(photo by Scott Jacobs)
Vehicle: 2009 Infiniti FX50 AWD
Odometer: 1,362
Date: 12/09/08
Specifications:
Drive Type: All Wheel drive
Transmission Type: 7-speed Automatic
Engine Type: V8
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 5026cc (307cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 6,800
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 390 @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 369 @ 4400
Brake Type (front): ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): ventilated disc
Steering System: speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): double wishbone
Suspension Type (rear): multi-link
Tire Size (front): 265/45R21 (104W)
Tire Size (rear): 265/45R21 (104W)
Tire Brand: Dunlop
Tire Model: SP Sport 01
Tire Type: performance
Wheel Size: 21 X 9.5 front - 21 X 9.5 rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,621
Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.1
0 - 45 (sec): 3.6
0 - 60 (sec): 5.5
0 - 75 (sec): 7.9
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 13.7 @ 101.5
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 5.3
Acceleration Rating: Very Good
30 - 0 (ft): 30
60 - 0 (ft): 117
Braking Rating: Very Good
Slalom (mph): 63.3
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): .82
Handling Rating: Very Good
Db @ Idle: N/A
Db @ Full Throttle: N/A
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: N/A
Acceleration Comments: This is one quick SUV. however, much like VQ35/37 this V8 isn't quiet or smooth @ high RPM. Still with a rush of accel like this, who cares.
Braking Comments: Solid, fade-free and confident from 1st to last stop. And it's a good thing given this SUV's motor.
Handling Comments: (With VSC off, the FX50 was good around the skidpad until the limits are approached. Then, the AWD system begins doing something that requires both throttle and steering input to maintain a smooth arc.
In the slalom, the FX50 is one of those rare AWD vehicle that reponds well to aggressive input (steering and throttle). Eventually over-steer becomes limiting factor. Quick turn-in and yaw response. A little hard to learn and trust, but it works. 4,600-lbs?! Really? Doesn't feel like it. .
Mike Magrath, Vehicle Testing Assistant
cah11705 says:
03:59 PM, 02/ 6/09
"Good balance and response for such a large sedan"
i always saw this as an suv...or at least a crossover.
maybe the handling was good enough they thought it was a sedan
subytrojan says:
04:06 PM, 02/ 6/09
Are those Chris or Josh's comments?
boxermike says:
04:08 PM, 02/ 6/09
Cah11705--
My bad. There was an issue with the blog tool and it saved the wrong template. I've caught it now. Sorry for the mixup!
-mike
cwc1 says:
08:41 PM, 02/ 6/09
"Acceleration Comments: This is one quick SUV. however, much like VQ35/37 this V8 isn't quiet or smooth @ high RPM. Still with a rush of accel like this, who cares."
I would not find noise and harshness acceptable from a V8 in a modern luxury vehicle. I expect a degree of refinement even in a V6. But the VQ series V6 has been frequently cited for its relative harshness at high RPMs, so it sounds like Nissan has been falling short in this area.
ctpax says:
03:08 AM, 02/ 7/09
these performance numbers are by all accounts amazing. I am genuinely impressed. However, this is where infiniti is taking the wrong turn. I really don't think this is what today's market needs - a luxury crossover that performs like a sports sedan. Seriously they should have taken the major portion of their R&D funds and invested it in developing functional ergonomics and engine refinement. Whatever they had left they should have given to Chris Bangle to do the styling for them because luxury crossovers should look better than the current FX50/37.
zoomzoomn says:
05:40 AM, 02/ 7/09
Seriously? 63.3mph slalom in a 4600lb truckish tall sedan? Wow! And I haven't read anything about abusive ride qualities like the old FX was known for. Way to go Infiniti!!!
corrodesdafilm says:
05:43 PM, 02/ 7/09
That engine compartment screams "There is nothing for you in here!"
cwc1 says:
06:54 PM, 02/ 7/09
"That engine compartment screams 'There is nothing for you in here!'"
Yep, there may as well be a sticker on the outside of the hood that reads 'No user serviceable components inside'. What is the deal with covering all the good stuff up with plastic covers and such? This fad by automakers has gone on long enough - stop the insanity!
cx7lover says:
12:13 PM, 02/ 8/09
Those are some nice numbers but I expected more with summer rubber, the CX-7 with the RS-A's (poor all-season tire) Manages the same number albeit I'm sure the feel is totally different.
stovt001 says:
12:30 PM, 02/ 8/09
What is the point of the hood? You open it, and there are more plastic covers covering everything. It's like a second hood.
mayoarceo says:
12:55 AM, 02/ 9/09
haha i wonder if you can wiper fluid in there... man that thing is way fast for an SUV
iancar says:
03:08 AM, 02/ 9/09
These specs reminds me of the C5 Corvette. Or the original R32 GT-R.
joefrompa says:
04:22 AM, 02/ 9/09
13.7 in the quarter mile? Jeez, I need to up my game....my 15.0 second civic and 14.5 second subaru just aren't cutting it anymore when 4600 pound SUVs are running in the 13's
Joe
dougtheeng says:
06:10 AM, 02/ 9/09
I'll second the comments about the ridiculous engine covers.
mrryte says:
06:35 AM, 02/ 9/09
Heck; a 4600lb AWD SUV pulling those is pretty darn impressive. Hopefully Infiniti can find a way to shoehorn the V8/7A combo into the current M and G....
stingray454 says:
08:12 AM, 02/ 9/09
Those are some really stout numbers. But the FX is far from an SUV. It pretty much offers NO utility of an SUV. It can't tow well, it doesn't have much interior space, it can't off-road, and it doesn't even go in the snow well without different tires. In fact, the only "utility" it offers is the hatchback design and fold-down rear seats. But a hatchback car like a Mazda 3 offers similar utility.
The FX is more of a G37 with a higher driving position and a hatchback. Not an SUV. I would barely even call it a crossover.
raymundoirvan says:
10:06 AM, 02/ 9/09
What's with the reverse engine cover?
nuieve says:
10:49 AM, 02/11/09
Who cares what slalom and skidpad does it do? Who the heck is going to autocross FX50?