2009 Nissan GT-R Incredible Supercar for All Season

GT-R’s incredible all-season performance, extraordinary build quality and advanced technology are unmatched among supercars. Combine that with a reasonable price and you have the clear choice for the 2009 Motor Trend Car of the year. Technically, the 2009 Nissan GT-R isn’t a Skyline - that distinction now belongs to what we know as the Infiniti G series, which is marketed as the Nissan Skyline in Japan. But don’t let the official nomenclature fool you. From its familiar twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive layout to its telltale circular taillights, there’s no mistaking the new Nissan for anything but a modern-day Skyline GT-R.

The big deal for Americans is that the 2009 GT-R marks the first time this legendary performance car will be officially sold stateside. We also happen to be getting the most ambitious version yet. The great-granddaddy of the new GT-R, the “Godzilla” R32 Skyline GT-R produced from 1989-’93, was designed to equal the performance of the iconic Porsche 959. Nissan’s benchmark for the 2009 GT-R? The mighty Porsche 997-series 911 Turbo.

Nissan GT-R Image Gallery:


That’s a tall order under any circumstances, but Nissan’s President and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, sent the degree of difficulty skyrocketing when he agreed to green-light the GT-R project on two conditions: first, the base price had to be about $70,000; and second, the car had to be profitable, i.e., not merely an image-boosting “halo car” that would be sold at a loss. Improbably, the GT-R has succeeded on all counts. Ghosn’s conditions have been met, and we can confirm that the 2009 Nissan GT-R is indeed a match for its Bavarian benchmark at the track. Never before has such stratospheric factory performance been available at such a reasonable price; in fact, you’d have to look long and hard to match the GT-R’s performance at any price.

How does the GT-R do it? As far as that bargain-basement price tag is concerned, we’d put it down to a mixture of modern mass-production techniques and magic. Performance-wise, the gnarly Nissan has a long list of co-conspirators to thank, among them a 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6, a thoroughly revised version of the previous GT-R’s ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system, a trick suspension with adjustable dampers and a dual-clutch transmission that ranks right up there with the best in the business.

Credit also goes to the GT-R’s all-new PM (”Premium Midship”) chassis, as distinguished from the FM platform that underpins the 350Z and the Infiniti G35. The GT-R’s 53/47 weight distribution (50/50 under full acceleration, Nissan says) is due in part to the PM chassis’ rear-mounted transmission, unusual in any case for a front-engine design — only the Corvette and a few other high-end performance cars have one — but unprecedented for one with all-wheel drive. What’s more, to guard against inconsistencies from one GT-R to the next, the car’s suspension and body are assembled on a jig, racecar style. The result is an honest-to-goodness supercar — except for the bottom line.

Demerits are few and mostly insignificant next to the GT-R’s colossal capabilities. First off, the car is a bit heavy given its sporting mission, tipping the scales at 3,800-plus pounds — but in light of the GT-R’s physics-defying cornering ability, who cares? Probably the only time owners will really notice the extra weight is at the pump, and folks who buy 473-hp sports cars aren’t likely to lose sleep over a few miles per gallon. Likewise, the angular exterior styling isn’t for everyone — but then, when a $70,000 car can get you to 60 mph faster than any Ferrari or Lamborghini currently in production, does it really matter how it looks? At the end of the day, the only unequivocal complaint we can lodge against the GT-R is that it lacks a manual transmission option. As good as the GT-R’s exclusive clutchless manual is, you can still shift many competing models the old-fashioned way if you want, and we wish the same were true of the GT-R.

But that’s the biggest nit we can find to pick, which is a good indication of just how special the 2009 Nissan GT-R is. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the only other sports car at this price point that offers remotely comparable bang for the buck, and its performance numbers are yesterday’s news compared to the GT-R’s. Provided that you can live without a stick, have more than $70K to play with and can find one (it’s said that only 1,500 are being allotted for the United States market, and those will no doubt command a hefty premium), the GT-R should be at the top of your sports car shopping list. For the time being, it’s probably the most thrilling ride for the money that the automotive marketplace has to offer.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car available only in coupe form with a 2+2 seating layout. Two trim levels are offered: base and Premium. The base model comes standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, Brembo brakes, a rear spoiler, an electronically adjustable suspension, leather upholstery, power front seats, aluminum-trimmed pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Bluetooth, keyless entry/start, automatic climate control, a six-speaker sound system, XM Satellite Radio, a multifunction driver-configurable information monitor, an in-dash Compact Flash card reader and a navigation system with a 30-gigabyte hard drive, 9.4 gigabytes of which can be used for audio storage.

