Infiniti EX Heading for Production

by Ken Zino

 

 

The Infiniti EX concept that debuted in New York will go on sale in late 2007 in the hotly contested and growing crossover sport-utility market. Infiniti is using a coupe-like design and high technology features to lure buyers away from BMW, Lexus, and Acura showrooms.

 

Built off the FM rear-drive platform of the Nissan Z and Infiniti M, FX, G37 models, the EX has two systems that are expected to be the first production versions in the world — an advanced Around View Monitor (AVM) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP) system.

 

The Around View Monitor use small front, side and rear- mounted cameras to project an all-around view of potential objects on every side of the vehicle — helping reduce blind spots when parking.

 

The Lane Departure Prevention system builds on the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system that is currently available on the Infiniti FX and M. Rather than just use an audible/visual warning system to alert the driver of unintentional vehicle movement outside the designated lane, the LDP uses the vehicle's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system to help assist the driver in maintaining lane position if the vehicle starts to drift outside the lane.

 

Both Lane Departure Prevention and the LDW systems use a small camera installed behind the windshield to detect lane markers in front of the vehicle and calculate its position relative to lane markers and warn the driver of lane drift (pending lane change without use of the turn signal) with a visual display and audible buzzer. If the driver does not return the vehicle in the direction of the center of the travel lane, the LDP system assists the driver by using gentle control (generating part of the necessary yaw movement), using the VDC's brake actuator to control the brake pressure of each individual wheel to generate the intended movement.

 

High levels of handling precision and balance are claimed for the SUV. For use in the EX Concept, the wheelbase has been shortened to 112.0 inches for a small turning radius, while the rear multi-link suspension utilizes a low shock absorber layout to enhance cargo area utility. It rides on 19-inch seven-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/55R19 tires. A V-6 engine, coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, powers the EX.

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