2003 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 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 Total Ownership Experience®.
For 2003, QX4 receives key packaging enhancements, including the addition of previous Premium Package features as standard equipment. This includes 17-inch wheels and tires, a leather/genuine wood steering wheel, driver’s seat memory and steering wheel mounted audio control switches. One new exterior color is offered for the new model year.
“The QX4 continues to offer the heart of a rugged, authentic off-roader with the soul of a true luxury vehicle,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division. “For 2003, there are more standard luxury features, enhancing the value of an already great luxury SUV package.”
Crisp Exterior, Elegant Interior Design
QX4’s elegant styling has been enhanced for the 2003 model year with available chrome-finished aluminum-alloy wheels and one new exterior color – Diamond Graphite.
QX4 comes standard with a distinctive headlight design featuring High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights with auto on/off feature, integrated fog lights and turn signals. Other exterior features include 17-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, variable intermittent rear liftgate glass wiper, integrated fender flares, splash guards and step rails with slip-resistant inserts.
Inside, the QX4 features a 6-speaker 150-watt Bose® audio system with AM/FM/cassette, 6-disc in-dash CD player, Radio Data System (RDS) and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
QX4 offers a wide array of luxury and convenience features including a genuine wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-appointed seats, leather-wrapped gearshift knob and parking brake lever, genuine Bird’s Eye maple wood trim, power door locks with selective unlocking, retained accessory power function for the sunroof (optional) and power windows, advanced 6-way remote keyless entry system, an 8-way adjustable power driver’s seat/4-way power front passenger’s seat, available heated rear seats, 60/40 split fold-down and reclining rear seatback design, fold-down center armrest, front and rear dual cup holders with front cover, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver and rear 12-volt power outlets.
QX4 also includes an ergonomically designed instrument panel highlighted by easy-to-read electro-fluorescent gauge cluster illumination, an integrated quartz analog clock, digital Automatic Temperature Control with CFC-free air conditioning, overhead console with compass and outside temperature display and an available INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System - a rear seat entertainment system with video cassette player or DVD player and flip-down 6.4-inch ceiling mounted LCD screen which plays through wireless headphones or the Bose® audio system.
Optional is an INFINITI Navigation System with a 5.8-inch LCD screen, 3-D Birdview™ display. 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.
The 2003 QX4 is available in two interior colors, Graphite or Stone Beige. Each interior color is complemented by color-specific genuine Bird’s Eye Maple wood-tone trim.
A Powerful 240-hp V6, an Advanced 4WD System, and Intelligent Cruise Control
QX4’s technologically advanced 3.5-liter DOHC V6 produces 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 rpm. This engine is part of the same engine family that was named one of the ‘Ten Best Engines’ in the world nine consecutive years by Ward’s Auto World magazine.
Among the advanced systems found in this engine are continuous valve timing control, a variable intake system, a lightweight piston design, an aluminum-alloy block, electronic throttle control system, 100,000-mile service interval platinum-tipped spark plugs and extensive noise, vibration and harshness countermeasures. An engine cover provides a clean engine compartment appearance.
All 2003 QX4s are equipped with an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The transmission features INFINITI’s advanced integrated transmission controller for seamless shifting.
The QX4 is available in 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, featuring 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 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, enhanced stability, 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 5-link coil-spring rear 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, while vehicle-speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion steering provides precise control and driver feedback.
Braking is provided by power-assisted front vented disc brakes and rear drum brakes working in conjunction with a load-sensing brake 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.
Optionally available is INFINITI’s advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, a system shared with the Q45 flagship sedan. The system adjusts the vehicle’s speed and distance to traffic in front of the car when the cruise control is operated and reacts to traffic speed changes far faster that a driver can, increasing the safety margin for the QX4 driver and passengers. This system combines laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators, keeping a constant distance between the QX4 and cars ahead.
Safety and Security
The 2003 QX4 includes a long list of standard safety equipment including 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, dual front supplemental air bags, dual front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, front seat belts with adjustable upper anchors, pretensioners and load limiters, three-point rear outboard passenger seat belts, child-safety rear door locks and a child seat anchor with three tether points. For 2003, a LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) child seat anchor system has been added as standard on all QX4s.
Driver and passenger confidence is accentuated with an extensive list of vehicle-incorporated safety features including an energy-absorbing 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 body side reinforcements and a shift interlock system. Also standard are a Vehicle Security System with remote keyless entry and indicator light and the INFINITI Vehicle Immobilizer System.
Model Availability
The 2003 INFINITI QX4 comes fully equipped, with a choice of 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. Both are complete with leather-appointed interior, automatic transmission and 150-watt Bose® audio system along with genuine wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, driver’s seat with memory function and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Options include an INFINITI Mobile Entertainment System with DVD or video cassette player and flip-down ceiling-mounted 6.4-inch LCD screen; Intelligent Cruise Control, power sliding glass sunroof with sunshade, INFINITI Navigation System and a Heated Seats Package with heated front and rear seats and limited-slip differential.
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