2009 Infiniti FX35

The second-generation Infiniti FX35 is all-new for 2009 and has a considerably more polarizing, some say shocking, design than the vehicle it replaces. The nose is longer, more sharklike, complete with wide-set headlights and metallic "gills." Sheetmetal and accents are all-new from the wavy, dark chrome grille to the redesigned taillights.

The 2009 Infiniti FX35 takes 6.1 sec to get to 60 mph; not a bad time for a 4293-lb SUV, but there are quicker rivals in the class. From that speed, full stops come in at 127 ft -- an acceptably short distance, but not the shortest we've seen.

The 2009 Infiniti FX will continue to use a 3.5-liter VQ engine to power the base model.

To be specific, the FX35 will produce 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of 28 hp, but a loss of 6 lb-ft of twist compared with the outgoing 2009 Infiniti FX35. Both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models use a new seven-speed automatic transmission with manual override and rev-matching downshifts. Magnesium paddle shifters are available for those who wish to maximize the effectiveness of the manu-matic option.

New to the second-generation Infiniti FX is the availability of a new 390-hp, 5.0L 32V DOHC V-8 engine with Variable Valve Event & Lift technology for the FX50, in addition to the standard 303-hp, 3.5L 24V DOHC V-6 placed in the 2009 Infiniti FX35. Each engine is mated to a new seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control, Downshift Rev Matching, and available solid magnesium paddle shifters.

The price of an "entry-level" 303 horsepower 2009 Infiniti FX35 (that can keep up with last year's V-8 model) has increased $2900 for the extra muscle, seven-speed automatic transmission and other improvements. The increase is $2800 between a 2008 FX35 AWD and a 2009 FX35 AWD while the big increase is for the V-8 model: a $6600 difference which breaks down to about $94 for each of those extra horses in case anyone's counting.

Still the Infiniti manages to impress. "Braking into the corner, the FX is a lot more neutral," says Reynolds, "It'll rotate quite a lot, too-possibly too much. You have to stabilize it before applying the power, like a rear-drive car." Conclusion? "The FX is more rotatable, more fun to drive, more playful for the average enthusiast."

On the street, Infiniti gains more ground. Says Kiino, "Both vehicles deliver a firm ride, but the FX's is much more supple. It rolls over undulations without upsetting passengers, whereas the X6 tends to toss people around."

The 2009 Infiniti FX35 delivers a stylish crossover sport-utility with a healthy dose of amenities and solid performance at a decent price, and a palette of options to please almost anyone. If you prefer looking good and speed to practicality, comfort and fuel economy it's worth putting on your list.