Infiniti FX45 Review

[NFS4]

http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/roadtests/2003/february/0302_roadtest_fx45.xml

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Inside, the FX45 looks and feels rich, with genuine aluminum trim used to highlight the prominently grained leather upholstery that does a credible job of mimicking the hides used by the likes of Ferrari. The console lid, the arm rests, and the door panels touched by your elbows all feel extravagantly cushy, and the overall control layout is excellent.

OMG, an Infinti interior being praised?

Powered by a 315-hp version of the 4.5-liter Q45 V-8, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with obedient manumatic override, the FX45 rushes to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15 seconds flat at 93 mph. That makes the FX45 the quickest production SUV we've tested since the long-dead GMC Typhoon. The FX45 is even able to show its fat tailpipes to the BMW X5 4.6is and Mercedes ML55 AMG (6.5 seconds each). ....

....With this system coupled to 265/50 Goodyear Eagle RS-A gumballs mounted on standard 20-inch wheels, it's not surprising that the FX45 generates serious cornering grip. We measured 0.87 g on the skidpad. And when you stomp on the ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, this massive helping of rubber brings the FX to a halt from 70 mph in just 160 feet. Both of these figures are the best we've ever measured for a sport-utility vehicle.

265-Tires??? Thats gotta suck in the snow! I don't care if you have AWD or 10-wheel-drive, its going to suck! But the braking distance....DAMN!

 

[KingNothing]

Looks a lot better than the Murano, that's for sure.

 

[CraigRT]

sick!
man, it can beat a 4.6is? that is VERY surprising!! but sweet nonetheless!!

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Inside, the FX45 looks and feels rich, with genuine aluminum trim used to highlight the prominently grained leather upholstery that does a credible job of mimicking the hides used by the likes of Ferrari. The console lid, the arm rests, and the door panels touched by your elbows all feel extravagantly cushy, and the overall control layout is excellent.

OMG, an Infinti interior being praised?

Powered by a 315-hp version of the 4.5-liter Q45 V-8, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with obedient manumatic override, the FX45 rushes to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15 seconds flat at 93 mph. That makes the FX45 the quickest production SUV we've tested since the long-dead GMC Typhoon. The FX45 is even able to show its fat tailpipes to the BMW X5 4.6is and Mercedes ML55 AMG (6.5 seconds each). ....

....With this system coupled to 265/50 Goodyear Eagle RS-A gumballs mounted on standard 20-inch wheels, it's not surprising that the FX45 generates serious cornering grip. We measured 0.87 g on the skidpad. And when you stomp on the ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, this massive helping of rubber brings the FX to a halt from 70 mph in just 160 feet. Both of these figures are the best we've ever measured for a sport-utility vehicle.

265-Tires??? Thats gotta suck in the snow! I don't care if you have AWD or 10-wheel-drive, its going to suck! But the braking distance....DAMN!

What if you get paddle tires and go over the snow?

 

[NFS4]

Where's Windogg and his 4.6is?

 

[ThePresence]

How much are they costing? I want one.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: ThePresence
How much are they costing? I want one.

I think it was $48,000 for the one they tested.

 

[KingNothing]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: ThePresence
How much are they costing? I want one.

I think it was $48,000 for the one they tested.

And $37,000 for the one that *can't* beat a 4.6is. And ~$35,000 for the one that would suck in the snow *and* can't beat a 4.6is.

 

[rml]

That makes the FX45 the quickest production SUV we've tested since the long-dead GMC Typhoon.

My friend still own the Typhoon. Very fast indeed!

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: KingNothing

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: ThePresence
How much are they costing? I want one.

I think it was $48,000 for the one they tested.

And $37,000 for the one that *can't* beat a 4.6is. And ~$35,000 for the one that would suck in the snow *and* can't beat a 4.6is.

I don't quite follow you...a decked out FX45 cost $48,000. An X5 4.6i costs $70,060 with DVD nav and rear side air bags.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: Jellomancer

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Inside, the FX45 looks and feels rich, with genuine aluminum trim used to highlight the prominently grained leather upholstery that does a credible job of mimicking the hides used by the likes of Ferrari. The console lid, the arm rests, and the door panels touched by your elbows all feel extravagantly cushy, and the overall control layout is excellent.

OMG, an Infinti interior being praised?

Powered by a 315-hp version of the 4.5-liter Q45 V-8, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with obedient manumatic override, the FX45 rushes to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15 seconds flat at 93 mph. That makes the FX45 the quickest production SUV we've tested since the long-dead GMC Typhoon. The FX45 is even able to show its fat tailpipes to the BMW X5 4.6is and Mercedes ML55 AMG (6.5 seconds each). ....

....With this system coupled to 265/50 Goodyear Eagle RS-A gumballs mounted on standard 20-inch wheels, it's not surprising that the FX45 generates serious cornering grip. We measured 0.87 g on the skidpad. And when you stomp on the ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, this massive helping of rubber brings the FX to a halt from 70 mph in just 160 feet. Both of these figures are the best we've ever measured for a sport-utility vehicle.

