2009 INFINITI QX56 Press Kit

The INFINITI QX56 full-size SUV received extensive revisions for the 2008 model year, including a refined exterior and an upgraded interior – enhancements that continue for the new model year. For 2009, the QX56 is again offered with a standard 320-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 engine and is available in two-wheel drive (2WD) or with the INFINITI All-Mode 4WD™ system. Enhancements for 2009 include one new exterior color, Deep Garnet, and the addition of an automatic speed-sensing door lock function to the standard power door lock system.

The 2009 QX56 also offers an array of technology and luxury equipment, including a standard INFINITI Hard Drive Navigation System with 7.0-inch LCD screen, XM® Satellite Radio and XM NavTraffic® with real-time traffic information, Bose® Premium Audio system with Burr-Brown DAC and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, power-folding 60/40 split 3rd row bench seat. Also available is an optional INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System.

Interior roominess remains a QX56 strong point for 2009, with class-leading 2nd row legroom and seating for up to eight with the optional 2nd row split bench seat. Maximum utility is provided with generous cargo and storage capacity.

Artistry That Makes a Grand Statement
The 2009 INFINITI QX56 is immediately recognizable with its powerful and refined exterior styling, which is a presence befitting its top-luxury status. In the front, the distinctive QX56 “waterfall” grille is surrounded by a full-body type front fascia with halogen fog lights.

Standard jewel-like High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights illuminate the road ahead, while the large hood hints at the powerful V8 located beneath. Standard 20-inch chromed wheels and P275/60R20 tires and integrated side body cladding, add a classy and imposing stance. A smooth, one-piece roof rack provides additional utility.

At the rear of the QX56, a body-color fascia enhances the unique taillight design, further providing visual distinction from the competition. A remote-operated power liftgate with opening rear glass is standard. A trailer hitch and 7-pin trailer harness plug are standard on the 4WD model (optional on 2WD). Seven exterior body colors are offered for 2009, including the new Deep Garnet.

Standard exterior features include dual power adjustable power folding, heated sideview mirrors with puddle lamps, integrated turn signals and driver’s side auto-dimming feature; privacy glass for the liftgate, 2nd and 3rd rows; power flip-out rear quarter windows; and running boards. Standard rear sonar sensors work along with the RearView Monitor system, which utilizes a small camera discretely located in the rear license plate finisher to provide a view (projected on the QX56’s standard navigation system LCD monitor) of what is behind the vehicle when backing up.

Space Designed To Entertain and Reward
The 2009 QX56’s refined interior is designed to rival the best SUV and luxury car interiors on the market, utilizing authentic materials such as wood, aluminum, stainless steel, Sojourner® leather-appointed seating surfaces and thick (16-oz.) Tuscano carpeting. The QX56 interior boasts class-leading 2nd-row legroom (41.9 inches) and a standard power fold-flat 60/40 split 3rd row seat.

The QX56’s long list of interior features includes a gated shifter for the standard 5-speed automatic transmission, real Anigre wood grain interior trim and a standard heated steering wheel. The QX56’s modern instrument cluster with Fine Vision Meters provides clear information to the driver and the signature INFINITI analog clock, dual-zone front automatic temperature control and rear air conditioning with dual controls (front and rear), rear heater duct, and a standard INFINITI Navigation System (Hard Drive-based) with 7.0-inch LCD screen round out a truly luxurious interior.

The 2009 QX also offers standard INFINITI Intelligent Key and a 12-speaker Bose® Premium Audio System with Burr-Brown DAC and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive for digital music storage and playback. The system includes dual media capability, AM/FM/CD, steering wheel-mounted controls and compact flash slot for playing MP3 files. An advanced XM NavTraffic® system with real-time traffic information is standard with the INFINITI Navigation System. The system displays current traffic conditions in color-coded images overlaid on the navigation system map.

