Saturday, January 24, 2009


I first drove the '09 FX on the track at a press event at the Pocono Raceway, where journalists would jump into a vehicle and drive off onto the track without ever looking at it very closely. That's an ideal way to get acquainted with this vehicle, because—whatever you think of its looks—the FX is a blast to drive. Factoring in its lower price, I much prefer the FX to BMW's (BMWG) new X6, an equally radical-looking crossover SUV.
After a price hike in September to cover the rising cost of materials, the '09 FX35 starts at $43,015 with rear-wheel drive and $44,465 with all-wheel drive. That version of the FX is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that generates 303 horsepower and 262 ft.-lb. of torque. The all-wheel-drive-only FX50, also redesigned for '09, starts at $59,265, and has a muscular 5.0-liter V8 under its hood that generates 390 horsepower (70 more horses than the outgoing FX45) and 369 ft.-lb. of torque.
However, the price looks more reasonable if you're eligible for rebates for buyers who already own an Infiniti vehicle. Even if you aren't eligible, dealers are bargaining on price. The average buyer of the '09 FX35 has gotten a $3,166 rebate, according to the Power Information Network (PIN).
The FX35 comes in a single, well-loaded trim that includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a power liftgate, xenon headlights, full power accessories, leather upholstery, power front seats, cruise control, a backup camera, an 11-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system, and satellite radio. It also comes standard with Nissan's self-healing paint, which uses sunlight to heat the clear-coat surface and fill in small scratches.
Loading up on optional equipment can make the FX one of the most technologically advanced vehicles on the road—but at a steep price. You start out with a $2,350 Premium Package that includes Bluetooth capability, an iPod connection, and heated and cooled front seats. The $2,850 Navigation Package (which requires the Premium Package) adds a new hard-drive-based touchscreen navigation system with voice recognition, real-time traffic information, a parking system, and a four-camera, 360-degree system to monitor the outside of the vehicle. The $2,900 Technology Package (which requires the Navigation Package, which—remember?—requires the Premium Package) includes adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning system, rain-sensitive wipers, and intelligent brake assist. If you spring for the Tech Package, you can also get a $1,600 rear-seat entertainment system. (For those without a calculator, the total cost of all three packages plus the entertainment system is $9,700.)

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