1999 INFINITI QX4 Press Kit

Since its ground-breaking introduction in 1997, the INFINITI QX4 luxury sport utility vehicle (LSUV) has become one of the most appealing nameplates in its class. Boasting a distinctive combination of style, strength and technology, including the exceptional performance of its advanced All-Mode 4WD® system, the QX4 offers true off-road capability in unabashed comfort.

QX4 sales have surpassed all projections, with more than 28,000 QX4s hitting the road since its launch. The QX4 was also ranked by its owners, for two years running, as the “Best Compact Sport Utility” in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS) - validating INFINITI’s uncompromising commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

“The QX4 is absolutely the right vehicle for customers seeking exceptional luxury, performance and value for under $40,000,” said Tom Orbe, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division. “The QX4 has set the standard for a new generation of luxury sport utility vehicles — a standard which continues in 1999.”

Unique All-Mode 4WD System
Each INFINITI QX4 comes equipped with All-Mode 4WD. This unique system offers a combination that takes INFINITI - and the LSUV class - into unmarked territory, providing a superior driving experience, on the pavement and off. Derived from sports coupe technology (from the Japanese-market Skyline

GT-R) rather than a traditional truck-based system, All-Mode enhances on-pavement performance and is able to react more quickly than any other system in rugged off-road conditions.

The heart of the All-Mode 4WD mechanical system is a wet multi-plate clutch in the center differential. Managed by an advanced computerized electronic control unit, the multi plate clutch precisely and instantly allots the right amount of torque, as conditions warrant, to the front and rear axles. The unit gathers information from front and rear driveshaft sensors (to determine wheel slippage), a throttle position sensor, an engine rpm sensor, a transfer unit lever selector and the anti-lock braking system (ABS) control unit.

While some SUV 4-wheel drive systems offer a choice of part-time or full-time 4-wheel drive with an electronic shift-on-the-fly function, the QX4’s 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.

Civilized Engine and Chassis
To provide a stable platform, reduced noise and vibration, improved ride and handling and excellent body fit, the QX4 is built with rigid MonoFrame® construction. This technique draws from both unibody automotive design and body-on-frame truck design to produce a hybrid that combines the best elements of both.

The 1999 QX4 is powered by a refined 3.3-liter SOHC 12-valve V6 engine that produces 168- horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 196 ft-lbs of torque at 2,800 rpm. Over 90 percent of the engine’s torque is available in the 1,500 - 1,800 rpm range - providing exceptional power for low speed off-road driving and sustaining power at higher engine speeds for throttle response while accelerating, towing or cruising over long distances. All QX4s are equipped with a standard electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission mated to the advanced All-Mode 4WD system.

Suspension for Both On- and Off-Road
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 and, in turn, minimizes wheel spin and enhances stability and traction.

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 and interacts with the ABS control unit to help ensure that ABS does not interfere with braking during low-speed, extreme angle off-road maneuvers.

Luxurious Appointments
The elegantly styled QX4 lives up to its standing as a true luxury sport utility vehicle. Inside, it offers an array of luxury appointments, including leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knobs and parking brake, wood-tone trim and a Bose® 150-watt 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/cassette and in-dash CD-player specifically designed for QX4’s interior acoustics.

Extra attention was given to the seating (5-passenger capacity), which includes an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat with 2-way manual lumbar support and a 4-way power front passenger’s seat. The rear seat is a 60/40 split fold-down design with fold-down center armrest, an elevated seat base to enhance the forward view from the rear seat and reclining seat backs to enhance comfort.

Built into the driver’s side sun visor is a HomeLink® Universal Transceiver for remote opening of garage doors and gates. Power windows with a driver-side one-touch auto-down feature and power door locks with selective unlocking are also standard, along with 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 and front and rear 12-volt power outlets.

Outstanding Safety and Security
The QX4 includes a long list of standard safety equipment, including: dual supplemental air bags, front seat belts with adjustable shoulder belt anchors, 3-point rear outboard passenger seat belts, 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 body-incorporated safety features including: and 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.

Simple Yet Luxurious Options
The 1999 INFINITI QX4 comes fully equipped to please even the most discriminating luxury tastes. Options include the popular Sunroof Preferred Package, which includes a power sliding tinted glass sunroof with tilt feature and sliding sunshade, a 6-disc CD changer installed under the passenger seat and a rear window wind deflector, the Sunroof Preferred Package plus heated seats; a Premium Sport Package, which adds all the above equipment plus a rear limited-slip differential (LSD); and the sunroof only.

The QX4 is available in eight exterior colors: Harbor Blue, Tuscan Beige, Black Obsidian, Bordeaux Pearl and three two-tone combinations, Dover White/Tuscan Beige, Black Obsidian/Titanium and Sagebrush Olive/Tuscan Beige. There is a choice of two leather-appointed interior colors: Grey and Stone Beige.

Comprehensive Warranty / Total Ownership Experience
Like all INFINITI models, the QX4 is protected by some of the best warranties in the industry: a 4-year / 60,000-mile Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty; a 6-year / 70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty 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 Limited Warranty.

As part of its ongoing commitment to customer care known as The Total Ownership Experience®, INFINITI also provides owners with a 48-month, 24-hour roadside assistance program - one of the most comprehensive available. A complimentary INFINITI loan car is provided at participating retailers during the basic warranty period when requested with scheduled service / warranty appointments (subject to availability) and INFINITI’s satellite parts network also minimizes delays in service.