The Infiniti design team wanted to blend a substantial SUV lower body with a sleek, elegant upper body more reminiscent of a classic sports car or GT. In other words, the FX is supposed to look like a sports car from the beltline up. It does, sort of.
Its proportions are certainly striking, starting with a wide stance and long hood under the tucked-tight roof. The overhangs are short, exaggerating the distance between its front and rear wheels. An oversized grille greets oncoming traffic, and the bulging hood looks high. A peek underneath the hood suggests it doesn't need to be, as the engine is tucked well below.
For 2005, a darker chrome grille, and darker accents around the headlights and taillights help visually distinguish the FX45 and Sport Package FX35 from the standard FX35.
The engine in the FX sits behind the front axle, giving the base V6 rear-wheel-drive model a near-optimal weight balance of 52 percent front, 48 percent rear; which in turn improves overall handling balance and reinforces the FX's road-burning feel. Even the protruding, stylized taillights have function beyond their looks. The lip of the lights that extends past the rear hatch adds aerodynamic downforce on the rear end, like a spoiler. Order the polished chrome wheels and you will, undoubtedly, have one of the most attention-grabbing SUVs on your block.
