FX50

The second-generation FX SUV is Infiniti's flagship and was unveiled in March of 2008 at the Geneva International Auto show with North American sales commencing in June. The all-new five-passenger SUV rides on a wheelbase that's been elongated by 1.4 inches, and the top-of-the line FX50 is powered by an all-new 5.0 liter V8 and a 7-speed automatic transmission: a first for Infiniti. The transmission can be shifted via steering column-mounted paddles, and downshift blip the throttle to match revs during spirited driving.

The range-topping FX50 is powered by a newly developed 5.0 liter V8 that trumps the 4.5L V8 it replaces by 70 horsepower and 34 lb-ft of torque, with its rating of 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. It is only available with Infiniti's advanced ATTESA-ETS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system. The new engine has better overall fuel economy than its predecessor as well.

Safety systems on all FX trims include Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, as well as traction and stability systems. Optional is Intelligent Brake Assist for warning of a frontal collision and capable of automatic braking, Distance Control Assist (DCA) for keeping pre-set distances from the vehicle ahead in heavy traffic and a Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, which helps keep the FX in its lane.

Standard comfort and convenience fare includes Infiniti's Intelligent Key entry and vehicle start system, as well as optional Intelligent Cruise Control (Full Speed Range) and Around View Monitor system.

Standard lighting includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights while LED taillights double as aerodynamic aids. All paints covering the FX's new, lighter body utilize Infiniti's Scratch Shield technology that uses sunlight to heat the clear coat and fill in any fine scratches it may have endured.

Inside, the base sound system is a Bose-designed, 11-speaker set-up with AM/FM band reception, a six-disc changer and XM satellite radio hardware. An optional hard-drive based audio and navigation system includes real time traffic information with an XM subscription, a 9.3 GB digital 'juke box,' iPod interface, CF card slot and a voice recognition system for controlling the climate control, navigation and audio system and phone.

FX35

Infiniti's second-generation flagship FX, unveiled at Geneva in March of 2008, will be available in three drivetrain combinations, with two of them reflected in the FX35. As the name suggests, the five-passenger SUV is powered by a 3.5 liter V6 and can be had with either an all-wheel drive system or driving the rear wheels only. All FX models, regardless of engine and drivetrain, are equipped with a brand-new 7-speed automatic transmission, which is Infiniti's first.

The transmission blips the throttle on downshifts to match engine revs to road speed, and can be shifted with optional magnesium paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.

The engine is an updated version of Infiniti's common and award-winning VQ35 and is good for 303 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. It returns better fuel economy than in last year's FX, a feat that is helped by the FX35's improved drag coefficient of 0.35 from the preceding model's 0.37, thanks in part to the sculpting of the rear LED taillights.

The factory-issue wheels for 2009 FX35 models are 18-inch alloys, shod with all-season tires, and opting for the Deluxe Touring Package upgrades them to 20-inch metallic finish rims. All paints covering the FX's new, lighter body utilize Infiniti's Scratch Shield technology that uses sunlight to heat the clear coat and fill in any fine scratches it may have endured.

Safety systems on all FX trims include Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution, as well as traction and stability systems. Optional is Intelligent Brake Assist for warning of a frontal collision and capable of automatic braking, Distance Control Assist (DCA) for keeping pre-set distances from the vehicle ahead in heavy traffic and a Lane Departure Warning/Lane Departure Prevention system, which helps keep the FX in its lane.

Inside, the FX35 shares with the FX50.