The Premium model adds higher-performance tires, an 11-speaker Bose audio system with two subwoofers, heated front seats, front passenger side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Notably, side and side curtain airbags are not available on the base model.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Nissan GT-R is powered by a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that generates 473 hp and 434 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission routes this prodigious power to the ground via an advanced all-wheel-drive system.

In our instrumented testing, the 3,836-pound GT-R teleported to 60 mph in a drama-free 3.3 seconds, thanks to its launch control function, and turned in a blistering 11.6-second quarter-mile at nearly 121 mph.
Safety

Standard safety features on the 2009 Nissan GT-R include massive Brembo brakes with antilock capability, stability control and traction control. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on GT-R Premiums but unavailable on the base model.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2009 Nissan GT-R’s interior is a somber but appropriately driver-centric environment in which to make haste. Snug sport buckets and a high center console envelop the driver and front passenger, and rear passengers won’t complain as long as their legs aren’t long enough to dangle off the seat cushions — which is to say, as long as they’re under the age of 3. Ingress and egress — for the front passengers, at least — is a piece of cake by exotic-car standards.

The GT-R also boasts a trick multifunction performance monitor that features 11 different informational displays. The monitor was developed in consultation with Polyphony Digital, which created the Gran Turismo video game franchise.

Driving Impressions

Nissan enthusiasts were dismayed when the company revealed that the new GT-R would employ a V6 in place of the iconic inline-6 from previous Skyline GT-Rs. They needn’t have worried. This engine makes big power everywhere, and displays none of the coarseness that afflicts other Nissan V6s at higher rpm. Moreover, the 2009 Nissan GT-R is as graceful as it is powerful. When we drove a GT-R at Nissan’s test facility in Japan, we were amazed at how easy the car was to drive at the limit. The GT-R also felt incredibly poised both in tight corners and on high-speed straights, an impression supported by the otherworldly 7:29 lap the GT-R has turned in at the Nürburgring’s famed Nordschleife loop. Its Teutonic target’s best time, by the way, is 7:40.

As capable as the GT-R is at the racetrack, it nonetheless manages to be bearable on the street, even if no one will mistake it for a luxury coupe. The transmission’s automatic mode is surprisingly civil, and although the GT-R’s ride is never less than stiff, the suspension settings can be fiddled with so pavement imperfections need not be treated like land mines. We still yearn for a stickshift, but we know a good thing when we see it — and the 2009 Nissan GT-R is unquestionably one of the best performance cars ever.

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Infiniti Essence Coupe Concept debuts at Geneva Motor Show

The essence of the Infiniti brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world’s most demanding car enthusiasts – this is the Infiniti Essence. Presented as a concept at the 79th International Motor Show of Geneva, Essence is a celebration of Infiniti and its 20 years history as a creator of performance cars. But equally it is an inspiring exploration into the brand’s future. The dramatic design, technology and performance statement is a 592-horsepower, rear-wheel-drive gasoline/electric hybrid coupe.

The Essence Concept showcases many of the technologies, including hybrid, and design cues that will distinguish Infiniti production cars of the coming years. And, by steering Infiniti’s guiding principle of “Inspired Performance” into the luxury super-coupe market for the first time, it reaffirms Infiniti’s place among the world’s most exclusive and vibrant car brands.

Essence Overview

• A front-engined, two-seat, 592-horsepower, rear-wheel drive luxury coupe concept measuring 185 inches long
• A preview of Infiniti’s gasoline/electric hybrid drivetrain – capable of high speeds when conditions allow, zero emissions where they don’t.
• Fresh design language to influence future production models
• New safety technology, including Back-up Collision Prevention
• Minimalist and intensely driver-focused interior
• “New luxury” meets traditional Japanese craftsmanship
• Louis Vuitton fitted luggage to maximize trans-continental capability

Essence Exterior Design: “Dynamic Adeyaka”

With breathtaking good looks and perfect proportions, Essence exerts a powerful pull on all those who love cars. It looks like a driver’s car, one that would be right at home on the world’s grandest motoring routes, yet Essence is not an aggressive sports car.

Infiniti’s “Dynamic Adeyaka” attitude ensures Essence is single-minded, but also inviting, sophisticated and born of inspiration from both the human and natural worlds. To further boost its emotional appeal, it features details that bring a very modern take to some very old Japanese traditions. The designers’ aim was to merge all existing Infiniti design cues with fresh design language in a shape that the 20-year-old marque has never before attempted. The result is highly sculptural yet also very delicate. Essence speaks of power but not intimidation.

