2012 INFINITI QX Press Kit: Overview




Following its total redesign for 2011, the INFINITI QX has experienced record sales and strong media and consumer reviews.

September 7, 2011



Following its total redesign for 2011, the INFINITI QX has experienced record sales and strong media and consumer reviews.  The INFINITI QX is designed to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength.  The styling is dynamic, its size capable of transporting up to eight adults and their belongings with spacious elegance, and its drivetrain rugged enough to handle tasks such as towing boats or trailers (8,500-pound towing capacity, when properly equipped), while also offering 14% better fuel economy (EPA Combined) than the previous generation QX.  
 
 Enhancements for the 2012 model year include the addition of Blind Spot Intervention™ to the Technology Package, the addition of the Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers (two additional for 2012) to the Deluxe Touring Package, the addition of heated second row seats and remote tip-up second row seats to the Theater Package (from the Deluxe Touring Package) and the addition of headlight washers to the QX56 2WD Deluxe Touring Package.  In addition, the Tire and Wheel Package (introduced in late 2011) carries over to 2012.
 
 The 2012 INFINITI QX again offers a high-stiffness frame structure that enhances ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness, a standard 5.6-liter V8 engine rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lbs-ft of torque that combines the responsive acceleration of INFINITI’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event &amp; Lift) technology with the efficiency of Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™), and 7-speed automatic transmission.
 
 The QX interior remains long on luxury and comfort, including standard INFINITI Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View™ Monitor, Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System, available perforated semi-aniline leather-appointed seating and an available Theater Package with dual 7-inch color monitors.   
 
 “Following the complete redesign for the last model year, the 2012 INFINITI QX once again gives us an incredible presence in full-size performance luxury vehicles – perfect for buyers seeking style, comfort, roominess and driving exhilaration,” said Ben Poore, vice president, INFINITI Business Unit.  “With the addition of enhanced features such as Blind Spot Intervention™ and the 15-speaker Bose® Cabin Surround®, there are more reasons than ever to put the QX at the top of luxury SUV shopping lists.” 
 
 A Breathtaking Presence, Power and Innovation Under the Skin
 The 2012 INFINITI QX is designed to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength.  The bold front chrome grille is flanked by automatic on/off bi-functional xenon headlights with windshield wiper interlock and integrated front fog lights.  Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights and headlight washers are also available.  Other exterior features include LED taillights, heated, power-folding sideview mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature, body color running boards, body color integrated front and rear splashguards built into the wheel arches, roof rails, power sliding tinted glass moonroof and a power rear liftgate.  A front underbody spoiler, functional rear liftgate spoiler and redesigned side mirrors help provide aerodynamics of 0.36 Cd and zero lift.  The QX’s strong presence is accented by the powerful wheel and tire combinations – standard 20-inch and available 22-inch – and a palette of six distinctive exterior colors: Mountain Sage, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Dark Currant and Moonlight White.
 
 All 2012 INFINITI QXs feature a high-stiffness frame structure with large side rail section width, connecting structures between each crossmember and side rails, an integrated rear hitch member, and a special rear body ring structure around the tailgate – all designed to help provide a quiet, comfortable ride.  
 
 The second-generation engine and transmission designs deliver a combination of power, efficiency and refinement worthy of the INFINITI name.  The 5.6-liter 32-valve DOHC aluminum-alloy V8 features INFINITI’s advanced VVEL (Variable Valve Event &amp; Lift) technology and new Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG™) system.  The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response.   
 
 Throttle response is enhanced by directly controlling the intake valve, rather than using the traditional method of controlling intake with the throttle valve.  The VVEL system also offers improved emissions and fuel efficiency (over non-VVEL designs) by substantially reducing the intake resistance that occurs when the engine’s throttle valve opening is narrowed and output is low.  The DIG™ system provides better wide-open throttle performance and improved fuel economy and emissions performance (versus a non direct-injection system) by reducing engine knock, improving combustion stability and offering more precise injection control.  The engine is rated at 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, while delivering estimated fuel economy of 14 mpg City, 20 mpg Highway and 16 mpg Combined for both the QX56 2WD and 4WD models.
 
