2011 Infiniti QX56 Test Drive - Popular Mechanics
Gasoline prices, environmental concerns, and economic recession pulled the rug out of the luxury SUV craze, which today accounts for barely one-third as many vehicle sales as in 2005. Ben Poore, Infiniti's VP in charge of American operations, says... " On average, compared with the direct competition, today's QX56 buyer is the youngest, with the highest household income and the most vehicles in his garage. Infiniti's share of this market has been growing even with the aging current model, so Poore expects to do even better with a more stylish version that adds the latest luxury, convenience and safety features even as it gains in fuel efficiency. The Specs As Infiniti revealed at this year's New York Auto Show, the 2011 QX56 is built in Japan and shares its underpinnings with the Nissan Patrol, a large SUV not sold in the U. S. but which competes with Toyota's Land Cruiser in global markets. Poore notes that the change should reduce cross-shopping with Infiniti's mass-market sister brand and give buyers of the luxury model a unique vehicle. While many competitors opt for unit-body construction or car-based crossovers to replace their large SUVs, Infiniti stayed with body-on-frame construction to maintain the truck-like hauling capacity. It can boast an 8500-pound towing capacity (850 pounds tongue weight) and 7500 pounds GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating). Source: www.popularmechanics.com
