What is it?
2003 Infiniti G35
What's special about it?
Who currently dominates the luxury sport sedan class? That's right, BMW, with the stellar 3 Series lineup. And how is that Bavarian wondercar configured? Bingo, it possesses rear-wheel drive, a powerful six-cylinder engine and a sublime balance of ride comfort and handling prowess.
Infiniti wants a piece of that pie and has designed the new G35 to compete head-to-head with the best from Europe. To that end, the company has endowed it with a stout V6 engine, an aluminum-intensive four-wheel independent suspension, rear-wheel drive and a base price of just $27,100. Yowza.
On sale in March 2002, the 2003 Infiniti G35's 24-valve 3.5-liter V6 engine makes 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The motor is technically mounted amidships, just aft of the front axle, for superior weight distribution and balance. It is matched to a five-speed automanual transmission that drives the back wheels, and the engine is rated to get 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. A six-speed manual transmission will be available sometime after launch.
Underpinning the package is a patented four-wheel independent multilink suspension that employs lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down (yo, the G hits the scales at 3,336 pounds). Roadholding is assisted by a low coefficient of drag (just 0.26 with the rear spoiler) and zero lift at the G35's nose. Standard wheels are 16 inches in diameter; 17s are optional, shod with 215/55 V-rated tires, and buyers can also select a sport-tuned suspension for added handling benefit. A vehicle dynamic control system that includes traction and stability control is optional, as well.
Inside the G35, you'll find a standard in-dash six-disc CD changer. Bose audio is an option, along with leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, side airbags and a DVD navigation system with a retractable 6.5-inch monitor. Now you know how Infiniti can introduce this car at such a low price point. All the good stuff is optional.
Styling is sensational, right up to the point that you view the car from the rear. The taillights taper downward, the license plate recess is located low in the center of the bumper, and there's a vertical panel insert in the center of the decklid where the trunk release and nomenclature are installed. The overall effect? A dumpy-looking butt, which has never turned anyone on in the history of mankind.
Why should you care?
Let's say you dislike BMWs, for whatever reason (maybe you should drive one, eh?). Anyway, you dislike Bimmers, and the remaining selections in the class from Europe, Asia and North America don't twist your crank. Maybe this stylish, and affordable, new performance-oriented Infiniti will. And by the way, a G35 coupe is due to hit showrooms this fall. Let the fresh Infiniti product onslaught begin! — Christian Wardlaw
2003 Infiniti G35
What's special about it?
Who currently dominates the luxury sport sedan class? That's right, BMW, with the stellar 3 Series lineup. And how is that Bavarian wondercar configured? Bingo, it possesses rear-wheel drive, a powerful six-cylinder engine and a sublime balance of ride comfort and handling prowess.
Infiniti wants a piece of that pie and has designed the new G35 to compete head-to-head with the best from Europe. To that end, the company has endowed it with a stout V6 engine, an aluminum-intensive four-wheel independent suspension, rear-wheel drive and a base price of just $27,100. Yowza.
On sale in March 2002, the 2003 Infiniti G35's 24-valve 3.5-liter V6 engine makes 260 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. The motor is technically mounted amidships, just aft of the front axle, for superior weight distribution and balance. It is matched to a five-speed automanual transmission that drives the back wheels, and the engine is rated to get 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. A six-speed manual transmission will be available sometime after launch.
Underpinning the package is a patented four-wheel independent multilink suspension that employs lots of aluminum in its construction to keep weight down (yo, the G hits the scales at 3,336 pounds). Roadholding is assisted by a low coefficient of drag (just 0.26 with the rear spoiler) and zero lift at the G35's nose. Standard wheels are 16 inches in diameter; 17s are optional, shod with 215/55 V-rated tires, and buyers can also select a sport-tuned suspension for added handling benefit. A vehicle dynamic control system that includes traction and stability control is optional, as well.
Inside the G35, you'll find a standard in-dash six-disc CD changer. Bose audio is an option, along with leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat, side airbags and a DVD navigation system with a retractable 6.5-inch monitor. Now you know how Infiniti can introduce this car at such a low price point. All the good stuff is optional.
Styling is sensational, right up to the point that you view the car from the rear. The taillights taper downward, the license plate recess is located low in the center of the bumper, and there's a vertical panel insert in the center of the decklid where the trunk release and nomenclature are installed. The overall effect? A dumpy-looking butt, which has never turned anyone on in the history of mankind.
Why should you care?
Let's say you dislike BMWs, for whatever reason (maybe you should drive one, eh?). Anyway, you dislike Bimmers, and the remaining selections in the class from Europe, Asia and North America don't twist your crank. Maybe this stylish, and affordable, new performance-oriented Infiniti will. And by the way, a G35 coupe is due to hit showrooms this fall. Let the fresh Infiniti product onslaught begin! — Christian Wardlaw
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