2008 Infiniti QX56

[Variance]

2008 Infiniti QX56

DETROIT (Jan. 7, 2007) – Following a record setting sales trend and the successful launch of the all-new G sedan, Infiniti is keeping the momentum going with today’s unveiling of the 2008 Infiniti QX full-size luxury sport utility vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

With a new interior and refined exterior, Infiniti is enhancing and improving what customers already love about the QX – styling, technology, comfort – without compromising its towing capacity and interior roominess.

“Like the all-new G Sedan, the 2008 QX demonstrates Infiniti’s philosophy of constantly evolving in the competitive luxury segment,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager of Infiniti. “Despite being voted by consumers as top in its class in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, we’ve given the new QX significant upgrades in the areas of interior design, performance, luxury features, and technology.”

The new QX, which goes on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in April 2007, is the first major revision since it joined the luxury SUV scene in 2004 with a number of class-leading standard features. The exterior enhancements to the new QX include new front and rear fascias, new front fog lamps, new roof rack, standard 20-inch chromed aluminum-alloy wheels, and two new exterior colors – Lakeshore Slate and Serengeti Sand.

The QX’s new interior is highlighted by a new instrument panel cluster design with Fine Vision electroluminescent instrumentation and a new genuine wood grain interior trim. Comfort and convenience is enhanced with a new 3rd-row power folding seat, standard heated steering wheel on the 4WD model, and a new stone interior.

Technological advancements include a new standard Premium Audio System with Bose® Speakers, Burr-Brown Digital Audio Converter and 9.5-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and compact flash slot for playing MP3 files, Infiniti Navigation system and Intelligent Key.

Also available is an Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System with a larger screen (8.0 inches versus the previous 7.0), and a standard XM® NavTraffic™ system with real-time traffic information (requires active XM® satellite radio subscription) – which allows drivers to chose the most efficient route to get to their destination.

The QX maintains its class-leading 2nd row roominess, go-anywhere ruggedness and the abundant power and up to 9,000-pound towing capability (when properly equipped) of the standard 320-horsepower DOHC 5.6-liter V8 engine.

Infiniti is keeping to its promise of delivering three new cars in thirteen months by introducing the next-generation Infiniti G Coupe and a new crossover sport utility concept at the 2007 New York International Auto Show in April.

[source: Nissan North Ameica]

[Variance]

New 2008 Infiniti QX56 Ups the Ante in the Luxury SUV Marketplace

The 2008 model marks the first major revision of the Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV, which burst onto the luxury SUV scene in 2004 with a number of class-leading standard features.

The QX56 continues to set the standard for luxury, performance and technology. Voted as top in its class in the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, the QX56 is enhanced for the 2008 model year with a revised exterior and interior, and new technical features.

The QX56 maintains its class-leading 2nd row roominess, go-anywhere ruggedness and the abundant power and up to 9,000-pound towing capability (when properly equipped) of the standard 320-horsepower DOHC 5.6-liter V8 engine. The 2008 QX56 is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in spring 2007.

The major exterior enhancements to the QX56 include new front and rear fascias, new front fog lights, new roof rack, standard 20x8J chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and heavy-duty P275/60R20 Michelin tires, and new exterior colors – Lakeshore Slate and Serengeti Sand.

Inside, comfort and convenience is enhanced with a new 3rd-row power folding seat, standard heated steering wheel on 4WD, and new interior colors. Trim and wood designs add a rich aspect to the interior, while the standard Burr-Brown? audio system with 9.5-gigabyte Music Box hard drive and compact flash slot for playing MP3 files, Infiniti Navigation system and standard Intelligent Key add a technological twist.

Also available is an Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System with a larger screen (8.0 inches versus the previous 7.0), and an XM® NavTraffic™ system with real-time traffic information (requires active XM® satellite radio subscription) – which ensure that drivers and passengers get to their destination quickly and safely.

"The original QX56 has been an owner favorite, and for 2008, the new QX56 takes the qualities that make it a top SUV even further, with more style, more features and more luxury," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "We think of the QX56 as ‘an executive suite on wheels,’ and the new model, with its technological refinement and class-leading attributes, certainly fits the bill."

A New Luxury Look

The new QX56 is immediately recognizable with its new smooth, powerful and refined exterior styling, which is a presence befitting its top-luxury status.

In the front, the distinctive “waterfall” grille is surrounded by a new front full-body type fascia with revised front fog lights. Standard jewel-like Xenon headlights illuminate the road ahead, while the large hood hints at the powerful V8 located beneath. Also new for 2008 are standard 20-inch chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and P275/60R20 tires, outlined by chrome wheel lip moldings and standard integrated side body cladding for a classy and imposing stance. A new, smooth, one-piece roof rack provides additional utility.

