I won't deny that I was a touch disappointed when I drew our long-term Infiniti FX50 in Mr. Schmidt's V8 sweepstakes. I knew the FX's road-trip credentials were solid, but the S5 or M3 would have been more my speed than a jacked-up $60k G37 on steroids.
At least, that's what I thought before I hit the road.
Well, okay, I still think so. But as I made my way from LA to Bryce Canyon on that first day, I developed a grudging respect for this ostensible exercise in wretched excess. Would I rather have an FX50 than a Cayenne S? Neither, thanks; I'll take a base M3 sedan and save a few grand. Still, this Infiniti fully deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the Porsche. It may look like a victory for style over substance, but there's some serious capability underneath that cartoonish skin.
Detailed day-one impressions and more pictures below.
Bryce Canyon, Utah
"Elevation approached 10,000 feet between Cedar City [UT] and Bryce Canyon. 390 horsepower felt like 190. Turbocharging strongly recommended for powermongers frequenting these altitudes."
Red Canyon, Utah
"Awesome driving position, just like the G37's. Can't think of one I like better. Perfect seat height, steering wheel is one of the best and sits right where I want it, commanding view of the road ahead. Makes the driver feel completely in control. Now that Honda has ditched its classic low cowls, Nissan/Infiniti might have the best driving positions in the business."
Red Canyon, Utah
"Front seat cushions get bit hard for my own ill-cushioned cushion after a few hundred miles. Power seat-bottom bolsters are pointless given the already-ample default bolstering -- only a stick figure would want more. Power seatback bolsters are greatly appreciated though. As in many Nissan/Infiniti products these days, the padding on the door armrests is pleasantly thick; center armrest, not so much."
Red Canyon, Utah
"Loved the first-generation FX's styling when it came out. A concept car for the street. Wasn't sold on the second-gen styling initially -- dopey fender vent, gaping maw -- but it's really grown on me, to the point that the old FX now strikes me as rather mundane. Over the top? I don't know; it's flashy, but somehow still classy. Looks a damn sight better than the Cayenne, that's for sure."
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com
carguy622 says:
01:49 PM, 09/ 1/09
Beautiful scenery and shots. I need to visit the west.
actualsize says:
01:59 PM, 09/ 1/09
Free Birdseed. "Meep! Meep!"
DCuerpoJr says:
02:16 PM, 09/ 1/09
Great photos. The first photo actually makes the FX50 appealing to me.
ergsum says:
02:25 PM, 09/ 1/09
@actualsize, if you're looking for a pair of rocket powered skates, you can find them here:
http://www.amazon.com/ACME-Catalog-Quality-Our-Dream/dp/081185115X
felonious says:
02:37 PM, 09/ 1/09
Red Canyon pic #1 looks like CGI. Does anyone remember the graphics program KPT Bryce?
fuhteng says:
02:45 PM, 09/ 1/09
What beautiful photos. Thanks.
drewsrx says:
06:57 PM, 09/ 1/09
The SUV everyone loves to hate, yet eventually really end up liking.
Funny thing about the FX...
altimadude00 says:
08:47 PM, 09/ 1/09
felonious--Special FX? Sorry, just had to!
stephen987 says:
05:50 AM, 09/ 2/09
Stunning pics. Shame about the vehicle in the way, though.
dougtheeng says:
06:01 AM, 09/ 2/09
^^ +1
wayno_san says:
08:12 AM, 09/ 2/09
Such a gorgeous place, I really need to go back there and do some more hiking.
So what was your 0 to 60 at that elevation?