Star-Telegram.com's view

Prices for Infiniti’s redesigned 2011 QX56 full-size sport utility will begin at $56,700 (plus freight), the same as the current model, when the newest version goes on sale in early summer, Nissan’s luxury brand has announced.

For that price, consumers can buy the base QX56 two-wheel-drive model. For the four-wheel-drive version, the base price is $59,800. This is the one that off-road enthusiasts would choose.

Keeping the prices at the level of the 2010 model is a good strategic move for Nissan, and represents something of a bargain for consumers. That’s because there are new features and more standard content on the 2011 QX56, but buyers aren’t being asked to pay for those additions.

It’s a strategic move because the current QX56 has been one of the bright spots in the Infiniti lineup this year, with overall sales for 2010 up a whopping 217 percent in the first three months (through March), rising from 794 deliveries in the first quarter of 2009 to 2,513 this year.

In March alone, QX56 sales rose to 1,041 from just 304 in March 2009. The corresponding model in the Nissan lineup, the Armada, is doing well, too – with year-to-date sales of 4,417, up 123 percent from last year.

Both of these vehicles were once thought to be all but dead, when gasoline prices spiked in mid-2008 and large SUVs and pickups languished unsold on dealers’ lots. But sales began rebounding for these larger vehicles last year, and have been mushrooming so far in 2010.

Attractive pricing should help Infiniti keep the momentum going for the QX56.

“This is a phenomenal vehicle at a phenomenal price point, especially given the enhanced styling inside and out and the impressive suite of new and improved standard features,” Ben Poore, vice president for Nissan’s Infiniti Business Unit, said in announcing the pricing.

“The new QX is designed to offer a true five-star travel experience, while providing the benefits of available eight-passenger seating capacity, versatile cargo space and 8,500-pound towing capacity. It sets a new standard in full-size luxury SUVs.”

Nissan decided to move production of the QX56 from its Canton, Miss., plant to Japan to make way for assembly of its new line of commercial vans (using the same chassis as the Armada, QX56 and Titan pickup) at Canton.

The new QX56 will be assembled at a Nissan plant in Kyushu, Japan. The Armada and Titan continue to be built at the Canton plant, and Nissan has canceled plans to farm out production of the next generation of the Titan to Chrysler.

With the new QX56 arriving soon, I also expect to see the next generation of the Armada following not too far behind. That vehicle’s production could be moved to Kyushu, as well – which would certainly make sense if the two vehicles are to maintain their current similarities.

The 2011 QX 56 will come with a new, 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V-8 engine with variable valve timing and direct gasoline injection. It has 25 percent more power than the current QX56 engine, but also will achieve a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy. The engine produces 413 foot-pounds of torque.

Adding direct gasoline injection is mostly responsible for the improved gas mileage, but another factor is a new seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift mode and downshift rev matching. It replaces the current model’s five-speed automatic.

Among other features are a standard around-view monitor, a better Bose premium audio system, and a new automatic climate-control system.

The vehicle gets new exterior styling, but it’s still recognizable as a QX56. It’s 1.4 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, and 3.8-inches lower than the 2010 model.

Nissan says the design was “conceived to attract and hold viewers’ attention, conveying its underlying sense of power and strength.” There is a new chrome grille, Xenon headlights with optional washers, and integrated front fog lights.

For improved aerodynamics – also helpful in increasing fuel economy – the new model has a front chin spoiler, rear liftgate spoiler and redesigned outside mirrors. It has a 0.37 coefficient of drag, and there is “zero lift” from air passing underneath, thanks to that low front spoiler.

Standard are 20-inch, wheels, but 22-inch wheels are optional. There will be six available exterior colors.

Also included are new LED taillights; heated/power-folding outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, courtesy lights and reverse tilt-down feature; body-color running boards and integrated front and rear splash guards in the wheel arches; roof rails; a power/sliding/tinted glass moon roof; and a power rear liftgate.

Auto-leveling adaptive headlights are optional. They’re designed to move slightly in the same direction as the vehicle to provide illumination of the area into which the car is turning.

The QX56 continues as an eight-passenger vehicle – designed to be comfortable for eight adults, not with a back seat that’s better left to the kids – and even with a full load of passengers, there is room for luggage as well.

It comes on a new, stiffer frame, designed to enhance ride comfort as well as reduction interior noise and vibration, Nissan said.

The new model’s 8,500-pound towing capacity will be useful when pulling boats, horses and recreational vehicles.

Also standard will be the Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System. The audio system comes with 13 speakers.

Leather seating is standard, but upgraded semi-aniline leather is optional, as is a rear DVD entertainment system with dual seven-inch monitors on the backs of the front bucket seats.

The QX will continue to have a real, off-road-capable four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing. In automatic model (high range only), the system can send up to half of the power to the front wheels; in normal mode, the rear wheels get the power.

All models – two- and four-wheel drive – come with Hill Start Assist, which prevents rollback when the vehicle is stopped on a hill and the driver releases the foot brake. This is a feature that’s more useful on manual-transmission cars, though.

A Deluxe Touring Package adds the new Hydraulic Body Motion Control system, as well as the 22-inch wheels. This system helps reduce body lean in turns, giving passengers an easier ride.

Among standard safety features are four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution; electronic stability control; roof-mounted side-curtain air bags for all three rows; seat-mounted front side air bags; and tire-pressure monitoring.

Available will be a blind-spot monitoring system, Infiniti’s lane-departure warning and prevention systems, intelligent cruise control, and Distance Control Assist with Intelligent Brake Assist.

The automotive columns of G. Chambers Williams III have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1994. Contact him at 210-250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.