Infiniti QX56

Infobox Automobile


name=Infiniti QX56
manufacturer=Nissan
production=2004–present
class=Full-size Sport Utility Vehicle
body_style=4-door SUV
engine= 5.6 L V8 VK56DE
layout=Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform=Nissan F-Alpha platform
axle_ratio= 3.357:1
length=Auto in|206.9|0
width=2008-present: Auto in|79.5|0
2004-07: Auto in|78.8|0
height=2005-present 2WD: Auto in|77.0|0
2004 & 2008-present 4WD: Auto in|78.7|0
2005-07 4WD: Auto in|77.8|0
wheelbase= Auto in|123.2|0
weight= Auto lb|5597|0
transmission=5-speed automatic
assembly=Canton, Mississippi
related=Nissan Titan
Nissan Armada
Nissan Frontier
Nissan Xterra

The Infiniti QX56 is a full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) sold under the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury brand. It is based on the Nissan Armada full-size SUV, and shares the F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Titan pickup truck.

The truck is propelled by a 5.6 L "VK56DE" V8 engine (315 hp [227 kW] @ 4,900 rpm and Auto ft.lbf|390|0 torque @ 3,600 rpm) and a 5-speed automatic transmission with an overdrive. Each cylinder in the engine is lined with cast iron. The valvetrain is a DOHC design with four valves per cylinder. Infiniti designed the QX56's throttle responsiveness to correspond to specific drivetrain modes: when the driver selects all-wheel drive, the throttle becomes less sensitive, presumably to allow easier regulation of acceleration when off-road.

The Infiniti QX56 has around 9,000 lb (4082 kg) of towing capacity. Mileage at peak performance drain is auto mpg|12. It comes in one trim level, with only key options such as: DVD entertainment system, 4WD / 2WD, and a bench instead of captain chairs as the second row. Other features which come standard are a ten-speaker Bose system, DVD-based navigation system, leather trim for all seats, dual-climate control, 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, and an adaptive cruise control system. A precrash system is a novelty in the market as well.

As with the Nissan Armada, it is built in Canton, Mississippi; and is currently only available in the United States, Canada, Russia,Bahrain,UAE, and Saudi Arabia. It is also the first Infiniti built in the United States. Since priced lower than the Lexus LX, the QX56 has become a success for Infiniti, outselling the Lexus LX.

Since the demise of the Q45 (which was priced above the QX56) after 2006, the QX56 is the most expensive Infiniti in North America, and is Infiniti's only full-size vehicle. For 2008, the Infiniti QX56 received a minor facelift which included more standard equipment and standard 20-inch chrome wheels.

As with the Armada, the QX56 was very unreliable in Consumer Reports' surveys mainly due to problems with the brakes. However, the 2008 model had all the brake problems solved, and the QX56 now has an average rating in CR's surveys.

econd generation 2010-

Infiniti has announced a redesign based on the Kuraza concept. The production model will be shown at the New York Auto Show.

References

*"2004 Infiniti QX56", an article on page 52 of the March 2004 issue of "Motor Trend"
* [http://autos.yahoo.com/nissan_armada_se_4x2-specs/?p=ext 2008 Nissan Armada SE 4X2 Technical Specs]

External links

* http://www.infiniti.com/qx/