2009 Infiniti FX50

Beside head-turning good looks, the new Infiniti FX35 is built on the same platform as the sporty G sedan and coupe, as well as the high-powered M sedan. This is exactly the performance foundation you want your Gen-2 FX to be riding on.

The all-new, second-generation Infiniti FX continues with head-turning exterior styling, more power, a much-improved interior, and a long list of technologically-advanced systems.

If you liked the first-generation FX, you'll find the 2009 Infiniti FX even more agreeable. The proportions have changed a bit, but the FX retains its muscular tone.

The FX's aggressive silhouette is accented by large wheels pushed to the corners of the vehicle. Interestingly, the new FX utilizes Infiniti's advanced Scratch Shield paint. It employs a special "self-healing" clearcoat finish that automatically repairs fine scratches over a period of several days by using sunlight to heat the clearcoat, which fills in small scratches.

Built on the same platform as the Infiniti G sedan and coupe, and M sedan, the new FX features a foundation designed for performance.

Three FX models are offered for 2009; FX35 RWD ($40,950), FX35 AWD ($42,350), and FX50 AWD ($56,700). The two FX 35 models are powered by a revised 3.5-liter V-6 engine that now produces 303-horsepower.

The FX50 raises the bar with a new 5.0-liter V-8 that pounds out 390-horsepower. Both engines require Premium unleaded fuel. Each engine is mated to a new, standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring manual shift control and available magnesium paddle shifters.

The FX35 AWD and FX50 AWD are equipped with Infiniti's advanced all-wheel drive system that sends the torque to the wheels with grip.

Step inside the new FX and you'll be greeted by a luxurious cabin. The perforated leather seats in my FX35 AWD tester were marvelously stitched and quite comfortable to sit on.

I like the Infiniti signature double-wave instrument panel and impressively lit gauges, too. The FX cabin includes a long list of standard comfort and convenience equipment, including a new advanced 300-watt, 11-speaker Bose audio system.

A navigation system with Real Time Traffic Information is available and it includes a 9.3 GB Music Box Hard Drive, an iPod interface, Compact Flash (CF) card slot, and voice recognition.

Another new available feature is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasma cluster ionizer that removes or neutralizes interior airborne contaminants. This system includes a "Clean Mode" and an "Ion Mode," designed to produce a fresh smell similar to what is experienced after a thunderstorm or near a waterfall.

Other available high-tech features include Intelligent Cruise Control (full speed range), Intelligent Brake Assist, Distance Control Assist, Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, and an Around View Monitor system.

The Intelligent Brake Assist system uses the laser rangefinder from the Intelligent Cruise Control system and analyzes closing speeds. If a forward collision is imminent, the system sounds a warning to prompt driver action. The system is capable of activating the brakes with up to 0.5g braking force.

The Distance Control Assist is designed for low-speed, heavy traffic situations. If traffic ahead slows down, this system pushes back against the accelerator pedal and automatically applies the brakes, even to a stop.

Lane Departure Prevention takes Infiniti's Lane Departure Warning system one step further by utilizing Vehicle Dynamic Control to apply slight brake pressure to the wheels opposite the side of the lane departure direction to help prevent the vehicle from inadvertently traveling out of its intended lane.

The Around View Monitor system utilizes four small superwide-angle cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle, helping reduce blind spots when parking.

On the road, my FX35 AWD tester delivered a ride that was tuned a bit more towards performance than comfort. The V-6 in my tester was very responsive, but at times, when accelerating while cruising, the new 7-speed automatic transmission took a while deciding on what gear to change to, resulting in delayed acceleration.

Still, with everything the FX has to offer, it's a great choice in its class. And none of its competitors come close to turning heads the way the FX does.

2009 Infiniti FX35 AWD

Engine: 3.5-liter (303 hp) V-6
Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Drive Type: AWD

Fuel Economy: 16 city/21 highway

Base Price: $42,350

As Tested: Not available

Website: www.infiniti.com