2009 infiniti fx50The X5-sized FX, in fact, ditches its 4.5-liter V-8 for an all-new 5.0-liter engine, rated at 390 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque in Europe (U.S. power figures are not yet final). The FX50's new engine features an infinite variable valve lift that Infiniti says puts BMW's spring-actuated Valvetronic to shame. This is part of Infiniti's European launch, four years in the making, that aims to put G37s, EX and FX models on the road (Europe will have to wait for the next-generation M35  and M50, thanks to problems fitting Euro-compliant engines in the current car's engine bay) where only Bimmers don't fear to tread. Anyway, the G37 sedan and coupe's V-6 redlines at 7500 rpm, and the FX50's V-8 spins to 7000 with the new variable valve system.
All engines here are mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, another key to meeting European crazy-strict CO2 standards. The FX50 features sports car touches, such as paddle shifters on the steering column and automatic rev-matching throttle blips on downshifts, via Infiniti's Adaptive Shift Control. The ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split -- yes, that's a mouthful) four-wheel-drive system is also fitted, allowing up to 100 percent of the FX50's power to be sent to the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is not needed.
Other new features include the EX's wacky Around View Monitor, plus intelligent cruise control, intelligent brake assist, four-wheel active steering and Scratch Shield paint. A Bose stereo and 21-inch wheels are standard equipment. The new FX50 will hit U.S. roads this June, with a 3.7-liter V-6-powered FX37 to follow.

2009 infiniti fx50