Infiniti QX56 Full Model Change

2011 Infiniti QX

Infiniti's flagship utility vehicle, the QX56, gained a full model change, and now it was based on the Nissan Patrol Royale, which was launched in the Middle East since February 2010. By making it more aggressive than its Nissan Patrol Royale brother, the new Infiniti QX56 is completely armed with some extras, which are guaranteed to please the sovereign passengers who are looking for outdoor fun in the sun or something more of a politicians' delight.

2011 Infiniti QX interior

The front view is similar to the Infiniti M37/56 (known in Japan as the Nissan Fuga Y51), providing this premium SUV some tough characteristics inspired from a rhinoceros. While the exterior is sinister enough for its toughness, the interior is sincere enough to please them because of the dual 7-inch monitors mounted behind the front seats, the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System that is standard for multiple conveniences, BOSE 2-channel, 13-speaker Premium Audio System for the best sound quality that feels like you're in an opera house and perforated semi-aniline leather seating.

Just like the Nissan Patrol Royale, the new Infiniti QX56 is equipped with the world's first Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) suspension system which uses technology from WRC cars for adaptive terrain capability that is far superior than the Toyota Land Cruiser 200's KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System). The All Mode 4x4 system with variable 4x4 Mode Select allows the new QX56 to convert from its 4WD mode to 2WD mode plus various settings that adapts through tough conditions such as gravel, sand, and snow. With this technology, the new QX56 can possibly be the "grand master" of all-terrain combat.

The key engine of the new QX56 is the all-new VK56DE engine mated with Infiniti's first VVEL DIG mechanism. This gasoline direct injection VVEL V8 engine is made for improved performance and less emissions, making it more fuel efficient than other V8 engines mounted on other SUVs. Anyway, the VK56DE has a power output of 400 hp/5,800 rpm, torque output of 413 lb-ft/4,000 rpm, and depending on the variant, it has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon highway. Unlike the Patrol Royale that has 5-speed Automatic Transmission, the additional 2 gears on the new QX56 with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) makes it a huge advantage.

My Comment:
The new Infiniti QX56 can be an expensive version of the Nissan Patrol Royale because of its rhino-like looks, premium conveniences, 5.6L V8 VVEL DIG engine, 7-speed auto, improved Around View Monitor, ALL MODE 4X4, world's first HBMC, and everything you might blow your pockets at. Not only the new Infiniti QX56 can be a proven weapon in the desert, gravel, and rocky roads, it can also be a luxurious limousine when you're travelling through the metropolis. Those dual monitors mounted behind the front seats can be an effective boredom-killing machine, great if you want to watch some movies while if you were stuck at the traffic in EDSA. With these features, could this be an alternative to our Nissan Patrol Royale? We can't tell...



Photo: Infiniti