What Is It?
2003 Infiniti FX45/FX35
What's Special About It?
If you're looking for a dictionary definition of the term "premium crossover vehicle," the FX45 could be it. The FX45 combines traditional sports car styling with the convenience of an SUV. The cabin is located relatively far back from the front grille, giving the FX a long hood more typically seen on sports cars. Wheels pushed out to the edges lend an aggressive look to a decidedly luxurious vehicle. Strangely, the FX looks like a blending of classic sports car and post-modern people mover. While the FX45 does have much in common with the Nissan Murano from a styling standpoint, the Infiniti will be powered by a 315-horsepower, 4.5-liter V8 like the one found in the Q45, while the FX35 comes with a 280-hp, 24-valve V6.
Similar to Chrysler's upcoming Pacifica, the FX45 intends to bring luxury to all passengers, not just those sitting up front. The interior is filled with lots of leather, a DVD-based entertainment system, power seats for both front and rear passengers as well as heated and cooled front seats. Like the Pacifica and Cadillac's SRX, the Infiniti is aiming to be a nimble performance wagon while avoiding the luxo-barge formula like that found in the Escalade.
While some manufacturers are using truck platforms to build crossover vehicles, Infiniti and parent company Nissan are looking to squeeze a little more on-road performance and luxury out of the FX45. This is a hotly contested segment with terrific offerings from Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac. The FX will really have to stand out to achieve the kind of success Infiniti is hoping for.
The FX35 will start at around $34,000 while the premium FX45 can top out at just over $44,000.
Why Should You Care?
This car and the Cadillac SRX are first in line to knock the BMW X5 off its performance SUV throne. Infiniti has referred to the FX45 as a "bionic cheetah." With its Altima-derived independent suspension and a Q45 V8 tucked under the hood, plus all-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission, the FX45 could truly live up to that name. — Brian Moody
2003 Infiniti FX45/FX35
What's Special About It?
If you're looking for a dictionary definition of the term "premium crossover vehicle," the FX45 could be it. The FX45 combines traditional sports car styling with the convenience of an SUV. The cabin is located relatively far back from the front grille, giving the FX a long hood more typically seen on sports cars. Wheels pushed out to the edges lend an aggressive look to a decidedly luxurious vehicle. Strangely, the FX looks like a blending of classic sports car and post-modern people mover. While the FX45 does have much in common with the Nissan Murano from a styling standpoint, the Infiniti will be powered by a 315-horsepower, 4.5-liter V8 like the one found in the Q45, while the FX35 comes with a 280-hp, 24-valve V6.
Similar to Chrysler's upcoming Pacifica, the FX45 intends to bring luxury to all passengers, not just those sitting up front. The interior is filled with lots of leather, a DVD-based entertainment system, power seats for both front and rear passengers as well as heated and cooled front seats. Like the Pacifica and Cadillac's SRX, the Infiniti is aiming to be a nimble performance wagon while avoiding the luxo-barge formula like that found in the Escalade.
While some manufacturers are using truck platforms to build crossover vehicles, Infiniti and parent company Nissan are looking to squeeze a little more on-road performance and luxury out of the FX45. This is a hotly contested segment with terrific offerings from Lexus, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Cadillac. The FX will really have to stand out to achieve the kind of success Infiniti is hoping for.
The FX35 will start at around $34,000 while the premium FX45 can top out at just over $44,000.
Why Should You Care?
This car and the Cadillac SRX are first in line to knock the BMW X5 off its performance SUV throne. Infiniti has referred to the FX45 as a "bionic cheetah." With its Altima-derived independent suspension and a Q45 V8 tucked under the hood, plus all-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic transmission, the FX45 could truly live up to that name. — Brian Moody
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