by Bengt Halvorson

(2008-03-04)

Click for High-Res Photo Gallery: 2009 Infiniti FX50

It's hard to believe that it's been five years since Infiniti's FX performance crossover was introduced, as its so-called 'Bionic Cheetah' design still looks so contemporary. However Infiniti just pulled the wraps off an all-new version of the FX at the Geneva Motor Show, and it fortunately looks like more of a good thing, though with a nicely amped-up exterior appearance and more luxurious interior.

The new FX keeps a silhouette that's familiar, yet more aggressive, especially when considering its front hood line and grille, which dips downward a bit more than the previous model and is blacked out. The fenders, which appear more curvaceous and flared-out at the wheel wells, are the most obvious change from the outside, versus the previous FX. So are the prominent cooling ducts at the rear of the front fenders, framed in brightwork, and a more curvaceous hood that bulges upward leading into the fenders.

A larger engine will be installed in the V-8 model - a new 5.0-liter - which warrants a name-change from FX45 to FX50. The V-8 will make more than 380 horsepower and comes with a new seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and, around the steering wheel, available solid magnesium paddle-shifters. Details for the V-6 will be released at a later date, Infiniti says.

As before, the FX has available all-wheel drive, a four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. High-tech options include the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension, Rear-Active Steer, and Intelligent Brake Assist.

Other comfort and convenience items include an eleven-speaker Bose-developed audio system, Intelligent Cruise Control that works in the full speed range, Distance Control Assist, and an Around View Monitor System. New 21-inch wheels designed by Enkei are also available.

The automaker said that the model will be available in three models, referring to the rear-wheel drive V-6, AWD V-6, and AWD V-8. As with the current FX, a rear-wheel-drive V-8 model will not be available. A diesel engine is likely but not yet unofficial; according to a number of sources a Renault-sourced diesel V-6 will be available in the European-market FX.

The 2009 FX will go on sale in the U.S. and Canada in June and in Western Europe late this year.