What is it?
2002 Infiniti I35
What's special about it?
Infiniti is updating its entry-level luxury sedan for the 2002 model year. The name change -- from I30 to I35 -- reflects the increase in engine displacement from 3.0 liters to 3.5. This new DOHC 24-valve engine produces 260 horsepower and 246 foot-pounds of torque, an increase of 33 hp and 29 ft-lbs of torque over the 2001 I30's engine. The four-speed automatic is strengthened to handle the extra power, and the suspension has larger-diameter antiroll bars. The brakes are better, too, with larger front rotors and standard Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Sport package-equipped I35s will come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a stability control system adopted from the 2002 Q45.
The I35 also gains some Q45-related styling cues, such as a new front grille with horizontal slats and standard high-intensity headlights. The rear end features a smoother trunk lid, new taillamps and dual-tipped exhaust. A rear spoiler is optional on Sport package-equipped I35s. Inside, the car gets more luxurious leather seats, new wood trim, revised gauges and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The new optional Cold Weather package includes heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and a heated steering wheel.
Why should you care?
The I30 is a decent entry-level luxury sedan with a big backseat and a great GPS navigation system. It falls short when asked to be a true sport sedan, however. The faster I35 should help address this matter. With 260 horsepower, its closest competition will come from Acura's similarly powered TL Type S. Infiniti's new tagline is "Accelerating the Future." With the 2002 I35 and 2003 Q45, this does indeed seem true. -- Brent Romans
2002 Infiniti I35
What's special about it?
Infiniti is updating its entry-level luxury sedan for the 2002 model year. The name change -- from I30 to I35 -- reflects the increase in engine displacement from 3.0 liters to 3.5. This new DOHC 24-valve engine produces 260 horsepower and 246 foot-pounds of torque, an increase of 33 hp and 29 ft-lbs of torque over the 2001 I30's engine. The four-speed automatic is strengthened to handle the extra power, and the suspension has larger-diameter antiroll bars. The brakes are better, too, with larger front rotors and standard Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. Sport package-equipped I35s will come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a stability control system adopted from the 2002 Q45.
The I35 also gains some Q45-related styling cues, such as a new front grille with horizontal slats and standard high-intensity headlights. The rear end features a smoother trunk lid, new taillamps and dual-tipped exhaust. A rear spoiler is optional on Sport package-equipped I35s. Inside, the car gets more luxurious leather seats, new wood trim, revised gauges and an in-dash six-disc CD changer. The new optional Cold Weather package includes heated front and rear seats, heated outside mirrors and a heated steering wheel.
Why should you care?
The I30 is a decent entry-level luxury sedan with a big backseat and a great GPS navigation system. It falls short when asked to be a true sport sedan, however. The faster I35 should help address this matter. With 260 horsepower, its closest competition will come from Acura's similarly powered TL Type S. Infiniti's new tagline is "Accelerating the Future." With the 2002 I35 and 2003 Q45, this does indeed seem true. -- Brent Romans
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