New 2008 Infiniti QX56 Ups the Ante in the Luxury SUV Marketplace
01/07/2007
Infiniti
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(R) NavTraffic(TM) system with real-time traffic information (requires active XM(R) 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(R) 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(R) NavTraffic(TM) 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(R) 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(R) 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(R) 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(R) leather-appointed seating surfaces, Burr-Brown(R) 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(R) NavTraffic with active XM(R) satellite radio subscription, Tow Package (standard on 4WD), 2nd-row Split Bench Seat Package, Infiniti Mobile Entertainment System and Intelligent Cruise Control.