Infiniti has consistently redefined automotive segments, introducing fresh perspectives to the luxury car market. From the groundbreaking Q45, which brought a new level of performance to large luxury vehicles, to the sporty and luxurious G20 in the compact car category, and the QX4, which pioneered luxury in the SUV market, Infiniti has a history of innovation.
Stepping into this tradition of innovation, the Fx45 Car emerged as a concept designed to conquer the burgeoning “Crossover Luxury” SUV market. Debuting at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the FX45 car was a bold statement, boasting V8 power, all-wheel drive, exceptional performance, and a distinctively crafted interior and exterior.
Tom Orbe, then vice president and general manager of the INFINITI Division, encapsulated the spirit of the FX45 car: “We started with a blank piece of paper and asked the question, ‘What kind of vehicle do we want to drive?’ The result was the FX45 — a sports car driver’s vehicle first with the practicality of an SUV second.” This vision positioned the FX45 car not merely as an SUV, but as a performance vehicle that catered to the evolving needs of drivers.
The target demographic for the FX45 car was envisioned as individuals who, while appreciating the thrill of a sports car, required the added practicality of an SUV. “They still want true sports car performance, but need room for family and all of life’s other necessities,” Orbe elaborated. “This buyer also operates right on the cutting edge and will want the latest and greatest vehicle available.” The FX45 car was designed to be the primary vehicle for these discerning drivers, offering a seamless blend of performance and utility.
FX45 Car: Style and Design Innovation
The FX45 car’s design philosophy ingeniously merged sport utility vehicle functionality with sports car aesthetics. It maintained essential SUV characteristics, such as optimized space, four full-size doors for easy passenger access, and a large rear hatch for cargo, while adopting a low-slung, wide stance, and imposing wheels and tires reminiscent of sports cars. The split tailgate, incorporating a slide-out load floor, enhanced cargo loading convenience, blending practicality with innovative design.
The front of the FX45 car was dominated by a large, signature INFINITI-style grille, projecting a substantial and sleek appearance. The glass roof, designed to provide an open-air experience, included automatic shades to ensure passenger comfort, showcasing a thoughtful approach to luxury and convenience. The rear tailgate’s two-piece design – an upward-swiveling glass hatch and a downward-swiveling lower gate – further emphasized the vehicle’s innovative and user-centric design.
Stepping inside, the FX45 car’s leather-appointed passenger compartment departed from traditional SUV interiors with its personalized zones. The driver’s zone was meticulously designed for driving pleasure, featuring integrated tilt steering and instruments, along with a comprehensive 9.5-inch LCD monitor. This monitor controlled an advanced navigation system, HVAC, audio, INFINITI Communicator, and even offered Internet and E-mail access, showcasing the cutting-edge technology integrated into the FX45 car. The front passenger zone featured independent climate controls, enhancing individual comfort. The rear zone catered to passengers with a DVD player, video game system, and a rear water bottle cooler, highlighting the vehicle’s focus on passenger entertainment and luxury. The interior was enveloped in Alcantara fabric and accented with solid aluminum parts, creating a striking contrast of textures and temperatures, and reinforcing the FX45 car’s unique design identity.
FX45 Car: Performance and Engineering Excellence
Performance was a paramount consideration in the development of the FX45 car. “FX45 vehicle performance target is far above that of the current crop of SUVs,” stated Orbe, emphasizing its ambitious performance benchmarks. “Instead, we targeted large sports luxury cars, such as the BMW 7-series, Lexus GS430 and our own 2002 Q45.” This positioning underscored the FX45 car’s intent to deliver a driving experience comparable to high-performance luxury sedans, rather than conventional SUVs.
At the heart of the FX45 car was a specially tuned 32-valve 4.5-liter V8 engine, producing over 300 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque. This robust engine was paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission featuring a manual mode, offering drivers both convenience and control. Power distribution was managed by an All-Mode driveline, an adaptation of the system found in the Nissan Skyline GT-R supercar. This advanced all-wheel-drive system ensured superior performance in diverse driving conditions, from dry pavement to adverse weather, enhancing both safety and driving dynamics.
The FX45 car featured a 4-wheel independent suspension system, specifically tuned for exceptional on-road handling. Further enhancing vehicle control was the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system, which modulated brake pressure and engine torque to mitigate oversteer and understeer situations. Orbe clarified the performance focus: “With its high performance sports orientation, we feel that an FX45 driver will not participate in serious off-roading. Instead, we’ve given it stability and exceptional performance in light traction situations such as rain, snow or gravel.” This statement highlighted the FX45 car’s design for real-world driving scenarios, prioritizing on-road performance and stability over hardcore off-road capabilities.
Braking in the FX45 car was handled by large 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), which dynamically adjusts braking force based on vehicle load, and Brake Assist, which aids drivers during emergency braking, further enhanced braking stability and safety. Completing the FX45 car’s assertive stance were 20-inch wheels fitted with 285/50R20 tires, contributing to its aggressive, broad-shouldered appearance and reinforcing its performance-oriented design.
The Legacy of the FX45 Car
“We’re sure that the FX45 vehicle will be a hit with consumers and send a strong message to competitors that INFINITI’s product resurgence is for real,” Orbe confidently stated. “We are confident that the INFINITI brand is one worth aspiring to.” The FX45 car indeed proved to be a significant vehicle, not only for Infiniti but for the luxury automotive market as a whole. It successfully blended sports car performance with SUV practicality, pioneering the luxury crossover segment and setting a new benchmark for future vehicles. For those interested in vehicle diagnostics and performance, understanding the FX45 car’s advanced systems provides valuable insights into the evolution of automotive technology and design.
