Infiniti Begins Production of QX56 Full-Size Luxury SUV In Mississippi- Story includes Specs and Details

CANTON, Miss.--Jan. 2, 20041, 2004--The first Infiniti QX56 full-size, luxury sport utility vehicle rolled off the assembly line last night, becoming the brand's first U.S.-built product. The QX56 is the fourth vehicle to go into production here at Nissan North America's assembly plant in just eight months, an unprecedented schedule by any automaker.

"I'm proud of this Canton team, which took on the big challenge of manufacturing and launching so many new vehicles in a timeframe never before attempted in the automotive industry," said Dave Boyer, vice president for manufacturing in Canton. "I can't think of a more appropriate vehicle to complete the introduction of our large products than the Infiniti QX56. I believe consumers are really going to like the details they're going to find in this full-size, luxury SUV."

The QX56 is built with special care and procedures, ensuring it continues Infiniti's award-winning quality reputation. Employees from plants that have built previous Infiniti vehicles have worked in Canton preparing for the QX56 launch, and Infiniti-specific equipment on the assembly line and special steps in the manufacturing process help ensure the highest possible fit and finish. Every QX56 receives a double application of clearcoat paint, and after final assembly, vehicles are sent to a dedicated facility where they are inspected by specially trained, Infiniti-specific technicians. Finally, each QX56 is driven on a 15-mile course to determine if any adjustments are needed before shipment to the dealer.

The QX56 comes on the heels of three successful launches at the Canton plant since its original "Job One" this past May. To bring incremental sales growth in market segments where Nissan or Infiniti had not previously competed, vehicles produced by the Canton plant are significantly expanding the lineup of both brands' products.

Like the rest of the Infiniti line, the QX56 offers a unique blend of luxury and performance. With a standard navigation system, Sojourner leather-appointed seating, real Dark Apaya or Blonde Macore wood interior accents, Fine Vision electronic analog instrumentation, and Infiniti's signature oval analog clock, it offers luxury on a grand scale for up to eight occupants. And with its powerful, Tennessee-built 5.6-liter, 315-horsepower V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and tires, and 4-wheel independent suspension system, the QX56 is equipped for a spirited driving experience.

"The new QX56 offers a new level of style, performance, luxury and full-size capability," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti. "We appreciate the dedicated efforts of the men and women of our manufacturing and engineering operations who have worked tirelessly to bring the QX56 to market on schedule, and with all the quality expected of the Infiniti brand."

Pricing for the QX56 will be announced prior to its arrival at Infiniti dealerships across the country, which is anticipated to be in early March.

Nissan's Canton plant, which has the capacity to build up to 400,000 vehicles per year, is a $1.43 billion, 3.5 million square foot facility situated on approximately 1,400 acres about 15 miles north of Jackson, Miss. Its next product, to be launched later this year, will be the Nissan Altima mid-size sedan, which is also produced at Nissan's award-winning Smyrna, Tenn., assembly plant.

Nissan has invested about $4 billion into its three U.S. manufacturing facilities. In addition to Canton, the Smyrna plant builds the Maxima sports sedan, Xterra compact SUV, Frontier compact trucks as well as the Altima. In Decherd, Tenn., Nissan builds engines for all U.S.-produced Nissan and Infiniti vehicles and assembles transaxles.

In North America, Nissan North America's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. More information on NNA and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles -- as well as Infiniti's Total Ownership Experience (TOE) philosophy -- can be found online at www.infinitinews.com or by contacting the NNA's corporate media line at 310-771-5631.

2004 Infiniti QX56

The all-new Infiniti QX56 full-size, luxury sport utility vehicle joins the growing lineup of powerful rear-wheel and all-wheel drive Infiniti vehicles in the spring of 2004. It becomes the fourth V8-powered Infiniti and the third to feature all-wheel drive. It will also be the first Infiniti model assembled in North America.

The new QX56 is designed to provide luxury on a grand scale, with eight-passenger seating (seven-passenger with 2nd row captain’s chairs), standard features such as leather-appointed seating and navigation system, advanced technology and a powerful V8 engine and an independent rear suspension (IRS) with load leveling – which contributes to the QX56's comfortable, composed ride quality.

Every QX56 comes equipped with a standard 5.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine, producing 315 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, mated to a refined 5-speed automatic transmission. All QX56 all-wheel drive models feature an advanced, All-Mode full-time design with infinitely variable torque split (maximum 50:50 front/rear).