At the rear of the vehicle, a new body-color fascia enhances the unique taillight design, further providing visual distinction from the competition. A power liftgate with opening rear glass is standard, and pre-wiring and trailer hitch for towing is available. Two new exterior body colors are offered for 2008, Lakeshore Slate and Serengeti Sand.

Standard exterior features include dual power adjustable folding heated sideview mirrors with auto-dim, memory, puddle lamps and integrated turn signals; privacy glass for the liftgate, 2nd and 3rd rows; power flip-out rear quarter windows; and running boards.

Standard front and rear sonar sensors work along with the RearView Monitor system, which utilizes a small CCD camera discretely located in the rear license plate finisher to provide a view (projected on the QX56’s standard navigation system LCD monitor) of what is behind the vehicle.

Revised, Feature-Laden Interior

Infiniti engineers have refined the 2008 QX56’s interior to rival the best SUV and luxury car interiors on the market, utilizing authentic materials such as wood, aluminum, stainless steel, Sojourner® leather-appointed seating surfaces and thick (16-oz.) Tuscano carpeting. Along with the new features and enhancements, the QX56 interior boasts class-leading 2nd-row legroom (41.9 inches) and a new flat-folding power 60/40 split 3rd row seat.

New interior features for 2008 include illuminated steering wheel controls, welcome meter illumination, a large lockable glove compartment, a revised gated shifter for the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, standard heated steering wheel on 4WD model, and more luxurious interior materials, including a cloth-wrapped A-pillar. New designs and colors abound in the interior, including new Fine Vision Meters, a new “Stone” interior color and new wood grain real wood interior trim.

Technological improvements to the interior include standard Intelligent Key and a new Burr-Brown? audio system with 9.5-gigabyte Music Box hard drive. The system also includes dual media capability, allowing radio and CD use simultaneously (with 2nd-row headphone usage), AM/FM/CD, steering wheel-mounted controls and compact flash slot for playing MP3 files.

New optional features include an XM® NavTraffic™ system with real-time traffic information for the standard Infiniti Navigation System. The system displays current traffic conditions in color-coded images overlaid on the navigation system map (requires active XM® satellite radio subscription).

A revised Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System with a larger flip-down console-mounted 8-inch monitor, as well as two wireless headphones and remote controller, is also offered.

All of these enhancements add to the already high-standard luxury feature interior, which provides standard seating for seven passengers, with available second-row bench seating making room for eight.

A modern instrument cluster with Fine Vision Meters provides clear information to the driver and the signature Infiniti analog clock, dual-zone electronically controlled climate control and rear air conditioning with dual controls (front and rear), rear heater duct, and a standard Infiniti Navigation System (hard drive-based) with 7.0-inch LCD screen round out a truly luxurious interior. Comfort is aided by 10-way driver’s/8-way front passenger’s heated power adjustable seats. The driver position is optimized through a standard adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock and memory function, part of the Auto Drive Positioner memory system that includes memory for pedals, sideview mirrors and driver's seat. Also standard is a Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System.

The standard seating configuration includes fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with integrated armrests and a removable 2nd row center console. A fold-flat 2nd row bench seat is also available, providing 8-passenger seating. The 3rd row seating area is elevated to provide a commanding forward view and features standard roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side-impact and rollover protection and now receives its own audio speakers and amplifier.

Storage space is plentiful in the 2008 QX56 with full-length overhead storage configuration, a front overhead console with compass and HomeLink® Universal Transceiver features, front center console with large storage capacity and power outlets, side storage bins and a maximum of 14 cup holders.

Cargo capacity, with the 2nd row and new-for-2008 power 3rd row seats folded down flat, measures 97.1 cubic feet.

With the front passenger seat in the folded down position, it is possible to carry long items, such as lumber or surfboards, with the rear liftgate closed. For easier package handling, the 2008 QX56 includes rear area ceiling/floor-mounted cargo tie-down points and cargo net.

Powerful Performance and Exceptional Utility

Infiniti engineers sought to combine the best attributes of a luxury car-like ride with exceptional cargo and passenger carrying utility. The 2008 QX56 comes standard with a 5.6-liter DOHC V8, producing 320 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 393 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 RPM. For hauling, towing or serious off-road driving, nearly 90 percent of the engine's torque has been made available below 2,500 rpm.

Assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., the QX56's V8 incorporates advanced design features, such as an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, molybdenum-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps, heavy duty cooling system, single-stage timing chain and, for precise control, an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle.

An enhanced 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is also standard, and this unique component is reinforced for the high-torque application and features unique gearing and transmission management through a variable lock-up torque converter and electronic controls for improved shifting and fuel economy.

