Weekend Whip: 2009 Infiniti FX35 AWD

Weekend Whip: 2009 Infiniti FX35 AWD

By Michael Andre Adams 

Price $40,950 base / $49,865 loaded 
MPG 16 city / 21 highway 
Annual Fuel $1,601 (15,000 miles @ $1.92 / gallon-premium)

Flossin Points: A sports sedan in disguise! 

Funny is, the fact that people who live in the city purchase Range Rovers with absolutely no clue of the vehicle's off road capabilities. If you're one of those people, first of all, relax and don't let the truth offend you. Second, my pick for "Weekend Whip" is just for you. 

The list of good things to say about the all new FX, a car--perpetrating as a crossover/SUV--can go on and on and on... In respect of your time I'll begin with the most obvious, its looks. In fact my guess is that the "F" in FX represents just how "fiercely" sleek this vehicle looks. 

Check out the design of the grill...how it seems slightly pulled forward at a time when other luxury manufacturers (such as Mercedes) are pushing back. Then look at the angular design of the hood and how the headlights have been positioned in such a sleek fashion. Next, get glimpse of the body side louvers in combination with the wheelbase housing the 18-inch wheels that look like 20's, all of which begs the thought of performance to the fifth power. Then take a look at the upper framing and you can't help but sit back and smile. And if you're over 40, the look of stainless steel dual exhaust system from the rear and the bi-functional Xenon headlights assures the young ones you're still in the game!

The 2009 FX is sleek on all sides...

A seven speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode including magnesium paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a 303 horsepower, 3.5 Liter V6 engine, with front engine rear wheel drive greatly supersedes its SUV predecessors bearing five speed transmissions that drink gas as if it were the last supper.

Other features worth touting include a lane departure and forward collision warnings with signals, the coolest rear view camera I've seen with a multi directional view that allows the driver to focus solely on the 8-inch monitor and see everything around the vehicle while remaining comfortable in the rich, leather appointed, heated and cooled seats.

Conveniently powered Interior options include windows --down and up, the roof--on the open and close, the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, of course the seats, etc... 

As for the remote, you can simply keep that in your purse, or brief case as you'll never really need to have it in your hand--just in close proximity to unlock the doors, start/stop the car and lock it back up again.

Sports car looks in a crossover... 2009 FX