2005 Infiniti G35 Review

Deliver Enhanced Performance and Refined Interiors

Like anyone else, Ive got a few favorite cars that I would buy if money was no object. But unlike the BMW M5, Porsche 911 GT3 and Ferrari Scaglietti, Infinitis G35 Coupe doesnt require a large six-figure income to purchase.

But as good as it is, its not perfect. Compared to a BMW 3-Series coupe, for instance, the G35 Coupes interior tactile quality is not quite up to scratch. This is not news to the folks at Infiniti of course, reason enough for the Japanese brand to up its game in this regard. Along with the upgraded materials the brand will update the overall design of the instrument cluster, center stack and lower console.

The most noticeable change is the redesigned clock and ancillary digital readout atop the dash, laid out as a cleaner, more efficient package. Infinitis classic analog clock is still oval-shaped, contributing to the cars upscale appearance.

Just below the dash is a revised center stack, still featuring some similar shapes but changed enough to give it an entirely new look. It features authentic aluminum surfacing almost the entire area. The stack integrates a new audio interface, and a redesigned ashtray with a repositioned rectangular hazard button (the current one is circular) beside the new automatic transmission surround. Like the hazard button the shifter surround goes from round to rectangular. No photo of the 6-speed manual equipped G35 was available for comment.

Also, optional drilled aluminum foot pedals with circular rubber pads can be ordered to replace the full-rubber pads of the current car, plus primary instruments have been given a subtle restyle. Other than that, and those things previously mentioned, the general layout of the dash and instrument cluster looks much the same, with the exception of a thin horizontal strip of aluminum that splits the upper and lower dash as it spans the width of the vehicle.

Exciting news for enthusiasts will be the coupes performance upgrades, especially if trimmed out in optional Sport model mode. While available in both 5-speed automatic and manual guises, if the close-ratio 6-speed manual is ordered an additional 15-plus horsepower comes as part of the package, which should boost output to approximately 295 horsepower from its standard 280. Infiniti will release final performance figures before the car is available for sale.

Infiniti also reports that the shifting mechanism within its 6-speed manual has been improved “to provide a lower shifting effort.”

The coupe gets 18-inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels wrapped in 235/45R18 tires when the sport-tuned suspension package is ordered, and 19-inch forged aluminum-alloy wheels in optional Sport trim. The Sport package also adds Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (V-LSD), and drilled aluminum pedals.

When will the changes go into affect? Starting in October, 2004 the 2005 Infiniti G35 coupe will go on sale across the nation, joined by an updated sedan. Both G35s will be equipped with automatic transmissions, while 6-speed manual versions will become available later in December.

As previously mentioned, the current G35 Coupe has become one of my favorite cars. It is stunningly styled, as attractive as any car for any price. Its refined drivetrain is among the best in the industry, and combined with an athletic suspension system it dances around curves with nimble alacrity - few cars are its equal.