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After releasing a couple of teasers these last few weeks, the Japanese at Nissan revealed all-new 2009 Infinity FX last night in a club-like setting just down the road from the Palexpo. Carlos Ghosn himself came to assist the unveiling. In a great show of smoke, mirrors and choreographed theatrics the new FX dropped form the ceiling in front of the EX37 and G37.

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This redesigned 2009 FX will be offered in three models: the topping being the FX50 revealed at Geneva. The FX50’s new 390-horsepower 5.0-liter DOHC V8 outmatches the standard 4.5-liter V8 in the 2008 Infiniti FX45 by 70 horses. Also, Infiniti said the new V8 is mounted low in the chassis “to help lower the FX50’s center of gravity.” The new V8 delivers 369 lb-ft of torque and is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission with adaptive shift control, downshift rev-matching and solid magnesium paddle shifters. The Infiniti FX50 also ups the stake with larger 21-inch wheels and tires versus the 20-inchers in the 2008 Infiniti FX45.

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Curiously enough no news about the V6-equipped 2009 FX was given to the press, saying only that they would be announced later. The second-generation FX is expected to get a larger 3.7-liter V6 and thus it has been unofficially dubbed FX37.

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On the inside the restyled cabin gets a new dashboard that now incorporates a center control panel similar to the one in the new EX35 SUV. Available features include Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Cruise Control and Around View Monitor. AVM uses cameras positioned around the exterior of the car to create a virtual bird’s-eye view of the SUV to help drivers gauge distances when parking.

The 2009 Infinity FX is certainly a car to look for in June when it hits the American showrooms and October when it arrives in Europe at a Nissan dealership near you.

Posted March 10, 2008 Comments(0)