2007 Infiniti FX45 first look

The curvy 2007 Infiniti FX45

(Credit: CNET Networks)

There are loads of interior tech features on the Infiniti FX45 that just got delivered to the CNET Car Tech garage. The space-age crossover SUV comes with the same navigation system that we saw in the 2007 Infinti M35 Sport (although without the latter's amazing voice-command interface). It also has Bluetooth hands-free calling and a rear-seat entertainment system complete with wireless headphones and a dedicated remote control.

The LDW system can be turned off

(Credit: CNET Networks)

However, the two most impressive tech features for me have to do with good old freeway driving. As part of its $4,200 Technology Package, the FX45 comes with Intelligent Cruise Control and a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system. Both of these systems are still emerging technologies in the automotive world, but they are good indicators of a trend toward systems that give cars more autonomy.

ICC is set with buttons on the steering wheel

(Credit: CNET Networks)

LDW is a system designed to notify a driver when the car believes that you are unintentionally changing lanes. It works by mounting two range-finding CMOS cameras, which constantly monitor road markings, on the underside of each of the car's wing mirrors. If the car starts to change lanes by drifting over a lane dividing line, a light turns on in the instrument cluster, and a chime sounds in the cabin to let the driver know. The system only kicks in when the car is traveling at more than 45mph and is overridden if the turn signal is activated as the driver has declared an intention to change lanes.

While the LDW system attempts to prevent us from lateral deviations on the freeway, intelligent cruise control (ICC) ensures that we don't rear-end the cars ahead. Using forward-looking radar sensors, ICC enables drivers to select a preset speed and then drive either at that speed or at a slower speed while maintaining a constant distance from the car ahead. In practice, driving a car with ICC is still an eerie experience as the car speeds up and slows down of its own accord. We'll be driving (or at least steering) the FX45 around for the next week for our full review coming to Car Tech next week.

[kyler]

if a driver is...

unintentionally changing lanes, maybe that driver shouldn't be driving
in the first place...they're either really drunk, or really inexperienced - driving
between the lines is one of the first thing one learns while driving. its a pointless
technology.

[webonics]

LDW Has Merit

@kyler - LDW was initially developed as a safety mechanism to prevent drivers from falling asleep while driving and drifting out of their lane. With people working longer hours and commuting farther distances, the occurrence of sleep-induced traffic accidents and fatalities have skyrocketed. This LDW feature is designed to save lives.

[duff.man]

Designed for...

Obviously one of the main functions of this system is to look out for when the driver has fallen asleep while driving... Driver falls asleep, the car starts to "unintentionally switch lanes" and in comes the warning, waking the driver up and preventing an accident!