Infiniti QX70 Details, Photos and Videos

The Infiniti QX70 (formerly called the Infiniti FX until 2013) is a mid-size luxury SUV produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury vehicle brand between the 2003-2017 model year. The FX replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size SUV. It shares the same FM platform as the rear-wheel drive Nissan 370Z, and it "made no claims of climbing mountains." Rather, its aggressive shape promised style and quick handling. The similarly sized Nissan Murano is based on the same D platform as the front-wheel drive Nissan Altima. The FX does not have Nissan-branded equivalent, and is not sold in Japan.

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

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 4.5-liter (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 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 '02 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 2003 NAIAS and went on sale January 24, 2003.

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.

In September 2004 for the 2005 model year, the FX range received enhancements such as 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, which utilize a small camera, speed sensor, an indicator and an audible warning buzzer, was offered on models. The Infiniti FX was the first passenger vehicle to offer a lane departure warning system in the United States market. In addition to LDW, the 2005 Infiniti FX range was now equipped with standard roof-mounted curtain supplemental curtain air bags with rollover protection for front and rear outboard seat occupants.

Other changes included the addition of 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.

Total 2007 sales of the FX45 were 1,598 units, about a tenth of the FX35s.

The FX series was updated for the 2006 model year with new options and standard features. The updates included an exterior facelift with new grille, bumper, wheel design and three new exterior colors, and inside a revised center console with new color screen. Many features previously optional 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-appointed 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 commencement in November 2005. Production of the S50 ended in February 2008.

Fx35:

FX45:

The redesigned 2009 Infiniti FX was officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2008, and went on sale in June 2008. The V6 model was still called FX35 with the VQ35HR V6, but the V8 model was renamed FX50 in recognition of its 5-liter engine, the newly developed VK50VE.

The exterior retained some of the first generation's "Bionic Cheetah" look and "giant scarab" profile, while incorporating new styling cues. Features of the new design included longer, shark-like sculpted headlights, a large trapezoidal grille filled with horizontal dark-chrome waves, and functional side air vents. The overall size and dimensions of the new model, both external and internal, remained similar to the previous model.

The interior was completely redesigned to bring the FX up to the level of luxury found inside of other Infiniti models like the G37 and EX35. Features included stitched leather seats, stained maple wood or piano black finishes, and matte-finish surfaces.

Front suspension was a new double-wishbone design, similar to that found on the G37 and EX35; this replaced the previous generation FX's front strut-type suspension. The suspension's upper and lower A-arms were designed to improve control of a wheel's motion, especially when the suspension compresses and extends, providing more travel than the previous strut design. The body was also designed to be 1.6 times more torsionally rigid and 3.4 times more resistant to bending than the previous model. All Wheel Drive (AWD) was standard, and notably, Infiniti's AWD system always engages a 50:50 power split when stationary, ensuring maximum off-the line traction at all times. Up to 100 percent of the engines power can be sent to the rear wheels when needed, with a maximum of 50 percent available to the front.

A Europe-specific FX37 was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and went on sale in Europe in October, 2008 with the VQ37VHR. Europeans get the 325-hp FX37 as their entry level model instead of the FX35, which will be available in FX37 GT and FX37S versions. The FX37 GT came equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, power and heated/ventilated front seats, adaptive xenon headlamps, parking camera sensors, all-wheel-drive, and a 7-speed automatic with paddle shifting. The FX37S added 21-inch alloy wheels, Continuous Damping Control, and sports seats.

A Europe-specific FX30d was released in late 2010, powered by a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel V9X Engine. The engine was developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance, and will also power the EX and M models.

This engine, which is the first diesel in Infiniti's history, was specifically designed to deliver high levels of refined performance in line with Infiniti philosophy. Although a V8 diesel engine was entertained, the V6 format was selected early on as the ideal layout for the unit, providing the optimum balance between overall performance and refinement.

The engine produces a total of 240 hp (179 kW) and 406 lb⋅ft (550 N⋅m) of torque. Peak torque can be achieved from as low as 1,750 rpm and is available all the way to 2,500 rpm, while as much as 370 lb⋅ft (500 N⋅m) is available from a mere 1,500 rpm. Idle speed is an exceptionally low 650 rpm with none of the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) usually associated with a diesel.

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