 All 2012 QXs come equipped with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).  The QX is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with the 4WD model featuring INFINITI’s proven All-Mode 4WD? system with Auto, 4H and 4L modes.  The system is designed to distribute torque to all four wheels when road conditions warrant (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand), helping to enhance traction.  All QX models also include Hill Start Assist.  With Hill Start Assist, if a driver stops on a slope and steps off the brake pedal, the system will keep the QX stationary for a few seconds – with no roll back.  This enables drivers to easily switch from the brake pedal to the accelerator on steep inclines.  
 
 An advanced Hydraulic Body Motion Control system is available on both 2WD and 4WD models (as part of the Deluxe Touring Package).  The system helps to reduce body lean in turns, resulting in improved ride comfort for passengers in all three rows.  Suspension travel is automatically controlled by hydraulic chambers integrated into each shock absorber.  The chambers are cross-linked with piping, allowing for the transfer of hydraulic fluid, managed seamlessly by nitrogen-charged accumulators, from one side of the vehicle to the other.  This enables the system to vary suspension travel independently on either side of the vehicle, thereby counteracting body lean and creating a luxurious, flat ride” previously unavailable to drivers in this segment.
 
 The QX’s suspension is an independent double-wishbone design front and rear, with Dual-Flow Path® twin tube shock absorbers and an automatic rear leveling system that seeks to maintain uniform ground clearance and departure angle, even when towing or carrying cargo, by automatically adjusting the air pressure in the system's air bladders.   
 
 Braking is provided by 4-wheel disc brakes (13.8-inch vented discs front and rear) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).  A hydraulic brake booster helps to generate firm pedal feel with reduced travel, thereby increasing system responsiveness.  Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and 2-wheel or 4-wheel Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) are standard on every QX56.  Engine-speed-sensitive power steering is also standard. 
 
 The QX’s maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds for both 2WD and 4WD models.  A special tow mode revises shift patterns when engaged.  Standard towing features include a Class IV tow hitch and 7-pin wiring harness integrated into the rear bumper (with a cover for an elegant appearance when not in use).   
 
 Every 2012 QX comes with 20-inch, forked 7-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with P275/60R20 all-season tires, while 22-inch, 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheels with P275/50R22 all-season tires are optionally available.  A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with four-corner pressure readout and Tire Inflation Indicator is also standard.
 
 A World-Class Interior
 The QX’s world-class inner sanctum offers a comfortable space and personal controls for every occupant.  It features standard 7-passenger seating capacity, with 8-passenger capacity available with the 2nd row 60/40-split folding bench seat.  Leather-appointed seating is standard for all three rows, with even more luxurious semi-aniline leather seating surfaces offered in the Deluxe Touring Package.  The driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support.  It features a standard dual occupant memory system for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors.  The front passenger’s seat is 8-way power adjustable, including 2-way power lumbar support.  Heated front seat are standard, with available climate-controlled (heating and cooling functions) front seats and heated 2nd row seats (outboard positions only when equipped with a bench seat).  The 2nd row captain’s chairs offer a tip-up function for easy 3rd row entry/exit. 
 
 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.  The 2nd row center console includes two cupholders and two storage bins.   
 
 Also standard is a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel.  A 16.6 cubic foot cargo space for luggage is provided with the 3rd row seat up.  When the 3rd row seat is folded, the flat load floor offers a wide, versatile space for carrying cargo such as home furnishings or recreational gear.
 
 Two interior colors are available – Wheat or Graphite – along with two interior finisher colors, Tuscan Burl or a darker Mocha Burl available with the Deluxe Touring Package.
 
 The long list of additional comfort and convenience features includes 9 cupholders and 4 door-pocket bottle holders, Tri-Zone Automatic Temperature Control, INFINITI Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Fine Vision electroluminescent gauges and INFINITI signature analog clock.  Available as part of the Deluxe Touring Package is an Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster™ air purifier, Grape Polyphenol filter and auto recirculation.
 
 Among the QX’s available premium entertainment and technology features are an 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, INFINITI Controller for use with vehicle information systems and comfort and convenience features, and the INFINITI Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately) and Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide.  Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System is standard, as is the convenient Around View™ Monitor with Front and Rear Sonar System.  
 
