[Updated with New Photos] Infiniti (officially) pulled the wraps off its all-new 2011 QX56 full-size SUV at the New York International Auto Show. Bigger and brawnier than its predecessor, the second-generation QX is based on the recently revealed 2011 Nissan Patrol. Infiniti's version features a unique front and end treatment, but the rest of the body has remained virtually unchanged.
"The look is clearly Infiniti with its signature Infiniti grille, broad shoulders and large greenhouse," says Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "It's rugged, sophisticated and completely captivating." Well, we'll let you be the judge of that.
Styling aside, the new QX features revised dimensions versus the previous model as it is 1.4-inches longer, 1.1-inches wider and 3.8-inches lower in overall height.
Infiniti claims that the QX56's cabin is unique and almost out-of-this-world. Even so, there are no significant differences between the interiors of the Patrol and the Q56.
"If you could take the interior of a private jet and transform it into a full-size SUV, this wouldn't be far off," said Poore.
"From its available sofa-like semi-aniline leather seating to its premium audio and three-source entertainment systems, the QX interior is world-class. It's a highly adaptive environment, with a quality and quietness that adds to the stress-free driving and riding experience."
The new QX features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available with the 2nd row 60/40-split folding bench seat. Also available is a remote release for the 2nd row seats to activate the tip-up function through a switch on the center stack. The 3rd row seat is a 60/40-split power folding design with reclining capability.
Like its sister Nissan model, the 2011 QX56 is powered by a new 5.6-liter V8 engine with direct-injection technology that's rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Despite the 25% increase in horsepower over the previous QX, Infiniti claims that the new model is more than 10% more fuel efficient.
The V8 unit is hooked up to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Match.
The QX is offered in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the 4WD model featuring Infiniti's All-Mode 4WD system with Auto, 4H, and 4L modes. The system can transfer up to 50 per cent of torque to the front wheels on demand.
Infiniti said that the QX's maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models.
As a first for Infiniti, the new QX will be offered with an optional Hydraulic Body Motion Control system that utilizes hydraulic cylinders located at the shock absorbers to adjust roll stiffness in order to reduce body lean while turning.
The 2011 QX is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti retailers nationwide in early summer with pricing set at $56,700 USD for the 2WD and $59,800 USD for the 4WD model. These prices are the same as the previous generation QX.
[NY Show Photos by Phil Alex]
