JEDDAH: Alhamrani United Company (AUC) launched the all-new, 2009 second-generation Infiniti FX in Jeddah on Wednesday night. “As the luxury SUV segment is steadily expanding across the Kingdom, our market share is also growing proportionately,” Ahmed Alhamrani, chief operating officer of AUC, told Arab News on the sidelines of the launch ceremony.
Created as a fusion of luxury, performance and the utility of an SUV, the FX50 model offers “head-turning styling and an advanced sports platform,” along with the choice of a new 390-horsepower V8 engine mated to a standard 7-speed automatic transmission featuring solid magnesium sports paddle shifters. A 3.5-liter V6 FX35 model is also on offer, he added.
“The unmistakable profile of the FX has become a familiar sight in the Middle East since its launch in 2004,” said Dr. Usman Hayat, general manager of the national strategic marketing division of AUC. “Now, with the introduction of a more muscular, more powerful and more technology-laden second generation FX, Infiniti is delivering even more of what our customers love. The FX has been a leader in technology and innovation embodying the Infiniti philosophy of combining ground-breaking design and high performance in one luxurious package”.
As a showcase of Infiniti’s innovative technology capabilities, the new FX offers a number of available advanced safety systems. Inside, the new FX interior provides a warm, modern, inviting environment highlighted by a driver-oriented cockpit with intuitive controls, available sport seating and advanced audio, navigation and technology ranging from an 11-speaker Bose-developed audio system to ‘Intelligent key’, ‘Intelligent cruise control’ and ‘Around view monitor system’.
For 2009, distinctive side air vents have been added behind the front wheels. Like everything else on the FX, the new side air vents are about function, not mere ornamentation. They allow air to flow through the engine compartment and out of the side of the vehicle, reducing front-end lift by five percent, in turn, improving high-speed stability.