUV than in the many stables of Churchill Downs!
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| The vehicle’s name may sound a bit odd, but it should be noted that the letter "Q" has been part of Infiniti’s vocabulary since the 1989 Q45. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
While displacement stays put, the engine now benefits from direct injection and variable valve timing. Output is up from 320 to 400 horsepower and the automatic transmission boasts seven gears instead of five, which improves fuel economy. The automaker gives the new QX56 a combined city-highway rating of 13.2 L/100 km, although my tester averaged 14.7 L/100 km.
Will typical full-size SUV buyers care at all? Probably not. They’ll be more interested in the upgraded powertrain’s flexibility, takeoffs and accelerations as well as the generally-pleasant driving experience it provides.
That being said, most QX owners won’t even think about the manual mode of the autobox, either. Therefore, Nissan chose not to include paddle shifters on the steering wheel even though any self-respecting luxury vehicle should have some.
On another note, these same drivers, whether they’re horsemen or family men, will rejoice in its massive towing capacity, which amounts to 3,856 kilos (8,500 pounds).
Smooth like a flying carpet!
The 2011 Infiniti QX56 features a fully-independent suspension with stabilizer bars and automatic self-leveling in the back. Even better, the available Technology Package ($8,000) adds a sophisticated new system called Hydraulic Body Motion Control.
Using hydraulic cylinders in conjunction with the regular shock absorbers, this system modulates ride stiffness and reduces body roll in surprising fashion. It also flattens bumps and potholes to improve comfort on the road. The resulting ride feels so smooth, actually, that I barely noticed the weight of this mastodon!
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| Twenty-inch alloy wheels come standard, although you can specify 22s. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |