New York Auto Show: 2011 Infiniti QX56

By Chris Haak

This morning in New York, Infiniti revealed its all-new QX56 full-size SUV. Unlike its immediate Nissan Armada-based predecessor, the new QX is based on the overseas-only Nissan Patrol SUV. The Nissan Patrol is basically Nissan’s answer to the Toyota Land Cruiser, and makes a very solid foundation for the QX in coming years. Humorously enough, the Patrol even looks very much like a Land Cruiser, except one with a Nissan Pathfinder’s grille grafted onto its front.

Back to the QX56 – with Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant changing over from pickup and SUV production to focus on light commercial vehicle production, the QX56 in its recent state was not a model whose existence was easy to justify. In fact, the Titan – which donated its chassis, front sheetmetal, and portions of its interior to the Armada (and to a lesser degree, to the QX56) very nearly went out of production directly by Nissan, until Chrysler and Nissan agreed to scrap the agreement to rebody the Dodge Ram as a second-generation Nissan Titan.

Powered by a 400-horsepower 5.6 liter V8 with variable valve timing and lift and direct injection, the 2011 QX boasts 25 percent more horsepower than the 2010 model. Yet, it also is 10 percent more fuel-efficient than the previous QX56. Helping the new V8 put its power to the ground is a seven-speed automatic, which has been proliferating through Infiniti’s lineup over the past few model years.

Opening the door of the QX, the upgrade in interior design and materials over the 2010 model grabs your attention immediately. It’s more like an Infiniti car – and not just a G – inside now, and much less like the aforementioned Nissan pickup. The interior boasts the same array of technology features found in Infiniti’s higher-end cars, such as lane-departure prevention, blind spot warning, full-range adaptive cruise control, Around-View monitor, and optional dual-screen DVD player in the front-seat headrests.

Pricing is exactly the same as the 2010 model, with 2WD models starting at $56,700 and 4WD models starting at $59,800. The 2010’s pricing was too high, but this almost seems too low, considering what Lexus is asking for its smaller and less-powerful GX460 (and the larger LX570 is nearly $20,000 more expensive).

The press release from Infiniti is included below, as is a gallery of live shots from the show floor.

03.31.2010 , NEW YORK

2011 Infiniti QX Makes World Debut at New York International Auto Show

• All-new Infiniti luxury SUV offers dramatic styling, 5-star travel experience
• Delivers 25% more horsepower, more than 10% better fuel economy
• Pricing remains the same as 2010 QX, starts at $56,700 USD

Infiniti today revealed its all-new 2011 Infiniti QX full-size SUV at a press conference at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. The new second-generation QX, which is designed to offer a true five-star travel experience, is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide this summer ñ with no increase in pricing over the 2010 QX. The 2011 QX is offered in two models ñ Infiniti QX56 2WD and Infiniti QX56 4WD.

The QX will be on display, along with the full lineup of inspired Infiniti vehicles ñ including the redesigned Infiniti G and all-new Infiniti M, which went on sale March 18th ñ at Jacob Javits Center from April 2nd through April 11th.

ìWeíre excited to be here in New York for the global debut of the Infiniti QX, a world-class vehicle that spotlights Infinitiís inspired design, performance, technology and craftsmanship,î said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. ìThe new QX gives us an incredible presence in full-size performance luxury SUVs ñ perfect for buyers seeking style, comfort, roominess and driving exhilaration.î

The 2011 Infiniti QX is conceived to attract and hold viewersí attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength. The design is dynamic, its size capable of transporting eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance. Inside the distinctive QX body is an interior long on luxury and convenience, including standard Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, Around Viewô Monitor, BoseÆ 2-channel, 13-speaker Premium Audio System, available perforated semi-aniline leather seating, and available DVD entertainment system with dual 7-inch color monitors which allows different sources to be played at the same time. The 2011 QX also offers ample 1st and 2nd row roominess and generous luggage space.

The 2011 QX combines a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine with Infinitiís VVEL (Variable Valve Event & Lift) and Direct Injection Gasoline (DIGô) system with a refined 7-speed automatic transmission ñ providing a 25% increase in horsepower and more than a 10% increase in fuel economy versus the 2010 QX. The new QXís towing capacity is rated at 8,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models.

For the first time ever on an Infiniti vehicle, a new Hydraulic Body Motion Control system is offered (available on both 2WD and 4WD models as part of the Deluxe Touring Package, which also includes 22-inch wheels and tires and a number of other features). The system helps reduce body lean while turning for a more comfortable ride.

Included among the new QXís standard premium entertainment and technology features are an 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Infiniti Controller for use with the vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTrafficÆ with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeatherô with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XMÆ subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat SurveyÆ Restaurant Guide. BluetoothÆ Hands-free Phone System is standard, as is XMÆ Satellite Radio, USB connection for use with iPodÆ Interface or other compatible devices, and Streaming Audio via BluetoothÆ.

The new Infiniti QX also offers a range of advanced technology systems, including Infinitiís Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems. A new Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system is also available. It illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area. If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds. Optional on the new QX is Infiniti’s advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.

Pricing for the 2011 Infiniti QX is set at an Manufacturerís Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* of $56,700 USD for the QX56 2WD and $59,800 USD for the QX56 4WD.

ìWeíre especially pleased to be able to keep pricing at 2010 levels, despite the new generation QXís significant enhancements in luxury content, performance, fuel economy, and available advanced technology features,î said Poore. ìItís a smart investment in a vehicle unlike any other in the market today.î