The hood, as expected of an Infiniti, is long and the rear deck short. Together with a flowing “wave” profile between muscular front and rear wheel arches, Essence at first appears to be in the classic sports car mold – but there is nothing retro about Essence. The side window graphics bring a particularly innovative and distinctive edge to the styling. The window appears to be resting on a ledge, its razor sharp line in contrast to the concave sweep of the upper body just below it. The rear section also features complex surfacing with concave “scoops” that flow down the rear pillars from one of Essence’s most distinctive design cues: a C-shaped kink to the side windows’ trailing edge. Outlined by a wide flourish of stainless steel, it adds instant movement to the car even when it is standing still.

One of the most distinctive details is the trim around the side air vents. The simple yet delicate shape, finely finished in aluminium, is based on the “kanzash,” a hairpin used by women when wearing the kimono. Other lines and details are inspired by the wide brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy. Essence represents a successful merging of iconic cultural cues with automotive aesthetics.

Essence’s front is characterised by Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille, set at an angle that suggests the car is about to leap forward. There is an illuminated Infiniti badge at its heart. Rounded corners effectively hide the front overhang and make this 185-inch-long car (15.4 feet) appear anything but big in the flesh.

At the front, as over the rest of the car, Essence eschews superfluous body embellishments that could interrupt the graceful strength of the whole. The grille is framed by subtle strips of stainless steel but there’s little other trim and no other grilles or intakes, not even fog lights. The door handles are slivers of push buttons flush with the body, while even the rearview mirrors must make way for minuscule cameras teased out of the A-pillars. More familiar Infiniti cues include the lights. At the front, the signature L-shaped modules taper back on to the bulging guards, picked out at their top edge by a row of LEDs. Slender fillets of red light curve around the car at the back, overlapping with the trunk opening and framing the spoiler, which appears to have been pushed out from within the car.

Essence Interior Design: Driver-Focused
A driver’s car demands the perfect driver’s cabin. Essence’s interior is minimalist, ergonomic and totally focused on giving the driver a feeling of absolute control – while the passenger area is dominated by comfort, calm and elegance to offer the kind of hospitality that is so important to Essence. The asymmetrical cabin is divided into two areas separated by a large curving console between the seats that sweeps around to merge with the center of the dashboard. The driver’s side is themed black, the passenger’s “cocoon” an earthy red.

A flat-bottomed steering wheel, chronometer-style dials, bright red engine start button, and short, alloy-topped gear selector announce to the driver this is a serious performance machine. Other interior features include larger gear change paddle shifters behind the wheel and a signature Infiniti analog clock. With the materials used – leather, Alcantara, hand-painted wood inspired by traditional Japanese lacquerware – the cabin exudes a rich and inviting warmth. Essence’s interior promotes a sense of well being which is key to the Infiniti driving experience.

Essence Drivetrain: Power With Responsibility
Essence’s drivetrain is designed to meet the highest expectations of owners by delivering the one thing everyone expects of an Infiniti – sheer driving pleasure. In Essence, that pleasure is taken to new heights, at the same time as previewing an innovative green hybrid engine. Essence is unusual even in the rarefied atmosphere of the world’s fastest road cars by being able to call on a mighty 592 horsepower.

Like the design, the performance is designed to be sophisticated and unobtrusive – performance with a human touch. The hybrid system is a logical extension of Infiniti parent group’s groundbreaking green commitments. It offers power with efficiency, and high performance with zero-emissions running, by combining a gasoline engine with an electric motor. These can work independently or together as a “parallel” hybrid system. In congested urban areas, the electric motor alone is all that is needed for Essence to glide silently between stoplights, with no tailpipe emissions. When the traffic clears, Essence responds with a highway performance that few cars could match. In “power assist” mode the full 592 horsepower is unleashed with both gasoline and electric power working together.

A key difference over some other hybrid systems is that both the V6 and the electric motor feed their power only to the rear wheels. Infiniti’s 3.7-liter DOHC V6 gasoline engine is fitted with twin turbochargers and a new, efficient direct-injection fuel system, boosting power to 434 horsepower.

Essence previews a new type of electric motor, called 3D Motor, that was designed to meet tough requirements on size and power output. The result is a particularly slim, disk-shaped motor that has twice the torque of a conventional unit. Its design was achieved by 3D magnetic field analysis to optimize the layout of the electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets. For use in the Essence, the motor is positioned between the engine and transmission and provides 158 horsepower, drawing power from a compact lithium-ion battery pack in the trunk area. Because the 3D Motor operates in both propulsion and power regeneration modes, the battery pack is kept charged up.