265-Tires??? Thats gotta suck in the snow! I don't care if you have AWD or 10-wheel-drive, its going to suck! But the braking distance....DAMN!

What if you get paddle tires and go over the snow?

wat are paddle tires?

 

[RossMAN]

That thing looks badass, I love it's stance or whatever you call it.

 

[SuperTool]

The problem for Infiniti is that the US tax code is against them. They probably won't qualify for the tax deduction due to the light weight, and that puts them at a disadvantage relative to the BMW.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: SuperTool
The problem for Infiniti is that the US tax code is against them. They probably won't qualify for the tax deduction due to the light weight, and that puts them at a disadvantage relative to the BMW.

but wat about the increase in performance the light weight offers?

however it is still classified as a truck though...?

 

[SuperTool]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: SuperTool
The problem for Infiniti is that the US tax code is against them. They probably won't qualify for the tax deduction due to the light weight, and that puts them at a disadvantage relative to the BMW.

but wat about the increase in performance the light weight offers?

however it is still classified as a truck though...?

I believe it has to be 6K gross to qualify. Now unless you load it up with 1600 lbs of bricks...

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: SuperTool
The problem for Infiniti is that the US tax code is against them. They probably won't qualify for the tax deduction due to the light weight, and that puts them at a disadvantage relative to the BMW.

but wat about the increase in performance the light weight offers?

however it is still classified as a truck though...?

I believe it has to be 6K gross to qualify. Now unless you load it up with 1600 lbs of bricks...

Well, the X5 4.6is is 5100 lbs. Not even close to 6k

 

[SuperTool]

It's 6K with the load. Total weight

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Originally posted by: Jellomancer

Originally posted by: mAdD INDIAN

Inside, the FX45 looks and feels rich, with genuine aluminum trim used to highlight the prominently grained leather upholstery that does a credible job of mimicking the hides used by the likes of Ferrari. The console lid, the arm rests, and the door panels touched by your elbows all feel extravagantly cushy, and the overall control layout is excellent.

OMG, an Infinti interior being praised?

Powered by a 315-hp version of the 4.5-liter Q45 V-8, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission with obedient manumatic override, the FX45 rushes to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15 seconds flat at 93 mph. That makes the FX45 the quickest production SUV we've tested since the long-dead GMC Typhoon. The FX45 is even able to show its fat tailpipes to the BMW X5 4.6is and Mercedes ML55 AMG (6.5 seconds each). ....

....With this system coupled to 265/50 Goodyear Eagle RS-A gumballs mounted on standard 20-inch wheels, it's not surprising that the FX45 generates serious cornering grip. We measured 0.87 g on the skidpad. And when you stomp on the ABS-equipped four-wheel disc brakes, this massive helping of rubber brings the FX to a halt from 70 mph in just 160 feet. Both of these figures are the best we've ever measured for a sport-utility vehicle.

265-Tires??? Thats gotta suck in the snow! I don't care if you have AWD or 10-wheel-drive, its going to suck! But the braking distance....DAMN!

What if you get paddle tires and go over the snow?

wat are paddle tires?

Tires with paddles instead of treads. I dunno if that's their official name, but it makes sense.

 

[Zebo]

Nice but 15K too much.

 

[ElFenix]

looks small. really small. can you fit 4 adults inside?

thats the thing about a lot of these "SUVs"... many of them are a lot smaller in passenger space than a mid-sized sedan.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
looks small. really small. can you fit 4 adults inside?

thats the thing about a lot of these "SUVs"... many of them are a lot smaller in passenger space than a mid-sized sedan.

Read the article It can fit 4 comfortably, 5 in a pinch, and cargo room is more than reasonable (more than twice that in any sedan).

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: ElFenix
looks small. really small. can you fit 4 adults inside?

thats the thing about a lot of these "SUVs"... many of them are a lot smaller in passenger space than a mid-sized sedan.

Read the article It can fit 4 comfortably, 5 in a pinch, and cargo room is more than reasonable (more than twice that in any sedan).

Wha? You mean it won't seat 7 like the Acura MDX?

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: ElFenix
looks small. really small. can you fit 4 adults inside?

thats the thing about a lot of these "SUVs"... many of them are a lot smaller in passenger space than a mid-sized sedan.

Read the article It can fit 4 comfortably, 5 in a pinch, and cargo room is more than reasonable (more than twice that in any sedan).

Wha? You mean it won't seat 7 like the Acura MDX?

You can fit 7 in the MDX if the two people in the last bench are Mini-Me and his twin

 

[Emrys]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
That thing looks badass, I love it's stance or whatever you call it.

I agree with you completely. IMO it's better looking than most of the other luxo suvs.
I like it.