The Infiniti FX, Infiniti's iconic performance crossover, enters the
2012 model year with big news - a revised front grille and front fascia
design, revised meter illumination, standard heated front seats on
all models and the addition of the new Limited Edition Infiniti FX35 AWD model.
Based upon the Infiniti FX35 All-Wheel Drive model, the Limited Edition features an available exclusive
Iridium
Blue exterior color, 21-inch 10-spoke aluminum-alloy graphite finish
wheels with P265/45R21 V-rated all-season tires, dark tinted
headlights with Adaptive Front
lighting System (AFS) and auto-leveling, and dark tinted side air vents and lower door trim. Other Limited Edition features include
aluminum roof rails and roof rail crossbars with graphite finish, aluminum pedals, graphite
floor mats with unique blue piping, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View® Monitor (AVM) and much more.
Other 2012 enhancements include a new exterior color, Graphite Shadow
(replaces Platinum Graphite), a new 20-inch wheel design for the FX35
Deluxe Touring Package, and a shift of the quilted leather
climate-controlled front seats to the FX35 Deluxe Touring Package from
the Premium Package.
One of those rare vehicles that is equally intriguing whether in motion
or standing still, the Infiniti FX is again available with a choice
of a 390-horsepower 5.0-liter 32-valve DOHC V8 engine with VVEL
(Variable Valve Event & Lift) or with a 303-horsepower 3.5-liter
24-valve DOHC V6 engine. Both engines are paired with a standard
7-speed automatic transmission featuring Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).
The FX is also offered with Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (standard FX35
Limited Edition and FX50), double-wishbone front/multi-link rear
suspension and large 4-wheel disc brakes, along with available
Continuous Damping Control (CDC®), Rear Active Steer, Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA) and 21-inch lightweight aluminum-alloy wheels.
As a showcase of Infiniti's groundbreaking technology capabilities, the
FX offers available Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), Distance Control
Assist (DCA), Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), and the
Around View® Monitor (AVM) - which provides a virtual 360° view of
objects around the vehicle, helping to maneuver it in tight spots.
The 2012 FX is offered in four models: FX50 AWD with 5.0-liter V8, Infiniti FX35
AWD with 3.5-liter V6, FX35 RWD with 3.5-liter V6, and FX Limited
Edition with 3.5-liter V6. Also offered is a range of special
equipment packages: Premium Package, Deluxe Touring Package, Technology
Package and Sport Package.
A Revised Front End Appearance
Since the introduction of the original FX design in 2003, FX's
aggressive styling has served notice of its performance underpinnings
with its long hood, stretched wheelbase, short front and rear
overhangs. The design's distinctive side air vents, located behind the
front wheels, allow air to flow through the engine compartment and
out the side of the vehicle, reducing front end lift. For 2012, FX
receives a bold new front grille and fascia design with an influence
from the stunning Infiniti Essence Concept.
"The changes to the FX front end styling for 2012 further distinguish
it from those vehicles that have chased after its design leadership
for the past eight years," said Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben
Poore. "FX's performance has always kept it ahead of the pack and once
again its design does so too.
FX's pronounced performance appearance also features fog lamps and
iconic High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights.
The aggressive silhouette is highlighted by a strong front-to-rear
shoulder line, tight greenhouse, kicked-back roofline and integrated
rear spoiler.
The large LED taillights extend beyond the body, helping create aerodynamic downforce, while large dual exhaust
outlets with chrome finishers cap the action-ready appearance.
The 2012 Infiniti FX is offered in eight exterior colors: Graphite
Shadow (new for 2012), Malbec Black, Umbria Twilight, Liquid Platinum,
Black Obsidian, Midnight Mocha, Moonlight White and exclusive Iridium Blue (Infiniti FX35 Limited Edition only).
Under FX's polished, assertive styling is an equally advanced body
structure, offering room for five adults and the capacity to hold four
full-size
golf bags. FX
utilizes the rigid FM (for Front Midship) platform architecture, with a
balanced front-to-rear weight distribution to help provide
exceptional handling performance. Efforts were taken to reduce weight,
including the use of aluminum doors and hood, and enhance body
strength.
The Infiniti FX's interior includes a command center-style cockpit
designed to enhance the driving experience. The leather-appointed front
seats offer 10-way driver's side/8-way passenger side power
adjustments and are available with a heating and cooling function for
maximum comfort in any season. Heated front seats are now standard on
all FX models. The available driver's sport seat adds power-adjustable
side bolsters and a manual thigh extension. The high-tech interior
design includes an Infiniti signature double-wave instrument panel and
Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges. For 2012, meter illumination
adds a more pronounced white appearance.
Also available is an automatic driving position system, which moves the
steering wheel and outside mirrors adaptively into the correct
position when the seat is adjusted - allowing the driver to change the
seat position and keep the same mirror viewpoint and relationship
between the steering column and driver's shoulder position. The FX
interior's array of comfort and convenience equipment ranges from a
leather-wrapped steering wheel and
shift knob to dual front and rear cupholders, four 12-volt power outlets, power
windows with front one-touch auto-up/down function, power door locks and available tonneau cover and aluminum pedal accents.
