What is it?
2007 Infiniti G35
What's special about it?
Infiniti's mission for the G35's first redesign is simple: Take down the BMW 3 Series.
After showing a concept version of the 2007 Infiniti G35 coupe at this year's Detroit show, Infiniti unveiled a production version of the sedan at the New York auto show. It goes on sale in November. We expect the coupe will follow a few months later.
At first glance, the 2007 G35 sedan looks about the same size as before, and Vice President of Product Planning Jack Collins confirmed that wheelbase and track are "basically the same." However, the G rides on the "heavily updated" version of the FM platform used on the M35/M45, and has a new suspension, body and interior. Plus, its VQ-series V6 engine is "80 percent new."
After the press conference we pressed Thomas Crahan, regional G35 product manager, for specifics. He told us the front suspension has a new single-pivot design to reduce kickback and improve steering feel, while in back engineers fiddled with the camber and toe to improve high-speed stability. Sport models get unique springs, dampers and antiroll bars, as well as 18-inch wheels in place of the standard 17s.
Infiniti has equipped the G35 with a new steering system that apportions power assist according to vehicle speed rather than engine speed. "We also did some work on the bushings in order to deliver what we hope to be class-leading steering feel," Crahan added.
Brakes are upgraded on base G sedans, while Sport versions feature larger rotors and unique calipers. There's also a new controller design for the VDC stability control system, which Crahan describes as "very nuanced" in its on/off logic. And, he said, "when you turn it off, it's 'off' unless there's oversteer and brake application at the same time."
Under the hood, the "80 percent new" engine still displaces 3.5 liters but has a new block designed to reduce NVH and offer more "silkiness." Additionally, the V6 has a two-stage intake and a new dual-exhaust system. Infiniti estimates it will produce "more than 300 horsepower," compared to today's 298-hp peak.
Transmission choices on the G35 are the same as last year, but the six-speed manual gets refined synchronizers, while the five-speed automatic gets magnesium paddle shifters, downshift rev-matching and a yaw-rate sensor so it holds gears in turns. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be offered.
Inside the 2007 Infiniti G35, interior materials are significantly upgraded, incorporating grain patterns worthy of an Audi or BMW. Gauges are electroluminescent, a keyless push-button ignition is standard and the navigation system gets improved graphics and a real-time traffic update option.
But the audio system is the most interesting bit of kit. It's not a discrete 5.1 setup, but it features what Infiniti calls a home theater-spec 24-bit Burr Brown amplifier chip and a 9.5G hard drive so you can store music in the car, rather than having to always hook up your iPod. Plus, the G35 sedan's front doors were designed specifically to accommodate the system's 10-inch Bose woofers.
What's Edmunds' take?
We liked the original Infiniti G35, but it lagged behind the 3 Series in performance, luxury and all-out refinement. With the 2007 G35 we have a feeling it will be a closer battle. We're told pricing will be "roughly the same" as the old G. — Erin Riches
2007 Infiniti G35
What's special about it?
Infiniti's mission for the G35's first redesign is simple: Take down the BMW 3 Series.
After showing a concept version of the 2007 Infiniti G35 coupe at this year's Detroit show, Infiniti unveiled a production version of the sedan at the New York auto show. It goes on sale in November. We expect the coupe will follow a few months later.
At first glance, the 2007 G35 sedan looks about the same size as before, and Vice President of Product Planning Jack Collins confirmed that wheelbase and track are "basically the same." However, the G rides on the "heavily updated" version of the FM platform used on the M35/M45, and has a new suspension, body and interior. Plus, its VQ-series V6 engine is "80 percent new."
After the press conference we pressed Thomas Crahan, regional G35 product manager, for specifics. He told us the front suspension has a new single-pivot design to reduce kickback and improve steering feel, while in back engineers fiddled with the camber and toe to improve high-speed stability. Sport models get unique springs, dampers and antiroll bars, as well as 18-inch wheels in place of the standard 17s.
Infiniti has equipped the G35 with a new steering system that apportions power assist according to vehicle speed rather than engine speed. "We also did some work on the bushings in order to deliver what we hope to be class-leading steering feel," Crahan added.
Brakes are upgraded on base G sedans, while Sport versions feature larger rotors and unique calipers. There's also a new controller design for the VDC stability control system, which Crahan describes as "very nuanced" in its on/off logic. And, he said, "when you turn it off, it's 'off' unless there's oversteer and brake application at the same time."
Under the hood, the "80 percent new" engine still displaces 3.5 liters but has a new block designed to reduce NVH and offer more "silkiness." Additionally, the V6 has a two-stage intake and a new dual-exhaust system. Infiniti estimates it will produce "more than 300 horsepower," compared to today's 298-hp peak.
Transmission choices on the G35 are the same as last year, but the six-speed manual gets refined synchronizers, while the five-speed automatic gets magnesium paddle shifters, downshift rev-matching and a yaw-rate sensor so it holds gears in turns. Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be offered.
Inside the 2007 Infiniti G35, interior materials are significantly upgraded, incorporating grain patterns worthy of an Audi or BMW. Gauges are electroluminescent, a keyless push-button ignition is standard and the navigation system gets improved graphics and a real-time traffic update option.
But the audio system is the most interesting bit of kit. It's not a discrete 5.1 setup, but it features what Infiniti calls a home theater-spec 24-bit Burr Brown amplifier chip and a 9.5G hard drive so you can store music in the car, rather than having to always hook up your iPod. Plus, the G35 sedan's front doors were designed specifically to accommodate the system's 10-inch Bose woofers.
What's Edmunds' take?
We liked the original Infiniti G35, but it lagged behind the 3 Series in performance, luxury and all-out refinement. With the 2007 G35 we have a feeling it will be a closer battle. We're told pricing will be "roughly the same" as the old G. — Erin Riches
Add A Comment »