2000 INFINITI QX4 Press Kit

Since its introduction in late 1996 as a 1997 model, the INFINITI QX4 luxury sport utility vehicle (LSUV) has become one of the premium nameplates in its class. Boasting a distinctive combination of style, strength and technology, including the exceptional performance of its advanced All-Mode 4WD® system, the QX4 offers true off-road capability in unabashed comfort. For 2000, the QX4 receives only minor emissions refinements. An all-new, more powerful QX4 will be introduced later this year as a 2001 model.

"The QX4 provides luxury sedan comfort with all the looks and capabilities of a world-class sport utility vehicles," said Tom Orbe, Vice President and General Manager, INFINITI Division. "For 2000, it continues to be an exceptional choice for buyers seeking a balance of luxury, performance and quality – along with the added comfort of one of the industry's leading customer service and support programs, The Total Ownership Experience®."

Exterior and Interior Design
The elegantly styled QX4 lives up to its standing as a true luxury sport utility vehicle. The exterior features an array of standard equipment, including halogen headlights with multi-parabola reflectors and automatic-off headlight control, fog lights, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a full-size spare tire with matching alloy wheel, dual body-color power remote-controlled heated outside mirrors, black privacy glass, integrated fender flares and step rails with slip-resistant inserts.

Inside, QX4 offers an array of luxury appointments, including leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshift knob and parking brake, wood-tone trim and a Bose® 150-watt 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/cassette and in-dash CD-player specifically designed for QX4's interior acoustics.

Extra attention was given to the seating (5-passenger capacity), which includes an 8-way adjustable power driver's seat and a 4-way power front passenger's seat. The rear seat is a 60/40 split fold-down design with fold-down center armrest, an elevated seat base to enhance the forward view from the rear seat and reclining seat backs to enhance comfort.

Built into the driver's side sun visor is a HomeLink® Universal Transceiver for remote opening of garage doors and gates. Power windows with a driver-side one-touch auto-down feature and power door locks with selective unlocking are also standard, along with an advanced

6-way keyless remote entry system, digital automatic temperature control with CFC-free air conditioning, rear-seat heater ducts, cruise control with steering wheel mounted controls, front and rear dual cup holders and front and rear 12-volt power outlets.

A revised electric fuel door release has been relocated to the underside of the driver's armrest, along with the relocated rear hatch release switch. A power door lock switch has been added on the front passenger's side and retained power function has been added for the sunroof and power windows. Also new is a battery saver function.

Engine, Suspension, 4WD System
The 2000 QX4 is again powered by a refined 3.3-liter SOHC 12-valve V6 engine that produces 170 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 200 ft-lbs of torque at 2,800 rpm. Over 90 percent of the engine's torque is available in the 1,500 - 1,800 rpm range - providing exceptional power for low speed off-road driving and sustaining power at higher engine speeds for throttle response while accelerating, towing or cruising over long distances. All QX4s are equipped with a standard electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission mated to the advanced All-Mode 4WD system.

The QX4 is built with rigid MonoFrame® construction, providing a stable platform, reduced noise and vibration, improved ride and handling and excellent body fit. The QX4's advanced suspension offers the best of both on-road comfort and off-road durability. The independent front strut design provides exceptional driving feel and enhanced stability along with a tight turning radius and a long stroke for exceptional suspension travel which helps each wheel maintain contact with the ground over uneven terrain.

The refined 5-link coil-spring rear beam suspension (with revised shock absorber mounting location for a greater ride comfort) provides long suspension travel, enhanced stability and control of body lean, along with reduced noise and vibration. Stabilizer bars are featured front and rear for improved handling and driver control, while vehicle speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering provides precise control and driver feedback.

The QX4 also features power-assisted front-vented disc brakes and rear drum brakes working in conjunction with the load-sensing valve to determine how much weight is inside the vehicle. A special G-sensor, which measures the deceleration rate of the vehicle, interacts with the ABS control unit to help ensure that ABS does not interfere with braking during low-speed, extreme angle off-road maneuvers.

Every INFINITI QX4 comes equipped with All-Mode 4WD. This unique system provides a superior driving experience on pavement and off, utilizing all-wheel drive technology derived from Nissan's world-class Skyline GT-R sports coupe, rather than traditional truck-based systems. The QX4's All-Mode 4WD was designed to instantly distribute torque to the front wheels (up to 50 percent can go to the front wheels on demand) resulting in optimal traction with improved fuel economy and enhanced cornering capability.

The heart of the All-Mode 4WD mechanical system is a wet multi-plate clutch in the center differential. Managed by an advanced computerized electronic control unit, the multi-plate clutch precisely and instantly allots the right amount of torque, as conditions warrant, to the front and rear axles. A 4-Lo position has been added to the All-Mode selector dial (rather than a separate lever).

Safety and Security
The QX4 includes a long list of standard safety equipment, including: driver and passenger front supplemental air bags, driver and passenger front seat side-impact supplemental air bags (head and chest type), front seat belts with adjustable shoulder belt anchors, pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point rear outboard passenger seat belts, child-safety rear door locks and remote keyless entry and vehicle security system with indicator light.

Driver and passenger confidence is accentuated with an extensive list of body-incorporated safety features including: an energy-adsorbing steering column, front and rear structure crumple zones, hood buckling creases with safety stops (to help avoid intrusion into the passenger compartment), special "outrigger" box-section bodyside reinforcements and a shift interlock system.

Model Availability
The 2000 INFINITI QX4 comes in one fully equipped model, complete with leather-appointed interior, automatic transmission and Bose audio system. The only available options are a sunroof, heated seats/heavy duty battery and viscous limited-slip differential. A Premium Sport package combines the heated seats, heavy-duty batter and limited-slip differential. The QX4 is available in eight exterior colors and a choice of Grey or Stone Beige leather-appointed interior colors.

Like all INFINITI models, the QX4 is protected by some of the best warranties in the industry: a 4-year / 60,000-mile Basic New Vehicle Limited Warranty; a 6-year / 70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty protection for major engine and driveline components; a 5-year / 50,000-mile New Vehicle Emission Control Limited Warranty; and a 7-year / unlimited mileage Corrosion Limited Warranty.

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