Hospitality features include the Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push
Button Ignition and Sequential Welcome Lighting Illuminated Entry
system that starts with turning on the outside mirror courtesy lights
as the driver approaches the FX and continues to light key areas as
driver and passengers settle into the interior. Three available
interior colors are offered: Wheat, Graphite and Java.
Standard on FX50 is the Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with
auto-recirculation, Grape Polyphenol and Plasmacluster™ air purifier
that reduces interior airborne contaminants. The system includes a
"Clean Mode," which uses ionization to reduce unwanted airborne
particles. An "Ion Mode" creates a high concentration of negative ions
to impart a freshness and crispness to the air, similar to what people
experience after a thunderstorm or near a waterfall. This system
utilizes a filter using fiber impregnated with natural grape seed
polyphenol, which has the ability to reduce allergens that conventional
filters cannot remove due to their incredibly small size (0.3 to 0.5
microns).
The FX comes equipped with an advanced Bose® Premium Audio system,
acoustically engineered to optimize sound within the FX's interior. It
features 11-speakers, an AM/FM/CD player and USB connection port for
iPod® Interface and other compatible devices. Also standard are XM®
Satellite Radio (XM® subscription required, sold separately), diversity
antenna and steering wheel-mounted remote audio controls.
The advanced Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System - standard on FX50,
available on FX35 - features XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic
Information and XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather Information
(requires active XM® subscription, sold separately), Zagat Survey®
restaurant guide and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, along with an Infiniti Voice Recognition system for navigation and audio systems.
Two Advanced Engines
The Infiniti FX50 features a standard 5.0-liter V8 engine design rated
at 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It utilizes Infiniti's
Variable Valve Event & Lift (VVEL) valve control technology, which
continuously adjusts valve timing and lift amounts, enabling higher
fuel efficiency with higher torque and improved emissions over
conventional variable valve designs.
The VVEL intake camshafts, which feature continuously variable lift
control teamed with a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System
(CVTCS), allow for a 6,800 rpm redline.
Also offered is an advanced 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6, available on
Infiniti FX35 models. The V6 engine features an aluminum block and
heads and electronically controlled throttle system and has been tuned
specifically for use in the FX35. The engine is rated at
303-horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
The advanced V6 engine design also features a symmetric twin air intake
system that reduces airflow resistance, Continuously Variable Valve
Timing Control System (CVTCS), a silent timing chain for quiet
operation, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and
Teflon-coated lightweight pistons, a dual exhaust system with equal
length exhaust manifolds and low muffler exhaust pressure to help
improve engine breathing.
Only one transmission is offered on the 2012 FX - a refined 7-speed
transmission that offers both a wide ratio of coverage and a wide
lock-up area, as well as a manual shift mode, Downshift Rev Matching
and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). The standard ASC system adapts the
transmission's shift timing depending on driving style. Solid magnesium
paddle shifters are available with the FX50 Sport Package, while
Infiniti's advanced Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Traction
Control System (TCS) is standard on all FX models.
FX50 AWD and FX35 AWD models are equipped with Infiniti's Intelligent
All-Wheel Drive system, which uses an advanced torque split control
strategy that automatically redistributes torque to the wheels (0:100
up to 50:50 front to rear) according to road and driving conditions.
FX offers independent suspension at all four corners, with a
double-wishbone suspension design in front and a multi-link design in
the rear. Large diameter stabilizer bars are utilized at both ends. The
suspension system also incorporates special Dual Flow Path™ shock
absorber technology with rebound springs for responsive yet comfortable
ride and firm, tight handling.
An available Continuous Damping Control (CDC®) suspension system offers
special electronically controlled shock absorbers. Using input from a
variety of sensors, the system continuously alters the damping of the
shocks to provide optimal ride and handling. A driver-selectable
switch with two settings, "Auto" and "Sport," allows the driver to
choose the desired damping mode.
The FX50 is also available with an advanced Rear Active Steer system,
which uses precise, electronic motor-driven control to turn the rear
wheels up to one degree, helping generate a nimble steering response at
low speeds and enhance handling feel at high speeds. Braking is
provided by 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with Brake Assist (BA) and
Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). The FX50 includes 4-piston
front/2-piston rear opposed-piston brake calipers and large brake
rotors (14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear).
Infiniti FX35 models come standard with 18-inch split-5-spoke
aluminum-alloy wheels mounted with P265/60R18 V-rated all-season tires.
FX50 models feature six-spoke 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with
P265/45R21 V-rated all-season tires. Newly designed five-spoke 20-inch
wheels are offered as part of the Deluxe Touring Package on the FX35,
while a 10-spoke 21-inch wheel design is available on FX35 AWD Limited
Edition.