Optimized energy usage across the widest possible range of driving conditions is guaranteed by two separate clutches, which “switch in” the motors as required. It is a system that needs no torque converter, further enhancing responsiveness and driving pleasure.

Essence Safety: A Collision-Free Future
On a global level, Infiniti is committed to building safer vehicles equipped with advanced safety technologies. Essence previews some of the next-generation safety features that will ensure Infiniti cars remain among the safest on the road, adding two new technologies to the Distance Control Assist (DCA) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems that are available in today’s production Infinitis. Side Collision Prevention (SCP) and Back-up Collision Prevention (BCP) extend the anti-collision shield all the way around the car.

With SCP, when the driver decides to change lanes, side-mounted sensors activate a warning if an approaching vehicle is detected in the driver’s intended lane. A yaw mechanism is then activated through brake control of individual wheels to help prevent a potential collision. Back-up Collision Prevention works in a similar way, sensing a vehicle behind, giving the driver a warning but then, if the warning is not heeded, activating the brakes automatically. The warning system and pre-emptive safety features are designed to help support the driver in an intuitive manner with minimal intervention.

Essence Practicality: A Very Specially Made Solution
The team behind Essence harked back to an early motoring era to find the right solution for carrying luggage. The result is as classy as luggage ever gets, surprisingly practical and dreamily romantic. It also re-establishes the historic ties between a carmaker and one of the best-known names in luxury goods – Louis Vuitton. Vuitton first worked with a coachbuilder – the famous Kellner Company – in 1908, equipping one of their early luxury limousines with a set of bespoke luggage. Other coachbuilders quickly beat a path to Vuitton’s door in Paris. Made-to-measure Vuitton trunks were an integral feature of some of the greatest cars of the first part of the 20th century.

The collaboration between Infiniti and Vuitton revives the idea of a set of the highest quality luggage made to fit exactly a car’s trunk area. In Essence, there are three rigid pieces: a matched pair of slender briefcases atop a large trunk. All are made in the new Damier Graphite canvas and feature sleekly integrated handles and an overall design in harmony with the car itself. In addition, a button on the key fob electrically opens the trunk lid, allowing the trunk floor to slide silently rearwards.

Source: Infiniti Press Release

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2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Inspired Open Air Performance

Inspired Open Air Performance From 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

• The Infiniti G37 Convertible – design uncompromised.
• Joins the Infiniti Europe range from September 2009.
• “Dual beauty” three-piece folding metal roof.
• 320PS, 3.7-litre V6 with choice of 6MT and 7AT transmissions.
• Available latest generation Infiniti navigation and entertainment system
• Available Bose® open air sound system with head-rest mounted speakers and noise cancellation technology.
• Adaptive dual zone climate control system and climate-controlled seats.
• Unique exterior colour and interior trim options.
• Standard rear parking camera and wind break.

Infiniti’s fifth model for Europe, the G37 Convertible, will receive its European debut at the 2009 Geneva International Motor Show. Arguably Infiniti’s most seductive car yet, the G37 Convertible will go on sale across Europe from September 2009.

As the latest expression of ‘Inspired Performance’ by Infiniti, the G37 Convertible combines beautiful styling, exciting performance and a three-piece retracting hardtop that is designed to look as good with the top up as it does down. This “dual beauty” is a rare event among coupé convertibles and has been the prime motivation during the creation of the G37 Convertible.

The G37 Convertible offers an all-new design from the A-pillar back compared to the G37 Coupé, with extensive structural reinforcements, a wider rear track, modified rear suspension and a special convertible-focused interior with rear pop-up safety bars and available headrest audio speakers, wind deflector and climate controlled front seats.

The G37 Convertible, like its coupe sister, is powered by the 3.7-litre VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 320PS. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.

The G37 Convertible’s inviting interior includes standard leather seats, an available Bose® open air sound system that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, roof position and vehicle speed, an adaptive dual zone climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to roof position and vehicle speed, and available climate-controlled seats that provide both heating and cooling functions. Uniquely, a rear parking camera is standard.

The G37 Convertible is also the first car in Infiniti Europe’s range to feature a new and advanced navigation and entertainment system. It includes a high resolution touch screen for the Hard Disk Drive navigation system, full iPod integration, a music store, and DVD playback capability.

