By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National September 14, 2005Vehicle Overview
Shortly after introducing the rear-wheel-drive G35 sedan as an early 2003 model, Nissan's luxury division added a sumptuously shaped G35 Sport Coupe. Though the two body styles are related, they share no body panels. The Sport Coupe has nearly 50/50 weight distribution, and Infiniti says its suspension tuning is slightly more aggressive than the sedan's because it makes extensive use of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight.
For 2005, a 298-horsepower version of the original 3.5-liter V-6 went into manual-shift versions of both the sedan and Sport Coupe. Automatic-transmission sedans got a 20-hp boost to 280 hp, matching the output of the automatic-equipped Sport Coupe. Sedans also flaunted a redesigned exterior, a refined interior, and a new instrument panel and console.
Rear Active Steer is available on 2006 coupes, which have bi-xenon headlights and revised taillights this season. The Sport-Tuned Suspension Package for coupes features a unique front fascia and side sills. A Bluetooth-based hands-free phone system has been added to the Premium Package.
Infiniti also markets an all-wheel-drive version of the G35 sedan called the G35x.
(Skip to details on the:
G35x)
Exterior
Each G35 model features short front and rear overhangs. The 2005 redesign included a new hood, trunk, bumpers, body-colored side sills and dual-circle LED taillamps. The aerodynamically styled G35 Sport Coupe rides on the same 112.2-inch wheelbase as the sedan but is 4.3 inches shorter and 3 inches lower.
Interior
Leather upholstery is standard in the G35 sedan's five-passenger interior, which features a tilting gauge cluster and an in-dash six-CD changer. The sedan's available Premium Packages include dual-zone climate control, driver's seat memory and a Bose audio system. The sedan's trunk holds 14.8 cubic feet of cargo versus 7.8 cubic feet for coupes.
Up to four occupants can fit inside the Sport Coupe, which features a sculpted fold-down rear seat. Options include a DVD-based navigation system and either XM or Sirius Satellite Radio.
Under the Hood
In G35s equipped with a five-speed-automatic transmission, the 3.5-liter V-6 develops 280 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque. The five-speed automatic incorporates a manual-shift provision. When a six-speed-manual transmission is installed, engine output is 298 hp and 260 pounds-feet of torque.
Safety
Dual-stage front airbags, active front-seat head restraints, front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are standard. All-disc antilock brakes include brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Infiniti's Vehicle Dynamic Control electronic stability system is standard.
Driving Impressions
The G35 sport sedan takes curves beautifully. Body roll is minimal, and the engine's power helps when heading through quick turns. With both the regular suspension and the tauter setup, the ride is surprisingly smooth on most surfaces. Because the base model is so stable and flat, differences with the sport suspension aren't dramatic. Engine noise is definitely noticeable, but it's not unpleasant.
The G35 Sport Coupe is sporty in both appearance and feel. It has plenty of power and operates with stunning precision and stability. Even though its suspension is taut, the ride is surprisingly smooth — but jolts inevitably occur on rougher surfaces. An automatic-transmission model is nearly as satisfying as one with the manual transmission. The driver's seat is comfortably snug, but front headroom with the sunroof could be better.
G35x
The all-wheel-drive system on the G35x is called ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split). The system automatically transfers optimum engine torque to the appropriate wheels according to road and driving conditions. Torque distribution can range from 100 percent to the rear wheels to an even split front to rear. A Snow-Mode switch is included. Equipped with a 280-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 and a five-speed-automatic transmission, the G35x also has 17-inch alloy wheels, a tire-pressure-monitoring system and the Vehicle Dynamic Control electronic stability system. Back to top
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Jim Flammang | Cars.com National | September 14, 2005 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Mark Glover | The Sacramento Bee | May 5, 2006 |
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