A special tow/haul mode revises shift patterns when engaged, and enables the QX56, when properly equipped, to maintain a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds for two-wheel drive and 8,900 pounds for four-wheel drive (when properly equipped).

Two drive configurations are available in the 2008 QX56, two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) featuring the Infiniti All-Mode 4WD system with 2WD/4HI/4LO modes and an electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low gear.

The QX56's All-Mode 4WD system is designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction.

A switch on the dashboard controls the two-speed electronic transfer case, allowing easy selection between auto, full-time four-wheel drive and 4LO.

For stability, the 2008 QX56 is built on the proven fully boxed high-strength steel F-Alpha frame. Rugged Dana front and rear axles provide the strength to handle on- and off-road challenges, and a comfortable ride is provided by a 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. For additional undercarriage protection, all 4WD QX56s include heavy-duty skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.

Providing substantial steering and braking control is engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes with Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), and for additional stability, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) is standard on every QX56, as is an advanced auto-leveling rear air suspension. The air suspension also maintains uniform ground clearance and departure angle, even when towing or carrying cargo, by automatically adjusting the air pressure in the system's air bladders.

The 2008 QX56 also features new-design standard 20x8J chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and heavy-duty P275/60R20 Michelin tires. A four-wheel independent monitoring Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is standard, with a gauge-cluster mounted warning lamp and display.

Optional on QX56 is Infiniti's advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), which, using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX56’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead via a laser signal, which automatically adjusts the QX56’s speed to maintain a pre-selected following distance.

NOTE: The ICC system is not intended for congested areas or city driving and will not brake the vehicle to a complete stop.

Comprehensive Safety Technology

All 2008 QX56s offer an extensive list of standard safety features, including an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification sensor, front seat Active Head Restraints, roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side-impact and rollover protection for all three rows, front seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags, 3-point front seat belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position) and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system.

The QX56 also features Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.

Advanced Luxury In One Inclusive Package

The 2008 QX56 is offered in one well-equipped model, with a choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes the 320-horsepower 5.6-liter V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, auto-leveling rear suspension, Sojourner® leather-appointed seating surfaces, Burr-Brown® audio system with 9.5-gigabyte Music Box hard drive, Infiniti Navigation system with RearView Monitor, power-fold 3rd row seat, new wood grain trim and more.

Options include the Power Sunroof with one-touch open/close and tilt, XM® NavTraffic with active XM® satellite radio subscription, Tow Package (standard on 4WD), 2nd-row Split Bench Seat Package, Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System and Intelligent Cruise Control.

[source: Nissan North America]

[FAPTurbo]

Ugh...

I see so few on the roads. I think people realize that they are better served with a Navigator or Denali or Escalade.

[loki]

looks kinda lincolnish with the head lights lower than some others... land cruiser vibe from it... interior looks nice if not button ridden.

[Northstar]

The interior is certainly improved but it's not class leading at all. A decent effort.

[Flybrian]

Still garbage. Nice ugly Frontier wheel.

[aaaantoine]

I like the symmetrical placement of the two power outlets on the center stack.

Compact Flash slot... Too bad I use SD cards.

Edited January 8, 2007 by aaaantoine

[bobo]

If the quality of the interior plastics is as good as it looks, this would make for a huge upgrade in the interior. And real wood too.

[NOS2006]

looks kinda lincolnish with the head lights lower than some others...

Agreed. This thing looks downright horrible, IMO.

[Cadillacfan]

The interior is certainly improved but it's not class leading at all. A decent effort.

You don't know that for a fact just based off these photos. It may not look class leading, but it the jury is still out on quality of materials used.

This new interior is a much better effort on Infiniti's part and looks to be on par with the Escalade. Unfortunately, the front clip of the car is still ugly. I guess that will be the next thing to get worked on. Once they move production to Japan, I'm sure it will be much easier for them to give it more tweaks and differentiate it from the Armada.

Edited January 8, 2007 by Cadillacfan

[Cory Wolfe]

Still pretty pathetic looking.

[ZL-1]

I really like the interior design, but I can't get past the ugly exterior...

[Intrepidation]

What's different about the exterior? All I know is it still has that ugly "hump" The front end doesn't look different enough o tell to me. The interior is an improvement, but that steering wheel is flat and ugly.

[Flybrian]

My favorite parts about this Infiniti are the Nissan styling cues. Nice job. Not.

[turbo200]

the interior looks dramatically improved. This is the kind of truck that sells to Escalade buyers who need a more accomodating third seat, this one's big and really comfortable. The QX sells to those who won't settle for a NAVi, and need more space than any full size luxury SUV offers, in a tidier package than the Escalade ESV. [i also think the GL succeeds phenomonally with the third row seat, it's just the exterior look that is too mamsy pamsy for many.]

