San Diego, California -- The 2009 Infiniti FX is no ordinary SUV. Like a four-door AWD coupe on high heels -- or high w-heels -- it calls for attention. Canadian communication guru Marshall McLuhan would have probably used it to illustrate his sacrosanct principle: "the medium is the message".

The 2009 Infiniti FX is no ordinary SUV. Like a four-door AWD coupe on high heels -- or high w-heels -- it calls for attention.

The "new" FX looks an awful lot like the original, launched in 2003. But that's understandable. How could you fully redesign such an eccentric figure without compromising its essence? Impossible. Designers wisely and subtly evolved the styling by reshaping the grille, making the front fenders more pronounced and altering the taillights. But ultimately, the FX is doomed to retain the same devastating though nearly immutable look.

Still, by redesigning the front bumper and taillights while also tweaking the angle of the rear spoiler at the top of the liftgate, aerodynamics have been improved, as evidenced by the lower drag coefficient (from 0.37 to 0.35).

Moreover, to reduce the overall weight of this massive vehicle, all four doors are now made of aluminum (just like the hood). A composite material was also used for the exterior shell of the liftgate.

A familiar V6
The new FX lineup includes two trim levels. The base FX35, which proves more affordable and thus more popular, gets the familiar V6 from the VQ series. This engine and its many variations power numerous Nissan products: the Infiniti G35 and EX35 as well as the Nissan Altima, Maxima, Murano and 350Z.

With the 2009 FX, this 3.5L mill produces 303 horsepower. On the highway, it delivers decent accelerations and passing maneuvers. However, despite the additional 28 horsepower, the vehicle does not live up to its sporty aspirations. On the tortuous mountain roads of Cleveland National Forest, in Southern California, the engine actually seemed to struggle.

The base FX35, which proves more affordable and thus more popular, gets the familiar V6 from the VQ series.