Motive Quick Drive: 2008 Infiniti FX35

[features@motivemag]

All too often the gap between the halo model and the volume trims of the same vehicle is enormous; it can be the difference between a flying unicorn and a three-legged pack mule. But that's not the case when you choose the Infiniti FX35 over an FX50.

On the surface, the V-6-powered FX35 certainly maintains the V-8 model's mythical-creature looks, including a view from the driver's seat that one staffer here described as "like that of a donk Corvette." More important, the 303-hp FX35 is still plenty fast — our 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds is just four tenths slower than Car and Driver's figure for the 2004 FX45 and three tenths slower than the 2008 Porsche Cayenne S we tested a few months back. The most noticeable sacrifice is in low-end torque, with the FX50 making 107 more pound-feet at 400 fewer revs...

FULL STORY...

[someguy123]

Give me a fx37

[stu@kilometer]

Quote, originally posted by someguy123 »

Give me a fx37

I don't know if the small gains would be worth the extra cost of that engine for something as heavy as the FX. . . probably why Infiniti stuck with 3.5-liter. Plus, it narrows the gap between it and the 50, and beyond that, what would they do for a mid-cycle refresh?

[someguy123]

Quote, originally posted by stu@motivemag »

I don't know if the small gains would be worth the extra cost of that engine for something as heavy as the FX. . . probably why Infiniti stuck with 3.5-liter. Plus, it narrows the gap between it and the 50, and beyond that, what would they do for a mid-cycle refresh?

Clear LED taillights, like the first-gen's refresh.

[stu@kilometer]

Quote, originally posted by someguy123 »

Clear LED taillights, like the first-gen's refresh.

Don't forget to include a new color or two as well.

[Beltfed]

Drove the 09 FX35, really nice vehicle. Very good handling, much improved ride of the jittery previous model, and the interior is a vast improvement as most can tell even from the photos.

Just the lease figures will need to improve if Infiniti wants it to sell in decent numbers.