Comfort is aided by 10-way driver’s/8-way front passenger’s heated power adjustable seats. The driver’s position is further optimized through standard power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedal memory system that includes memory for the pedals, sideview mirrors and driver's seat. Also standard is a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System. The standard 7-passenger seating configuration includes fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with integrated armrests and a removable 2nd row center console. A fold-flat 2nd row bench seat is also available, providing 8-passenger seating. The 3rd row seating area is elevated to provide a commanding forward view and features standard roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags for side-impact and rollover protection.

Storage space is plentiful in the 2009 QX56 with its full-length rear overhead console, a front overhead console with sunglass holder, front center console with large storage capacity and power outlets, side storage bins and a maximum of 12 cup holders. Cargo capacity, with the 2nd row and power 3rd row seats folded down flat, measures 97.1 cubic feet.

With the front passenger seat and rear seats in the folded down position, it is possible to carry long items, such as lumber or surfboards, with the rear liftgate closed. For easier package handling, the 2009 QX56 includes rear area ceiling/floor-mounted cargo tie-down points and an optional cargo net.

An INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System with a DVD player mounted in the front center console, larger flip-down ceiling-mounted 8-inch monitor, as well as two wireless headphones and remote control, is available.

Powerful Performance and Exceptional Utility
In creating the QX56, INFINITI engineers sought to combine the best attributes of a luxury car-like ride with exceptional cargo and passenger carrying utility. The 2009 QX56 comes standard with a 5.6-liter DOHC V8 engine, producing 320 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 393 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 RPM. For hauling, towing or serious off-road driving, nearly 90 percent of the engine's torque has been made available below 2,500 rpm.

Assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn., the QX56's V8 incorporates advanced design features, such as an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, molybdenum-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps, heavy duty cooling system, single-stage timing chain and, for precise control, an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle.

The standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is reinforced for the high-torque application and features unique gearing and transmission management through a variable lock-up torque converter and electronic controls for improved shifting and fuel economy. A special tow/haul mode revises shift patterns when engaged and enables the QX56 to maintain a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds for two-wheel drive and 8,900 pounds for four-wheel drive (when properly equipped).

Two drive configurations are available again in 2009 – two-wheel drive (2WD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) featuring the INFINITI All-Mode 4WD™ system with 2WD/AUTO/4HI/4LO modes and an electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low gear, activated through an easy selection switch knob on the center stack. The QX56's All-Mode 4WD™ 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.

For stability, the QX56 is built on the fully boxed high-strength steel F-Alpha frame. Rugged Dana front and rear axles provide the strength to handle on- and off-road challenges, and a comfortable ride is provided by a 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars. For additional undercarriage protection, all 4WD QX56s include heavy-duty skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.

The 2009 QX56 also features engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). For additional stability, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) is standard on every QX56, as is an advanced auto-leveling rear air suspension. 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.

The 2009 QX56 also features standard 20-inch chromed wheels and Michelin P275/60R20 all-season tires. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with four-wheel independent monitoring is standard and includes a gauge-cluster mounted warning lamp.

Optional on QX56 is INFINITI's advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, which, using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX56’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead via a laser signal and automatically adjusts the QX56’s speed to maintain a pre-selected following distance. (NOTE: The Intelligent Cruise Control system is not intended for congested areas or city driving and will not brake the vehicle to a complete stop.)

Comprehensive Safety Technology
All 2009 QX56s offer an extensive list of standard safety features, including an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors; roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for outboard occupant head protection for all three rows; front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags; 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); front seat Active Head Restraints; and LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). The QX56 also features Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams.

Advanced Luxury In One Inclusive Package
The 2009 QX56 is offered in one well-equipped model, with a choice of two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Four option packages are offered: the INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System Package; Split Bench Seat Package with 2nd row 40/20/40 split folding bench seat; Technology Package, with Intelligent Cruise Control and front sonar system; and the Tow Package (2WD only, standard on 4WD) with tow hitch system and 7-pin wiring harness plug.