[The O.C.]

Still garbage. Nice ugly Frontier wheel.

Hmmm...."still garbage"

What exactly (besides the steering wheel) classifies as "garbage" with this redesigned interior????????????

[Flybrian]

Hmmm...."still garbage"

What exactly (besides the steering wheel) classifies as "garbage" with this redesigned interior????????????

The interior is still junky. The original Escalade had real Zebrano wood, but it didn't make it any nicer inside. Same here. Where's the seamless integration of radio/HVAC controls everyone loves? Instead, we get this array of buttons compacted into a rectangle stuck inside a piece of recycled silver Monte Carlo dash trim. Actually, I think the MC's metallic trim has better texture. The analog clock adds a touch of class appreciated by the cup of Sprite in the console because that's the only thing that can see it since its randomly jammed far, far down on the stack. Another obnoxious hazard lamp button is asymmetrically placed below an air vent. The downmarket parts bin steering wheel is just the icing on this cake of hillarity.

And the vehicle as a whole is garbage. For the price, you can have the ride quality of a Navigator, the refinement of a GL, or the brute power and bling of an Escalade. The QX has always looked horrible, especially from the rear with its clunky, detached bumper and obnoxiously-protruding single exhaust outlet. Plus, for all the "effort" invested in that elephant grille, absolutely zero was spent on a simple relocation of the rear door handles. Not only is the pillar-mounted handle an unergonomic throwback (Beretta much?), but furthermore its a styling cue that's very Nissan, dating back to the first four-door Pathfinders and meant to give the illusion of its two-door predecessor. Its acceptable on the Armada because a)its at least a Nissan and b)that vehicle itself was originally a spinoff of the Pathfinder (Pathfinder Armada). It lives on the QX because Nissan is cheap and lazy. The Armada on which is based is a pig in and of itself - worst-in-class fuel economy with low build-quality and horrible road noise. The QX is heavier because Nissan had to stuff sound insulation to quiet it down for the luxury buyer. It, too, is horribly inefficient and an incohesive styling nightmare marred by the mediocre donor platform.

I just think it was - and still is - an abomination that the same company who designed the G35 and FX somehow justifies foisting this juggernaut of vomit-inducing wretchedness on the public. They can do better, they just don't think its worth the effort. And somehow, they find tasteless people with too much money (or rather, credit) that somehow like this beast. And even if this had a world-class interior, its still ugly as sin. Its like furnishing your crackerbox shack with an Ethan Allen living room set.

[Intrepidation]

I've seen all of 5 of these...maybe...ever.

Personally, I always liked the SUV this ugly thing replaced; the QX4

[Paolino]

I'm kinda confused... if you look at the pictures of the gated shifter... I see, "P, R, N, 4, 3, 2/1"

Where is drive?

[Paolino]

Nevermind, I think I see it next to the "4".

[Guest YellowJacket894]

Likes:

• New interior design is a welcome improvement from the pre-MCE model QX56.
• Decent use of colors for the interior.

Dislikes:

• Exterior design is questionable -- grille details are better suited to Paul Wahl than a car (is it wearing also wearing braces?).
• Just doesn't have the upscale feel of a Escalade. It shares way too much with the new Armada -- interior, etc. Honestly, it feels cheap.
• Steering wheel design is just as worse as what you can find in a 2004 Ion.
• Dash clock is useless. A nasty little quirk to an otherwise nice interior.

[Variance]

I'm kinda confused... if you look at the pictures of the gated shifter... I see, "P, R, N, 4, 3, 2/1"

Where is drive?

"4" is actually "4-D". You move the shift lever to the left for 4th gear and to the right for normal drive.

[Intrepidation]

That steering wheel actually reminds me of the `89 Shadow's...not exactly flattering.

[Variance]

I have to admit, as much as I like Infiniti, I've never been smitten with the QX56. Every other Infiniti has some degree of sleekness to it but this simply doesn't fit in. I'm hoping the next QX is more like a big FX styling-wise. Supposedly, this is the last time Infiniti is going to tweak a USDM Nissan and sell it as an Infiniti. The only Infiniti-like characteristics of the current QX that I've heard are good handling (for a full-size SUV) and a good powertrain.

I don't dislike it but as was said, they can do better.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Ohhh, look! They took all the leftover little plastic grille 'nubs' from the previous Altima and stuck them in the QX56 grille. YAY!!! Looks more rugged than before, yet still just as $h!ty. At least J.D. Power likes it.

[LosAngeles]

Can't believe a nose job wasn't worth the trouble to them.