The new Infiniti QX56 also offers bold, advanced exterior and interior styling, with a large, Infiniti-style grille, xenon headlamps and LED taillight treatment, along with a sophisticated and refined look and feel inside. The QX56 provides outstanding second row roominess, fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seating, Sojourner® leather-appointed seating and a full-length overhead console with available DVD entertainment system.

The new QX56's advanced safety technology features include standard supplemental curtain air bags for side-impact and rollover protection for all three rows, Advanced Air Bag System (AABS), side-impact supplemental air bags (front seat mounted) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system with Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS).

Highlights of the 2004 Infiniti QX56 premium luxury full-size SUV include:
 

Body

• Progressive, sophisticated body design with chrome "waterfall" style grille, elegant chrome 7-spoke wheels, unique roof rack finish, body side cladding and integrated towing hardware
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights; LED tail and brake lights; integrated halogen fog lamps (in front fascia)
• Long wheelbase (123.2 inches) and a highly manageable overall length (206.9 inches)
• Chrome front door handles (body color on rear), chrome body side moldings
• Dual, power-adjustable heated chrome side mirrors with puddle lamps and two-position memory system
• Standard roof rack and running boards
• Power-operated flip-out rear quarter windows
• Power-operated rear liftgate with opening rear glass
• Skid plates for oil pan, transfer case and fuel tank (on AWD models)

Engine and Driveline

• Standard 5.6-liter DOHC V8 producing 315 horsepower at 4,900 RPM and 390 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 RPM
• 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
• Standard 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with tow/haul modes for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency, gated floor shifter for enhanced shift control when towing
• Fully boxed, high-strength steel frame
• Full-time all-wheel drive system with RWD/4H/4LO modes, electronically controlled part-time transfer case, 4LO gear (AWD model)
• Standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Brake Activated Limited-Slip Traction Control (includes deactivation switch)
• 8,900-pounds towing capacity (when properly equipped)
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) with warning display

Suspension, Steering and Braking

• Double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Independent double-wishbone rear suspension with stabilizer bar
• Standard rear auto-leveling (air leveling) suspension
• Engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
• 7-spoke 18x8J chromed aluminum-alloy wheels and 265/70R18 SUV tires
• 4-wheel disc brakes with Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)

Interior Features

• Modern interior styling with versatile, luxurious design features
• Standard fold-flat 2nd row captain’s chairs with integrated armrests, removable 2nd row center console, fold-flat 3rd row bench seat; available fold-flat 2nd row bench seat
• Front and 2nd row heated seats
• Standard Sojourner® leather-appointed seating surfaces, thick (16-oz.) Tuscano carpeting
• 2nd row legroom of 41.9 inches
• Two 12V power outlets on console, one behind center console, one in rear cargo area (four total in vehicle)
• Wood and aluminum steering wheel trim, aluminum instrument panel finisher, Dark Macore or Blonde Apaya real wood trim
• Fine Vision instrument illumination and signature Infiniti analog clock
• Dual-zone electronically controlled climate control
• Rear air conditioning with dual controls (front and rear), rear heater duct
• 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, 8-way power front passenger seat
• Auto Driving Position memory system for pedals, outside mirrors and driver's seat
• Standard DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System with 7.0-inch LCD screen
• Full-length overhead console with dense lights for each passenger
• Fold-down front passenger seat featuring cup holders and recessed “work area”
• 
  12 cupholders and bottle holders, some with capability of holding up to 64 oz. bottles
• Available DVD Family Entertainment System with two wireless headphones and remote control
• Bose® audio system with 10 speakers, AM/FM/6-CD autochanger, steering wheel mounted controls and dual media capability
• Standard adjustable brake and accelerator pedals with transmission interlock and memory function
• HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
• Available Intelligent Cruise Control and RearView Monitor (option package)

Safety and Security

• Standard supplemental curtain air bags for side impact and rollover protection for all three rows
• Standard side-impact supplemental air bags (front seat mounted)
• Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and a front passenger occupant classification sensor
• 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
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchor system
• Rear Proximity Sensor (reverse sonar)

Models and Manufacturing

• Available in one fully equipped model in choice of rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations
• Assembled by Nissan North America Manufacturing Canton Mississippi Plant

2004 Infiniti QX56 Key Dimensions and Specifications