Advanced Technology and Safety Systems
The 2012 FX makes available an array of advanced technology systems.
The FX's available advanced Around View® Monitor utilizes four small
superwide-angle cameras - mounted on the front, side and rear of the FX
- to provide a virtual 360° view of objects around the vehicle,
helping to maneuver it in tight spots. The system uses advanced image
processing to combine the images from the four cameras and provide a
unique "Birds-Eye View" of the vehicle's surroundings.
The available Distance Control Assist (DCA) system helps reduce the
burden of driving by helping the driver maintain a distance to the
vehicle ahead in traffic conditions that require frequent braking.
Whereas Intelligent Brake Assist is on by default, Distance Control
Assist is available at the touch of a button. DCA utilizes the
accelerator pedal to provide feedback to the driver.
If the distance falls below a certain threshold when approaching the
preceding vehicle from behind, when the driver releases the accelerator
pedal the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes to help
maintain distance to the preceding vehicle. If the driver is on the
throttle and the system determines that braking may be necessary, DCA
will signal to the driver that the throttle should be released by
"pushing back" via the accelerator pedal. Initially a subtle push can
be felt by the driver as a gentle reminder to maintain a more
appropriate distance. If the driver continues closing in on the
vehicle ahead, a more insistent double impulse from the pedal plus an
audible signal will urge the driver to release the throttle. Upon
release of the throttle, DCA will automatically engage the brakes. If
necessary, the driver can override the system at any time by
depressing the accelerator pedal.
The available Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range) brings the
benefit of cruise control to another level, helping to maintain a
preset distance to the vehicle ahead whether in heavy traffic or on
open freeways within a speed range of 0 and 90 mph. ICC can be a
stress reliever particularly when driving in congested freeway
traffic. The ICC system operates across a wide speed range and helps
the driver manage speed and distance down to a complete stop. This
allows the FX to flow with traffic even at "crawling" speeds and then
resume the desired cruising speed once the road opens up again.
The available Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) system with Forward
Collision Warning (FCW) uses the laser sensor unit from the Intelligent
Cruise Control's (ICC) system and continuously monitors and analyzes
closing speeds to a vehicle ahead. IBA will warn the driver if it
determines a frontal collision is imminent. If the driver does not
respond to the warning and the collision can no longer be avoided, IBA
will automatically engage the brakes to help reduce the impact speed
and thus help mitigate the consequences of the accident.
Also available on all 2012 FX models is the advanced Infiniti Lane
Departure Prevention (LDP) system, which takes Infiniti's Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) system one step further.
If the system senses that the vehicle has drifted toward the edge of
its lane, LDP utilizes the FX's Vehicle Dynamic Control system to
gently apply the brakes on the wheels on the opposite side, assisting
the driver in returning the vehicle back towards the center of the
current lane.
Safety features found on every 2012 FX include a seat belt reminder
system; standard Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS); dual-stage
front supplemental air bags with occupant classification and seat belt
sensors; seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags; and
roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for enhanced
outboard seat occupant head protection.
Also standard are 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load
limiters, ALR/ELR seat belts in all passenger seating positions
(driver's side ELR only), adjustable upper anchors, front seat Active
Head Restraints, and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
system. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire
pressure display is also standard.
FX also includes available Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts. Utilizing
patented technology (licensed to other automakers), the system
automatically retracts some seat belt webbing if the system detects
emergency braking or an emergency handling situation. In addition, the
FX front seat belts also have a function that automatically
self-adjusts the seat belt when buckled to help provide a comfortable
and relaxed fit.
Four Well-Equipped Models
The 2012 FX is offered in three engine/drive configurations: the
V8-powered FX50 AWD, the V6-powered FX35 AWD and FX35 RWD, plus the new
FX35 Limited Edition model. Each comes equipped with exceptional
levels of standard equipment.
Four option packages are offered in 2012, offering an extended range of
features and technology over the well-equipped standard equipment.
The FX35 is available with the Premium Package (equipment standard on
FX50), with climate-controlled front seats, dual-occupant memory
system, entry/exit assist system for driver's seat and steering wheel,
aluminum roof rails, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 8-inch
color touch-screen display, Around View® Monitor with Front and Rear
Sonar System, and more.
The Infiniti FX35's Deluxe Touring Package includes 20-inch wheels and
tires, aluminum pedal accents, Maple interior accents, quilted
leather-appointed seating and tonneau cover. The Sport Package (FX50
only) features sport-style front seats, solid magnesium paddle
shifters, dark-tinted side air vents and lower door trim, Continuous
Damping Control (CDC®) and Rear Active Steer.
The Technology Package (FX50 and FX35) includes Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Intelligent Cruise Control
(Full Speed Range), Distance Control Assist, Intelligent Brake Assist
(IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Front Pre-Crash Seat
Belts, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Adaptive Front lighting
System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights.
