Infiniti FX gets new grille, limited-edition variant for 2012

The Infiniti FX crossover gets a light makeover and a small price increase ($100) for the 2012 model year, plus a limited-edition model.

The base FX35 and FX50 all-wheel-drive models will go for $44,900 and $59,350 excluding destination. The Limited Edition FX35 starts at $51,550.

The base price of the rear-wheel-drive FX35 is unchanged at $43,450.

Infiniti says the redesigned FX has a more aggressive grille and a redesigned front fascia, drawing influence from the Infiniti Essence concept shown in 2009. It also has an updated instrument cluster and new 20-inch wheels.

An "iridium blue" exterior finish will distinguish the estimated 550 copies of the Limited Edition FX35, as well as 21-inch, 10-spoke aluminum wheels and tinted headlights that are adaptive and auto-leveling. Other standard features for the limited-edition model include hard-drive navigation, aluminum roof rails and pedals and graphite floor mats with blue piping.

The 2012 FX is available with a 390-hp, 5.0-liter V8 or a 303-hp, 3.5-liter V6. Both engines are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that uses adaptive shift control.

The 2012 FX will make its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on Aug. 18 in California. The vehicle is set to go on sale nationwide in early October.

By Michelle Koueiter