The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

New More Powerful Infiniti QX4 to See the Debut at the L.A. Auto Show

5 January 2000

New More Powerful Infiniti QX4 to Debut at the L.A. Auto Show; Second Generation QX4 Offers a New 240HP V6, New Interior and Refined Styling INFINITI 2001 QX4 Infiniti 2001 QX4. (PRNewsFoto)[KI] LOS ANGELES, CA USA 01/05/2000    
    LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5 -- Infiniti, the luxury division of
Nissan North America Inc., (NNA) today provided an early look at its
reengineered second-generation QX4 at a press dinner in Los Angeles.  This
marks the first showing of the QX4 which will be on display throughout the
entirety of the Los Angeles Auto Show that runs through January 16th.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000105/LAW080 )
    Since the Infiniti QX4 was first introduced as a 1997 model, it has been
known as an incredibly well thought out, exceptionally comfortable luxury
sport utility vehicle (LSUV).  Its advanced design features have included the
exceptional performance of its innovative All-Mode 4WD(R) system, its rigid
MonoFrame(R) construction and an extensive list of luxury conveniences and
amenities -- with the added comfort of one of the industry's leading customer
service and support programs, The Infiniti Total Ownership Experience(R).
    Now, in its first major redesign, the QX4 receives a bolder and crisper
exterior appearance, a restyled interior package including a new instrument
panel and center console, a new optional navigation system and an increase of
70 horsepower from an all-new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine.
    The 2001 QX4 is also available for the first time in 2-wheel drive for
buyers desiring the toughness and versatility of a sport utility vehicle, but
who may not need the all-climate capabilities of a 4WD system.
    "The QX4 has always offered the heart of a rugged, authentic off-roader
with the soul of a true luxury vehicle," said Tom Orbe, vice president and
general manager, Infiniti Division.
    "For 2001, we've added the luxury of the most powerful V6 engine in class,
and the power of unmatched comfort and convenience.  It's an unbeatable
combination -- half off-roader, half luxury sedan."
    The 2001 Infiniti QX4 goes on sale in March 2000 at Infiniti retailers
nationwide.

    Crisp New Exterior, Elegant New Interior Design
    For 2001, the elegantly styled QX4 receives a new front grille and bumper
and a distinctive new headlight design featuring standard high intensity
discharge (HID) Xenon headlights with auto on/off feature and new integrated
fog lights and turn signals.  Other exterior changes include revised body side
cladding, new rear finisher and rear bumper, new rear combination lights, new
rear-facing exhaust pipe and a new roof rack design.
    Other exterior features include 16-inch or all-new 17-inch (optional)
aluminum alloy wheels, a full-size spare tire with matching alloy wheel, dual
body-color power remote-controlled heated outside mirrors, black privacy
glass, variable intermittent rear liftgate glass wiper, integrated fender
flares and splash guards and step rails with slip-resistant inserts.
    Two new exterior colors are offered for 2001 -- two-tone Bronze/Tuscan
Beige and Burgundy -- in addition to Black Obsidian, Silver Sage, Titanium,
Black Obsidian/Titanium, Tuscan Beige and Dover White/Silver Sage.
    Inside, the 2001 QX4 offers an all-new interior with an ergonomically
designed instrument panel, highlighted by easy-to-read electro-fluorescent
gauge cluster illumination and a new integrated sports style analog clock.
The new QX4 also offers Bird's Eye Maple wood-tone trim, an overhead console
with compass and outside temperature display and a new six-speaker Bose(R)
audio system with AM/FM/cassette and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer.
    Other new features include a striking new leather and wood (simulated)
steering wheel with steering wheel mounted audio controls (optional on 2WD and
4WD models), new heated rear seats (as part of the Heated Seats Package) and
an optional navigation system (available at launch in selected areas,
available nationwide in June).
    As with the previous generation, the new QX4 offers the widest array of
luxury appointments, including leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped
gearshift knob and parking brake lever, wood-tone trim, an 8-way adjustable
power driver's seat and a 4-way power front passenger's seat and a 60/40 split
fold-down rear seat design with reclining seat backs, fold-down center armrest
and an elevated seat base to enhance the forward view.  The QX4's standard
power window system now offers a one-touch auto-up/down feature with safety
reverse for the driver and front passenger windows.  A one-touch auto
open/close with safety reverse feature has been added to the sunroof (if
equipped).  Built into the driver's side sun visor is a HomeLink(R) Universal
Transceiver for remote opening of garage doors and gates.
    Other standard equipment includes power door locks with selective
unlocking, an advanced 6-way keyless remote entry system, digital automatic
temperature control with CFC-free air conditioning, rear-seat heater ducts,
cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, front and rear dual cup
holders with front cover, retained power function for the sunroof and power
windows, a battery saver function, and front and rear 12-volt power outlets.
    The 2001 QX4 is available in two interior colors, Graphite or Stone Beige.
Each interior color is complemented by Bird's Eye Maple wood-tone trim in a
color specific to that interior.