 The Around View™ Monitor is standard on the QX – the third INFINITI model to adopt it and first in its segment.  The system provides the driver with a virtual 360° view of their vehicle to aid in parking situations.  This iteration of Around View™ Monitor includes a 180° RearView camera mode. 
 
 The Bose® 13-speaker Premium Audio System includes two subwoofers.  Rear headliner-mounted 3rd row speakers ensure that sound quality is not compromised by obstructions such as luggage or cargo.  New for 2012 is an available Bose® Cabin Surround® sound system with 15 speakers, which is part of the Deluxe Touring Package.
 
 
 
 Other standard equipment includes a single in-dash CD/DVD player with MP3 playback, XM® Satellite Radio, USB connection port for use with iPod® Interface or other compatible devices and Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®.
 
 The available Theater Package features dual 7-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary input jacks and 120V power outlet.  The QX allows playback of games or movies in the rear (games and movies sold separately), while front occupants listen to audio all at the same time.  The two 7-inch color monitors include an auto-bright system that adjusts for daytime, clouds/evening and night/tunnel lighting. 
 
 Available Technology
 The 2012 INFINITI QX again offers a range of advanced technology systems.  The QX includes both INFINITI’s Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) systems.  The LDW and LDP systems use a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle, calculate its position relative to those lane markers and help warn the driver of a potential unintended lane departure with a visual indicator and audible buzzer.  If the driver does not return the vehicle back toward the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver with a gentle application of the brakes on the opposite side of the drift.
 
 A Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system is also available.  It illuminates an indicator light if another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area.  If the driver then activates the turn signal, the indicator flashes and an audible warning sounds.  The newly available Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI) system, a world’s first system, provides selective braking if the vehicle approaches and adjacent lane while another vehicle is detected in the blind spot area to help the driver return the vehicle back toward the center of the lane of travel. 
 
 Optional on the QX56 is INFINITI's advanced Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), which, using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX56’s braking system, measures the distance to the vehicle ahead and automatically adjusts the QX56’s speed to help maintain a pre-selected following distance.  Distance Control Assist (DCA), which intuitively prompts the driver to release the throttle and applies the brakes in slowing traffic, is available as part of the Technology Package – along with Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and front Pre-Crash Seat Belts.
 
 
 The QX56’s extensive list of standard safety features includes 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, load limiters and seat belt reminder; 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position); front seat Active Head Restraints; LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren), Zone Body construction with front and rear crumple zones and steel side-door guard beams. 
 
 The standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) includes an individual tire pressure display and Tire Inflation Indicator.  Maintaining proper tire pressure helps to maintain handling performance, achieve good fuel economy and long tire life.  The Tire Inflation Indicator provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures.  While the owner inflates the tire, the hazard lights flash letting the customer know to continue filling the tire.  When the tire reaches the appropriate pressure, the horn will sound letting the owner know to stop filling the tire.  Drivers can also monitor individual tire pressures from the interior 8-inch display.
 
 Models and Packages
 The 2012 INFINITI QX is available in two well-equipped models: INFINITI QX56 2WD and INFINITI QX56 4WD.  Each is equipped with the advanced 5.6-liter V8 and 7-speed automatic transmission and a full range of luxury and performance features including leather-appointed seating, INFINITI Hard Drive Navigation System, Around View™ Monitor and Bose® Premium Audio system.
 
 A number of additional equipment packages are offered, allowing buyers to fine-tune their QX experience to their exact needs.  The Deluxe Touring Package includes the Tire and Wheel Package, Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, climate-controlled front seats, semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, Mocha Burl trim, 2nd row footwell courtesy lights, Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) and headlight washers.  The Theater Package features dual 7-inch color monitors, two pairs of wireless headphones, wireless remote control, auxiliary inputs and a 120V power outlet, heated 2nd row seats (outboard only when equipped with the bench seat), remote tip-up 2nd row seats for easy 3rd row entry/exit, while the Split Bench Seat Package replaces the standard 2nd row captain’s chairs and center console with a 3-passenger bench seat with 60/40-split folding.  
 
 In addition, the Tire and Wheel Package offers 22x8-inch 9-spoke forged aluminum-alloy wheel and P275/50R22 all-season tires.  Finally, the Technology Package offers Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range), Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention™ (BSI), Front Pre-Crash Seat Belts, and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights.


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