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Review 2008 BMW X6 and 2009 Infiniti FX: More Sport, Less Utility

Just a few years back one of the most popular types of vehicles was the S.U.V., but it seems as if an epidemic is now hitting this popular vehicle. We have always known that this type of vehicle is thirsty on fuel, and with the current high oil prices, this was something that BMW and Nissan had to address when developing their 2008 X6 and the 2009 Infiniti FX. It seems that these vehicles are now sneaking a little towards being a station wagon.

Ok I understand that these Sports Utility Vehicles do not look much like a station wagon, but The New York Times has hit on something very interesting about their mission statements. Both are unit-body four-door hatchbacks with a priority on performance and luxury trappings. So will these new vehicles be able to cut in this tough market, remember economy has to be the major factor now.

The 2008 BMW X6 is being called a SAC or sports activity coupe, BMW have decided to trade the back seat area so that they could have that sloping roofline. ON first look the X6 looks like an over grown hatchback, however just consider that this beast managed to pull about 6,000 pounds, so that V-8 really comes in handy. The NY Times sums the car up by saying that the “X6 is basically a luxury tow-vehicle sports-car grocery-getter 4-by-4 hatchback.”

Nissan like BMW faced the very same challenge with their new 2009 Infiniti FX and it seems that the car maker has come up with a fresh new design. The front end is blunt while the roofline is tapered; the vehicle seems to have a more aggressive stance than the older Nissan Murano did.

The 2009 Infiniti FX uses 21-inch rims and vender vents also helps to give it that sinister and aggressive look. Both the BMW and Nissan offer the choice of a V-6 or V-8, so if you want to be kinder to the environment you now have a choice. As you would expect the BMW’s engines seems to be a little more refined than the ones used in the Nissan, The Infiniti FX engines are slightly larger than the BMW’ but this is because BMW have dropped twin turbochargers inside.

For a full review visit: NY Times

Test driving the 2009 Infiniti FX CUV

There are a host of great CUV’s ready to hit the market like the BMW X6 however; there is one that has got our attention now and that is the 2009 Infiniti FX. It would be so nice to get the opportunity to have a test drive of this CUV but we can only but dream, well those guys over at AutoBlog have managed to secure a test drive and they spent a little time just getting to know the Cross Over Vehicle.

While looking at the exterior of the 2009 Infiniti FX you will notice that it has kept the basic shape of its predecessor although the 2009 model does have a wider track as well as a longer wheelbase. Weight distribution is perfect thanks to front-midship architecture that is used on the G35 sedan.

There are a range of 2009 Infiniti FX models to choose from, the entry-level is the VQ35HR V63.5-liter which pushes out 303hp. However if that is not enough power for you then you could opt for the bigger FX50, the engine used in this beast is the VK50VE V8 5.0-liter and manages to produce 390hp. Both of these models come with a seven-speed automatic transmission with an option for manual shift. If you look at the paddle shifts you will notice that they are the same that are used in the Nissan GT-R.

For a full review on the 2009 Infiniti FX test drive visit: AutoBlog