2001 INFINITI QX Press Kit: Overview
Since the INFINITI QX4 was first introduced as a 1997 model, it has been known as an incredibly well thought out, exceptionally comfortable luxury sport utility vehicle (LSUV). Its advanced design features have included the exceptional performance of its innovative All-Mode 4WD® system, its rigid MonoFrame® construction and an extensive list of luxury conveniences and amenities – with the added comfort of one of the industry’s leading customer service and support programs, The INFINITI Total Ownership Experience®.
Now, in its first major redesign, the QX4 receives a bolder and crisper exterior appearance, a restyled interior package including a new instrument panel and center console, a new optional navigation system, a rear seat entertainment system with video cassette player and flip-down ceiling mounted screen and an increase of 70 horsepower from an all-new 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine.
The 2001 QX4 is also available for the first time in 2-wheel drive for buyers desiring the toughness and versatility of a sport utility vehicle, but who may not need the all-climate capabilities of a 4WD system.
“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, INFINITI Division. “For 2001, we’ve added the luxury of a 240 horsepower V6 engine, and the power of exceptional comfort and convenience. It’s an unbeatable combination – half off-roader, half luxury sedan.”
Crisp New Exterior, Elegant New Interior Design
For 2001, the elegantly styled QX4 receives a new front grille and bumper and a distinctive new headlight design featuring standard high intensity discharge (HID) Xenon headlights with auto on/off feature and new integrated fog lights and turn signals.
Other exterior changes include revised body side cladding, new rear finisher and rear bumper, new rear combination lights, new rear-facing exhaust pipe and a new roof rack design.
Other exterior features include 16-inch or all-new 17-inch (optional) aluminum alloy wheels, a full-size spare tire with matching alloy wheel, dual body-color power remote-controlled heated outside mirrors, black privacy glass, variable intermittent rear liftgate glass wiper, integrated fender flares and splash guards and step rails with slip-resistant inserts.
Two new exterior colors are offered for 2001 – two-tone Bronze/Tuscan Beige and Burgundy – in addition to Black Obsidian, Silver Sage, Titanium, Tuscan Beige and Dover White/Silver Sage.
Inside, the 2001 QX4 offers a new interior with an ergonomically designed instrument panel, highlighted by easy-to-read electro-fluorescent gauge cluster illumination and a new integrated sports style analog clock. The new QX4 also offers Bird’s Eye maple wood-tone trim, an overhead console with compass and outside temperature display, a new six-speaker Bose® audio system with AM/FM/cassette and an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and a video cassette player.
Other new features include a striking new leather and wood (simulated) steering wheel with steering wheel mounted audio controls (optional on 2WD and 4WD models), new heated rear seats (as part of the Heated Seats Package) and the INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System - a rear seat entertainment system with video cassette player and flip-down 6.4-inch ceiling mounted LCD screen which plays through wireless headphones or the Bose audio system. Also optional is a Birdview™ navigation system. The three-dimensional Birdview map display features an easy-to-read rolling display of roads, buildings, and other points of interest in addition to the traditional intersection/flat plane map images.
As with the previous generation, the new QX4 offers the widest array of luxury appointments, including leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped gearshift knob and parking brake lever, wood-tone trim, an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat and a 4-way power front passenger’s seat and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat design with reclining seat backs, fold-down center armrest and an elevated seat base to enhance the forward view.
The QX4’s standard power window system now offers a one-touch auto-up/down feature with safety reverse for the driver and front passenger windows. A one-touch auto open/close with safety reverse feature has been added to the sunroof (if equipped). Built into the driver’s side sun visor is a HomeLink® Universal Transceiver for remote opening of garage doors and gates.
Other standard equipment includes power door locks with selective unlocking, 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 with front cover, retained power function for the sunroof and power windows, a battery saver function, and front and rear 12-volt power outlets.
The 2001 QX4 is available in two interior colors, Graphite or Stone Beige. Each interior color is complemented by Bird’s Eye Maple wood-tone trim in a color specific to that interior.
A Powerful 240-hp V6 and an Advanced 4WD System
The biggest news for 2001 is the new, technologically advanced 3.5-liter DOHC V6, which takes the QX4’s performance to a whole new level. The new engine, based on the 2000 INFINITI I30’s award-winning 3.0-liter, produces 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 ft-lbs of torque at 3,200 rpm. This represents an increase of 70 horsepower and 65 ft-lbs of torque over the previous generation QX4’s 3.3-liter SOHC V6.
“This new QX4 engine, which is part of the same engine family that was named one of the ‘Ten Best Engines’ in the world six consecutive years by Ward’s Auto World magazine, has the feel and performance of many competitors’ V8 powerplants,” said Orbe. “Along with its increased power, the engine is also extremely quiet and refined – making the QX4 right at home anywhere life takes you.”
Among the advanced systems found in the new engine are continuous valve timing control, a variable intake system, a new lightweight piston design, a new aluminum block, new electronic throttle control system and 100,000-mile service interval platinum-tipped spark plugs.
Numerous countermeasures have been taken to minimize levels of noise, vibration and harshness. A new engine cover provides a clean engine compartment appearance.
All 2001 QX4s are equipped with a new electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The transmission has been strengthened to handle the increased power and torque and features NEW DUETTE (New Development Unity Engine Transmission Total Engineering) for seamless shifting.
The QX4 is available in 2-wheel drive with standard 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and P245/70R16 tires, or with INFINITI’s advanced All-Mode 4WD system.
The All-Mode 4WD system provides a superior driving experience on and off the pavement, utilizing all-wheel drive technology derived from Nissan’s world-class Skyline GT-R sports coupe (rather than traditional truck-based systems). 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.
All 2001 QX4s are 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 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.
Safety and Security
The 2001 QX4 includes a long list of standard safety equipment, including new front seat active head restraints, which help to minimize head movement at impact to help reduce whiplash and other more serious injuries in certain rear-end collisions.
Other standard safety equipment includes 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, INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System, 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 vehicle-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 2001 INFINITI QX4 comes fully equipped, with a choice of 2WD or 4WD. Both are complete with leather-appointed interior, automatic transmission and Bose audio system.
Available options for the 2WD and 4WD models include a Premium Package (with 17-inch wheels and tires, wood/leather steering wheel, driver’s memory switch and steering wheel-mounted audio controls), a rear seat entertainment system with video cassette player and flip-down ceiling- mounted screen, sunroof, heated front and rear seats and navigation system.
The 4WD model also offers an optional Sport Package (with front and rear heated seats and limited-slip differential), sunroof and navigation system.
Like all INFINITI models, the QX4 is protected by some of the best warranties in the industry: a 4-year / 60,000-mile Basic Coverage; a 6-year / 70,000-mile Powertrain Limited Coverage 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 Coverage.
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