Seductive Styling Inside and Out
The G37 Convertible maintains a coupé-like silhouette with the top up through use of a special three-piece “clamshell” retractable metal hardtop, which allows for a shorter rear overhang and low boot lid. Moreover the roof has been engineered to minimise water dripping in the cabin when the roof is lowered after rain.

Compared to G Coupé, the G37 Convertible utilizes all-new body panels from the A-pillar back, along with a 32mm wider overall width, broader rear track and modified rear suspension.

The automatic roof opens in approximately 25 seconds from start to finish. The open/close switch is located on centre console, just behind the gearshift lever. There is the additional possibility to operate the roof from outside the car using the unlock button on the driver’s door.

Along with its G Coupé-like proportions, the G37 Convertible offers signature Infiniti styling cues such as flowing front curves, a wave-style aluminium bonnet, expressive front face with double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps. At the rear, the taillights are unique to the G37 Convertible, incorporating an inner “circle of light” for added distinction at night. The chrome rear boot-lid finisher incorporates both an integrated high-mount brake-light and the small camera for the standard parking monitor system.

Infiniti’s advanced “self-healing” Scratch Shield paint is standard with two G37 Convertible-exclusive colours, a dark red and a light blue.

The interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features an Infiniti signature “double wave” instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination, integrated multi-function information drive computer display and analogue Infiniti clock. The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Genuine magnesium paddle shifters are standard for the 7-speed automatic transmission.

Special “Silk Obi” aluminium interior trim, inspired by fine Japanese silk, is located across the instrument panel, on the centre console and on the door panels in a shape redolent of Japanese spears. Also available are two choices of genuine wood trim. Leather-upholstered seating is standard and is offered in one colour shared with the Coupé and three that will be unique to the Convertible.

Heated 8-way power driver/8-way front passenger seats are standard, with climate-controlled seats (with heating and cooling functions) also available. A power walk-in device with position memory provides easy access to the 2nd row seats (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats). A rear wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence when the top is down.

The G37 Convertible’s long list of comfort and convenience features includes standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System includes an advanced air conditioning system that adjusts to provide optimal comfort with the top up or down.

Two audio systems are available, starting with a standard 6-speaker CD system with MP3 playback capability and centre console-mounted auxiliary input plus 7-inch color display. Bluetooth connectivity is standard. The second option is a 13-speaker Infiniti Bose® open air sound system that automatically optimizes EQ settings for open/closed top positions. The system’s special Bose® Personal Headrest Speakers, mounted in the front seat headrests, enable superior front audio quality regardless of the roof position. With this option comes Infiniti’s latest generation HDD navigation system including a point of interest database. For music lovers, there is a 10GB Music Box hard drive capable of storing up to 300 CDs. Navigation, telephone and audio system can all be voice activated – a boost to safety as well as comfort.

Liberating Dynamic Performance
Like the G Coupé and G Sedan, the new G37 Convertible’s outstanding dynamic performance credentials start with a combination of its advanced FM platform and award-winning V6 engine. Every G37 Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-litre V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 320PS.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, helping to improve not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency (over a non-VVEL system). It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

The G37 Convertible is available with a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations and magnesium paddle shifters; or a responsive, lightweight close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

The G37 Convertible’s responsive handling and ride performance is provided by its advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform design, which optimizes front/rear weight balance and creates a rigid, stable foundation for the 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension is a double-wishbone design, with a single pivot lower wishbone and a long upper link. The multi-link rear suspension separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber inline with the wheel center. These designs help minimise alignment changes and reduce suspension friction for nimble handling and smooth riding characteristics.

Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing system. Also standard on the G37 Convertible is Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with cancel switch and Traction Control System (TCS).

Braking performance is provided by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The G37 Convertible will also be available with larger ventilated rotors (14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear) and aluminum four-piston calipers front/two-piston calipers rear, embossed with Infiniti lettering.

Infiniti’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Brake Assist, which helps in maintaining a consistent following distance from the car ahead, will be optional. It also identifies sudden braking situations with laser sensors to determine distance and relative speed of the car ahead in the same lane and “pre-pressurizes” the Brake Assist system before the driver steps on the brake pedal.

Split 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with P225/50VR18 front and P245/45R18 rear tyres are standard on the G37 Convertible, while special 19-inch alloy wheels with high performance tires (P225/45WR19 front and P245/40WR19 rear) will be optional.