    The Most Powerful V6 in Class, the Most Advanced 4WD System
    The biggest news for 2001 is the new, technologically advanced 3.5-liter
DOHC V6, which takes the QX4's performance to a whole new level.  The new
engine, based on the 2000 Infiniti I30's award-winning 3.0-liter, produces
240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 ft-lbs of torque at 3,200 rpm.  This
represents an increase of 70 horsepower and 65 ft-lbs of torque over the
previous generation QX4's 3.3-liter SOHC V6.
    "This new QX4 engine, which is part of the same engine family that was
named one of the 'Ten Best Engines' in the world six consecutive years by
Ward's Auto World magazine, has the feel and performance of many competitors'
V8 powerplants," said Orbe.  "Along with its increased power, the engine is
also extremely quiet and refined -- making the QX4 right at home anywhere life
takes you."
    Among the advanced systems found in the new engine are continuous valve
timing control, a variable intake system, a new lightweight piston design, a
new aluminum block, new electronic throttle control system and 100,000-mile
service interval platinum-tipped spark plugs.  More than 100 countermeasures
have been taken to minimize levels of noise, vibration and harshness.  A new
engine cover provides a clean engine compartment appearance.
    All 2001 QX4s are equipped with a new electronically controlled 4-speed
automatic transmission with overdrive.  The transmission has been strengthened
to handle the increased power and torque and features NEW DUETTE (New
Development Unity Engine Transmission Total Engineering) for seamless
shifting.
    The QX4 is available in 2-wheel drive with standard 16-inch aluminum alloy
wheels and P245/70R16 tires, or with Infiniti's advanced All-Mode 4WD system.
    The All-Mode 4WD system provides a superior driving experience on and off
the pavement, utilizing all-wheel drive technology derived from Nissan's
world-class Skyline GT-R sports coupe (rather than traditional truck-based
systems).  All-Mode 4WD was designed to instantly distribute torque to the
front wheels (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand) resulting
in optimal traction with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering
capability.
    All 2001 QX4s are built with rigid MonoFrame construction, providing a
stable platform, reduced noise and vibration, improved ride and handling and
excellent body fit.  The QX4's advanced suspension offers the best of both
on-road comfort and off-road durability.  The independent front strut design
provides exceptional driving feel and enhanced stability along with a tight
turning radius and a long stroke for exceptional suspension travel, which
helps each wheel maintain contact with the ground over uneven terrain.
    The refined 5-link coil-spring rear beam suspension provides long
suspension travel, enhanced stability and control of body lean, along with
reduced noise and vibration.  Stabilizer bars are featured front and rear for
improved handling and driver control, while vehicle speed-sensitive
rack-and-pinion steering provides precise control and driver feedback.
    The QX4 also features power-assisted front-vented disc brakes and rear
drum brakes working in conjunction with the load-sensing valve to determine
how much weight is inside the vehicle.  A special G-sensor, which measures the
deceleration rate of the vehicle, interacts with the ABS control unit to help
ensure that ABS does not interfere with braking during low-speed, extreme
angle off-road maneuvers.

    Safety and Security
    The 2001 QX4 includes a long list of standard safety equipment, including
new front seat active head restraints, which help to minimize head movement at
impact to help reduce whiplash and other more serious injuries in certain
rear-end collisions.
    Other standard safety equipment includes driver and passenger front
supplemental air bags, driver and passenger front seat side-impact
supplemental air bags (head and chest type), front seat belts with adjustable
shoulder belt anchors, pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear outboard
passenger seat belts, Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System, child-safety rear
door locks and remote keyless entry and vehicle security system with indicator
light.
    Driver and passenger confidence is accentuated with an extensive list of
vehicle-incorporated safety features including: an energy-adsorbing steering
column, front and rear structure crumple zones, hood buckling creases with
safety stops (to help avoid intrusion into the passenger compartment), special
"outrigger" box-section bodyside reinforcements and a shift interlock system.

    Model Availability
    The 2001 Infiniti QX4 comes fully equipped, with a choice of 2WD or 4WD.
Both are complete with leather-appointed interior, automatic transmission and
Bose audio system.  The 4WD model adds the All-Mode system, 17-inch wheels and
tires, driver's memory seat system, wood/leather steering wheel and steering
wheel-mounted audio controls.
    Available options for the 2WD and 4WD models include a Premium Package
(with 17-inch wheels and tires, wood/leather steering wheel, driver's memory
switch and steering wheel-mounted audio controls), sunroof, heated front and
rear seats and navigation system.  The 4WD model also offers an optional Sport
Package (with front and rear heated seats and limited-slip differential),
sunroof and navigation system.
    Like all Infiniti models, the QX4 is protected by some of the best
warranties in the industry: a 4-year / 60,000-mile Basic Coverage; a 6-year /
70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Coverage protection for major engine and
driveline components; a 5-year / 50,000-mile New Vehicle Emission Control
Limited Warranty; and a 7-year / unlimited mileage Corrosion Coverage.

    (Or visit the Infiniti Online News Bureau at http://www.infinitinews.com)

See it Now! http://www.theautochannel.com/cybercast/2000autoshows/index.html?EVENTS