QX4

In its first major redesign since its introduction in 1997, the 2001 Infiniti QX4 raises
the standard once again in the luxury sport-utility vehicle segment with unabashed opulence
and exceptional on- and off-road performance, according to the company. “The QX4 has always
offered the heart of a rugged, authentic off-roader with the soul of a true luxury
vehicle,” said Tom Orbe, vice president and general manager of the Infiniti Division. “For
2001, we’ve added the luxury of a 240-hp V-6 engine, and the power of exceptional comfort
and convenience. It’s an unbeatable combination — half off-roader, half luxury sedan.”
Infiniti has equipped the QX4 with a multitude of features, most of them standard. Among
these features are an overhead console with compass and outside temperature display, a
six-speaker Bose audio system (AM/FM/cassette/CD), and an optional pull-down,
ceiling-mounted 6.4-inch LCD TV screen (which plays through wireless headsets or the Bose
speakers) connected to a video cassette player. Chassis-wise, the QX4 boasts a rigid
MonoFrame and All-Mode 4WD. The All-Mode 4WD system provides a superior driving experience
on and off the pavement, according to a company spokesperson, utilizing all-wheel drive
technology derived from Nissan’s Skyline GT-R sports coupe (rather than traditional
truck-based systems). All-Mode 4WD is designed to instantly distribute torque to the front
wheels (up to 50 percent of the power can go to the front wheels on demand) resulting in
excellent traction with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability, according
to an Infiniti spokesperson. MonoFrame construction is said to provide a stable platform,
reduced noise and vibration, improved ride and handling and above-average body fit. QX4’s
suspension offers an independent front strut design and a refined five-link coil-spring
rear beam suspension. Stabilizer bars are featured front and rear, while the
speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering gives the driver excellent feedback and control,
according to the company. The QX4 appears to be a vehicle that’s equipped with nearly every
comfort possible in an SUV and is capable of towing a midsize trailer.