The rear seat includes fixed head restraints, each with an integrated rear pop-up safety bar. The G37 Convertible also features reinforced front side members, front pillars and body sills.

More details about the G37 Convertible’s European technical specification, performance figures, equipment levels and pricing will be released closer to its market introduction.

Source: Infiniti Press Release

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2009 Infiniti QX56 One of the Better Full-Size Luxury SUVs

The Infiniti QX56 is a big, full-size SUV, designed for towing a heavy trailer, carrying lots of passengers in luxurious comfort, and tackling some serious off-road conditions.

The 2009 Infiniti QX56 comes with a smooth V8 engine that offers sufficient power. SUV buyers require spacious cabins and the QX56’s fits the bill, with roomy second and third rows. Towing capacity is remarkable, and the QX56 is also one of the better full-size luxury SUVs on the market in terms of acceleration and responsive handling.

Still, Infiniti’s big hauler falls introvert of perfection in a couple of respects. Previous to a 2008 refresh that brought a new race and nicer cabin equipment, some aspects of its interior don’t quite suit its luxury SUV status. Cargo facility is less than most of its competitors. And thankfulness to that muscular V8 engine, the QX56 is greedy at the gas pump. Another matter to consider is the QX56’s love-it-or-hate-it styling - a liability in a segment where appearances are everything.

Still in its first generation, the Infiniti QX56 is a full-size SUV that seats seven person. Only one trim is offered, but that trim comes loaded with a riches of standard features. Highlights include 20-inch 9-spoke chrome-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, xenon HID headlights, heated leather seats, a navigation system, Bose® premium audio system with 24-bit Burr-Brown DAC, CD player with MP3 playback, and 12 speakers. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is optional, as is a second-row bench seat (in lieu of the standard captain’s chairs) that allows the Infiniti to seat a total of eight passengers.

A host of safety features are standard, including Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Security System and Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System, Zone Body construction with reinforced passenger, compartment and front and rear crumple zones, Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), Driver and front-passenger supplemental side-impact air bags, Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags (with rollover sensor) for front and rear outboard occupant head protection, 3-point seat belt in all seating positions and front-seat pretensioners, Front-seat Active Head Restraints (AHR), LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) helps simplify proper installation of compatible child restraint seats. Snug Kids™ provides installation tips and a Child Safety Seat Fit Guide to assist parents in selecting a child restraint that fits their vehicle.

For 2008, Infiniti has added to the standard equipment list, and it now includes a 60/40-split power folding third-row bench seat, Infiniti Intelligent Key with keyless entry and ignition, a new audio system with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive for Music storage and playback, optional real-time traffic navigation integration and a larger screen for the rear entertainment system. 2009 Infiniti Q56 has also made some upgrades to the interior trim. Most welcome along with these changes is the new instrument cluster design and improved materials quality.

Under the hood is a 5.6-liter V8 capable of 320 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 393 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm; it’s wedded to an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with driver-adaptive learning algorithm. Rear-wheel drive or Infiniti All-Mode Four wheel drive (4WD®) models are offered. Acceleration is impressive and fuel economy, though gloomy, is at least on par with others in the full-size segment.

The 2009 Infiniti QX56’s cabin strives to impart the required luxury SUV opulence but eventually misses the mark. Luxurious carpeting is underfoot, rich leather cradles your back parts and luminous bird’s eye maple and aluminium accents abound. However, the interior is flawed by some downmarket plastics, and up until the ‘08 model year, the instrumentation and controls had a boring, utilitarian look. When it comes to true luxury in full-size proportions, the competitively priced Mercedes-Benz GL450 offers a more convincing show.

Cargo capacity is another limitation. Though the QX56 offers a well-mannered 20 cubic feet of luggage room with all three rows in use, maximum cargo capability trails that of others in its class, coming in at just 97 cubic feet. By comparison, the Cadillac Escalade offers 109 cubic feet of cargo space, while the extended-length ESV version offers 137 cubes. More remarkable is the 2009 QX56’s standard rearview monitor. Infiniti was the first manufacturer to present this technology in the full-size SUV segment, and it eases much of the pain related with parking this behemoth. This camera system utilizes the navigation system screen to give the driver a clear colorful display of what’s behind the vehicle.

In road tests, It has praised the 2009 Infiniti QX56 for its advanced powertrain, smooth ride and family-friendly passenger accommodations. In consumer reviews, Infiniti’s sport-utility vehicle drew top grades for its power, handling and useful rearview monitor. However, some owners criticized the vehicle’s unimpressive fuel economy and called for more wood accents in its cabin.

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