Infiniti Launch 2009 FX Crossover In The Middle East

Infiniti Middle East together with its UAE dealer – Arabian Automobiles, has unveiled the second generation FX premium mid-size crossover sports utility vehicle in Dubai. Apart from the changes to the exterior and interior, the FX line-up which earlier comprised of only a V6 engine will get an additional 5.0-litre V8 engine powering the SUV.

For the 2009MY FX, Infiniti has retained some of the original 'Bionic Cheetah' look while in the mean time incorporating new cues exclusive to the brand. The overall wheelbase has increased by 35mm to 2885mm making the FX bigger in size than in its previous generation. Infiniti has maintained the front-engined all-wheel-drive set up standard for both the variants (V6 & V8) of the new FX crossover.

The interior of the new FX has also been completely redesigned to bring the crossover up to the level of luxury currently found inside of the EX Crossover and the M Sedan. The instrument panel sports the 'double wave' design theme that Infiniti adopting across its entire new line-up. One of the unique selling proposition that Infiniti is pitching for the new FX is the AVM (Around View Monitor) feature that enables a 360-degree view of the vehicle from the comforts of the car interior.

The VQ-series 3.5-litre V6 engine is a carry over from the previous generation but power has increased from 289 to 307 bhp @ 6,800 rpm. The same engine is employed in the G35 Sedan too. The V8 is an all-new engine to the FX series. Its a 5.0-litres in capacity and make a max output of 390 bhp and 500 Nm of torque. Infiniti claims the FX with the V8 unit is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in under 5.0 seconds. The V6 as well as the V8 units will be mated to a standard all-new 7-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).
Continuous Damping Control Suspension, Intelligent Cruise Control system, Rear Active Steer, F1-style magnesium paddle shifters, adaptive front headlights as well as front sports seats with adjustable bolster, side and thigh supports are some of the standard features available on the FX50.

The FX35 will be available in the region in two trims – Type 1 and Type 3 with prices starting from AED 175,000. The top-of-the range V8 will sell for AED 220,000. On sale from August 2008, the FX35/FX50 poses some serious threat to crossovers of a similar capacity like the Mercedes-Benz ML, Porsche Cayenne, Lexus RX and BMW X5 in both price point as well as in terms of standard features available

.
Infiniti Middle East plans to sell 5,000 units of the FX in the current financial year. Arabian Automobile sold 2,000 FX crossovers in Dubai alone in 2007. The Infiniti line-up (excluding the FX) in the Middle East currently comprises of the G35 Sedan, G37 Coupe, QX56 SUV, M35/M45 Sedan and the most-recent addition – the EX35 Compact Crossover.