Vehicle: 2009 Infiniti FX35
Odometer: N/A
Date: 11/11/08
Driver: Chris Walton

Specifications:
 
Drive Type:    all wheel drive
Transmission Type:    7-speed Automatic
Engine Type:    V6
Displacement (cc / cu-in):    3497cc (213 cu-in)
Redline (rpm):    7,500
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):    303 @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm):    262 @ 4800
Brake Type (front):    ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear):    ventilated disc
Steering System:    speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front):    double wishbone
Suspension Type (rear):    multi-link
Tire Size (front):    265/60R18
Tire Size (rear):     265/60R18
Tire Brand:    Bridgestone
Tire Model:    Potenza RE92
Tire Type:    performance
Wheel Size:    18 X 8.0 front - 18 X 8.0 rear
Wheel Material (front/rear):    alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb):    4,296

Test Results:

0 - 30 (sec):    2.5
0 - 45 (sec):    4.3
0 - 60 (sec):    6.6
0 - 75 (sec):    9.5
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph):    14.8 @ 94.0 mph
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec):    6.4
30 - 0 (ft):    29
60 - 0 (ft):    114
Braking Rating:    Very Good
Slalom (mph):    62.8
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g):    .82
Handling Rating:    Good
Db @ Idle:    43.3
Db @ Full Throttle:    75.3
Db @ 70 mph Cruise:    68.6

Acceleration Comments:    A bit of a bogger outta the gate, but crisp shifts and a revvy engine wake the FX35 up for an impressive run overall.
 
Braking Comments:    Unlike our previous FX50 test vehicle, this FX35 showed no signs of brake fade during or brake tests or acceleration tests. Minimal dive and dead straight stops from first to last. Moderate to firm pedal effort required.

Handling Comments:    Difficult to maintain a precise circle around the skidpad - required continual steering and/or throttle adjustment. Flexing tires, all-wheel drive and a touchy throttle make it so. As with the skidpad, the FX35 was difficult to predict in the slalom. Each cone was its own event because it was impossible to find a natural rhythm due to steering delay/gain, stiff springs and soft rebound damping. Get the first cone wrong and the whole run was ruined. VDC does not truly turn off.

PERFORMANCE   Top
0 - 30 (sec):   3.3
0 - 45 (sec):   5.3
0 - 60 (sec):   8.1
0 - 75 (sec):   11.5
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph):   16.0 @ 88.9
30 - 0 (ft):   33
60 - 0 (ft):   134
Braking Rating (Excellent, Good, Average, Poor or Very Poor):   N/A
Slalom (mph):   62.6
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g):   0.82
Handling Rating (Excellent, Good, Average, Poor or Very Poor):   N/A
Db @ Idle:   N/A
Db @ Full Throttle:   N/A
Db @ 70 mph Cruise:   N/A
Acceleration Comments:   Engine sounds rough at high rpm — not very Honda-like. Also lacks punch down low — very Honda-like. Brake torque launch doesn't help accel.
Handling Comments:   .82g for a 3-row SUV is outstanding. Balance tends toward understeer (duh). Better than so many large cars. SH-AWD works its magic in the slalom by transferring torque in intuitive, easily controlled bursts during transitions. It's obvious what's going on and it's obviously working right.
Braking Comments:   Obvious fade after four runs despite consistent pedal feel.