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.November 12, 2003
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This Week:

• Infiniti Introduces All-New QX56 Full-Size Luxury SUV

• The Minivan Formula

• Hyundai Names Newest SUV the Tucson

• BMW X3 Makes Official North American Auto Show Debut At South Florida International Auto Show

• Luxury Volkswagen Phaeton Arrives to Miami Auto Show - 'Represents Great Value in German Luxury Class'

• Toyota Announces $15 Million Expansion Of Facility In Erlanger, Kentucky

• Porsche sales up 85 percent in North America

• $400 Million Engine Plant Powers Holden's Global Drive

• Flagship Diesel Engine To Be Built At Dagenham

• Federal-Mogul Announces Joint Venture in Turkey

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Infiniti Introduces All-New QX56 Full-Size Luxury SUV

 

Infiniti's expanding product lineup takes a full-size step forward in spring 2004 with the addition of an all-new luxury sport utility vehicle. Designated the Infiniti QX56 for its powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine, the new full-size luxury SUV becomes the fourth V8-powered Infiniti, joining the Q45 and M45 sedans and FX45 crossover SUV, and the third to feature all-wheel drive, along with the FX and the newly introduced 2004 G35 Sport Sedan all-wheel drive model. The new QX56, which will be the first Infiniti model assembled in North America, is designed to provide luxury on a grand scale, with eight-passenger seating (seven-passenger with 2nd row captains chairs), progressive styling, advanced technology and exceptional on-road and off-road performance.

"The new QX56 offers a new level of style, sophistication, luxury and capability," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti. "Along with being built on a solid foundation of advanced engineering, the QX56 offers buyers an unmatched array of ownership-enhancing technology and convenience features, such as a standard navigation system and auto-leveling rear suspension."

True Luxury in Look and Feel

The 2004 Infiniti QX56 is designed to target luxury SUV buyers who are looking for something new and different, providing a combination of practical elegance and ergonomic thoughtfulness with a rewarding level of comfort and indulgence.

The exterior styling of the QX56 projects a very powerful presence, beginning with its large hood, Infiniti-style chrome "waterfall" grille and taut, barrel-shaped sides. The jewel-like xenon headlights are located low in the fenders, which, combined with the integrated halogen fog lamps, help give the new QX56 a strong resemblance to the elegant front end design established by the original Infiniti QX4. The large 18-inch tires are placed close to the edge of the wheelwells, enhancing the taut, athletic stance, while the standard 7-spoke chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and chrome wheel lip moldings - connected visually by the standard body side cladding and running boards - complement the QX56's sophisticated luxury imagery. In the rear, Infiniti-style LED tail and brake lights provide additional visual distinction. A distinctive power-operated liftgate with opening rear glass and a large bumper with integrated towing hardware complete the rear exterior appearance.

The exterior design also offers a long list of additional features, including chrome front door handles, dual power-adjustable heated chrome side mirrors with puddle lamps, privacy glass for the 2nd and 3rd rows and power-operated flip-out rear quarter windows. Also offered as standard equipment is a Rear Proximity Sensor (back-up obstacle warning system) in the rear bumper.

The optional Infiniti RearView Monitor system, like that offered with the flagship Q45 and M45 sedans, utilizes a small CCD camera discretely located in the rear license plate finisher to provide a picture of what is behind the vehicle (projected on the QX56's standard navigation system LCD monitor).

An Interior of Distinction and Luxury

The standard seating configuration includes fold-flat 2nd row captain's chairs with integrated armrests, removable 2nd row center console and fold-flat 3rd row bench seat. A fold-flat 2nd row bench seat is also available, providing 8-passenger seating if desired.

The 3rd row seating area, often overlooked in SUV design, treats passengers with the same high level of attention as those in the first two rows. The 3rd row seats are elevated (higher than the 2nd row) to provide a better forward view and to help facilitate easier conversation with forward occupants. The seat's fold-flat design provides easy operation and easy access, along with cargo hauling flexibility and spontaneity. In addition to ample headroom, the 3rd row provides passengers with individual side storage bins and cupholders.

The QX56's instrument panel is highlighted by Fine Vision instrument illumination, signature Infiniti analog clock, dual-zone electronically controlled climate control and a standard DVD-based navigation system with 7.0-inch LCD screen. A Bose® audio system with 10 speakers, AM/FM/6-CD autochanger and steering wheel mounted controls is standard on every QX56. The system includes dual media capability, which allows the use of radio and CD at the same time (headphones must be used to listen to second audio source).

Adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock and memory function are standard, part of the Auto Driving Position memory system that includes memory for pedals, outside mirrors and driver's seat.

The QX56's full-length overhead console features individual map lights and ventilation for each passenger. The optional DVD Family Entertainment System includes a flip-down console-mounted monitor, as well as storage compartments for the system's two wireless headphones and remote controller.

Other standard interior features include four 12V power outlets, rear air conditioning with dual controls (front and rear), rear heater duct, driver and front passenger one-touch auto up/down power windows; rear auto-down power windows, 12 cupholders and bottle holders (some with capability of holding up to 64 oz. bottles), standard HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and rear area ceiling/floor-mounted cargo tie-down points and cargo net. Two interior colors are available, Willow and Graphite.

Athletic Power and Handling

The new QX56 blends responsive acceleration with agile handling through use of its leading edge engine and chassis design. The standard 5.6-liter DOHC Endurance V8 produces 315 horsepower at 4,900 RPM and 390 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 RPM through the use of advanced design features such as aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, molybdenum-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps, single-stage timing chain and, for precise control, an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle.

The QX56's Endurance V8 is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's impressive torque is available below 2,500 rpm - where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving.

Every QX56 also comes with a standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with tow/haul modes for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission is geared specifically for use in high torque situations and includes an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain management program for smooth shift quality.

A gated floor shifter provides enhanced shift control when towing. The transmission's tow/haul mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling. The QX56 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,900 pounds (properly equipped).

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) (includes deactivation switch) is also offered as standard on every QX56.

The 2004 QX56 is available in two drive configurations - rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive model featuring a full-time all-wheel drive system with RWD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low gear. The two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time all-wheel drive and 4LO.

The QX56's AWD 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. Under normal driving conditions, AWD QX56s operate in rear-wheel drive mode. All AWD QX56s include heavy-duty skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.

All QX56s are built on a durable fully boxed, high strength steel frame and feature standard Dana front and rear axles. The combination of comfortable ride and responsive handling comes from the 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars.

An advanced rear auto-leveling air suspension is also standard on every QX56, helping provide better handling stability and ride comfort when towing or hauling cargo. 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.

Everything You Want in One Fully Equipped Model

The all-new Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV is designed to take the complexity out of the buying decision. The QX56 comes in one model, in a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes the 5.6-liter V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension with auto-leveling rear, leather-appointed seating, advanced Bose audio system, navigation system and much more.

The 2004 Infiniti QX56 goes on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide in spring 2004. It will be shown publicly for the first time at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

(Nov. 10, 2003)