The new QX56 blends responsive acceleration with agile handling through use of its leading edge engine and chassis design. The standard 5.6 liter DOHC Endurance V8 produces 315 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque through the use of advanced design features such as aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, molybdenum-coated pistons, 6-bolt main bearing caps, single-stage timing chain and, for precise control, an electronic "drive-by-wire" throttle.

The QX56's Endurance V8 is assembled at Nissan's advanced engine facility in Decherd, Tenn. Nearly 90 percent of the engine's impressive torque is available below 2,500 rpm — where it's needed for hauling, towing or slow-speed off-road driving.

Every QX56 also comes with a standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with tow/haul modes for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The transmission is geared specifically for use in high torque situations and includes an advanced torque converter design for improved fuel economy and an advanced powertrain management program for smooth shift quality.

A gated floor shifter provides enhanced shift control when towing. The transmission's tow/haul mode revises the shift pattern when towing and hauling. The QX56 has a maximum towing capacity of 8,900 pounds (properly equipped).

Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Active Brake Limited-Slip (ABLS) (includes deactivation switch) is also offered as standard on every QX56.

The 2004 QX56 is available in two drive configurations — rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive model featuring a full-time 4-wheel drive system with 2WD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case with low gear. The two-speed electronic transfer case allows the driver to select between auto, full-time 4-wheel drive and 4LO.

The QX56's AWD system is designed to instantly distribute torque to all four wheels whenever road conditions warrant (up to 50% can go to the front wheels on demand), resulting in optimal traction. Under normal driving conditions, AWD QX56s operate in rear-wheel drive mode. All AWD QX56s include heavy-duty skid plates for the oil pan, fuel tank and transfer case.

All QX56s are built on a durable fully boxed, high strength steel frame and feature standard Dana front and rear axles. The combination of comfortable ride and responsive handling comes from the 4-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars.

An advanced rear auto-leveling air suspension is also standard on every QX56, helping provide better handling stability and ride comfort when towing or hauling cargo. The air suspension also maintains uniform ground clearance and departure angle, even when towing or carrying cargo, by automatically adjusting the air pressure in the system's air bladders.

"The QX56's independent rear suspension benefits users in many ways — optimizing ride and handling on rough roads, improving ride quality for occupants in the 2nd and 3rd row seats and maximizing rear interior space through its low-profile design. This is one more way that QX56 owners get the benefits of full-size SUV utility without being penalized in the areas of ride comfort and handling."

Mark Igo

The 2004 QX56 also features standard engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes with Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), 7-spoke 18x8J chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/70R18 SUV tires and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with standard warning lamp (in gauge cluster) and warning display. A standard 28-gallon fuel tank provides an excellent driving range.

Optionally available (as part of a package with the RearView Monitor) is Infiniti's advanced Intelligent Cruise Control, which allows the QX56 driver to maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead. Using a combination of laser sensors, throttle and brake actuators and the QX56's braking system, a laser signal measures the distance to the vehicle ahead, then automatically adjusts the QX56's speed to maintain a pre-selected following distance. (The system is not intended for congested areas or city driving and will not brake automatically to a stop.)

The 2004 Infiniti QX56 offers an extensive list of standard safety features, including standard supplemental curtain air bags for side-impact and rollover to all three rows, side-impact supplemental air bags (front seat-mounted) and an Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification sensor.

The QX56 design also includes Zone Body construction with front and rear crushable zones, 3-point front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, 3-point seat belts for all rear seat occupants (including center position) and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system.

The all-new Infiniti QX56 full-size luxury SUV is designed to take the complexity out of the buying decision. The QX56 comes in one model, in a choice of rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes the 5.6 liter V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-wheel independent suspension with auto-leveling rear, leather-appointed seating, advanced Bose audio system, navigation system and much more.

Options and packages include the Second-row Split Bench Seat Package; Infiniti DVD Mobile Entertainment System; Power Sunroof; Painted Splash Guards; and Smart Vision Package, with the RearView Monitor and Intelligent Cruise Control.

The 2004 Infiniti QX56 goes on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide in spring 2004. It will be shown publicly for the first time at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.