2007 Infiniti G35 Review

Specifications

Infiniti Prepares for Global Launch with New G35

For the past four years, the Infiniti brand name has been on the rise, and much of this phenomenon can be attributed to the success of the G35. Available in sedan and coupe form, the G35 has provided an alternative to the typical premium compact sedan (Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Benz C-Class) by marrying luxury and performance to a frame that is a size and a half larger. Of course, the G35 has been just what the doctor ordered; prior to its arrival, much of the Infiniti range consisted of gussied-up Nissans, most of which lacked the appeal of what the competition was offering at the time. After a rather short, but well served life cycle, Infiniti is ready to present the new, second-generation car.

When the current G35 broke onto the scene four years ago it was fresh and new, scoring points in the popular midsize luxury segment. It was unique then, and still is today as it continues to stand out next to more generic sedans. In order to preserve this image, the cars styling has evolved, walking a line inspired by the current G35 Coupe and the Infiniti Coupe Concept that was shown at this years North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Part of what made the G35 so distinctive is its profile, one that features a sports car-like long nose, abbreviated tail and short overhangs, plus its form is dictated by the front-midship mounted position of the engine.

Inside such borders, the changes applied to the new 2007 car are more obvious. The previously vertical headlamps have spread out at their bases forming an L-shaped outline that mimics the look of the larger M-Series Infiniti and, in profile, more in tune with the sporty Coupe model. Both front and rear lamps feature the latest in lighting technology, including bi-xenon adaptive beams up front and LEDs in back. Also new is the four-sided grille, which features a redesigned set of chrome ribs, the purpose of which is to create distinction between Nissan and Infiniti models. On the Sport model, the elegant, clean-looking exterior is dressed up with a more aggressive aero kit and 18-inch wheels.

While the first-generation G35s exterior has always been attractively designed with understated but appealing details, it nevertheless has been the cause of some division among sport sedan enthusiasts, not only because of its somewhat irregularly shaped console and the lurid yellow-orange glow of its backlit gauges, but also because plastics quality has been often called into question. Most of the much-needed cabin update is said to be focused on improving refinement, with more attention paid to the materials used. Details such as texturized Washi aluminum patina, a double-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, magnesium paddle shifters (automatic only) and an enhanced feel for switches, knobs and other controls, reportedly make the G35 more competitive with others in this category. In terms of content, the G35 features the new XM NavTraffic navigation system with real-time traffic updates, plus a reverse-mounted parking assist camera, Bose and Burr Brown sound system and Intelligent Key with push-button start.

The new G35 may look a whole lot like the old car, but peel away the skin and theres a new chassis lurking underneath. OK, so its not exactly rebuilt from the ground up, but it uses a modified version of the existing FM (front midship) platform similar to the one featured in the new Infiniti M. Aside from having a more rigid and advanced frame, the car features a wider track by 0.7 inches in front and 0.9 inches in back, for a more planted stance on the road. Other changes include a new speed-sensitive steering system for improved agility and cornering finesse. For those wanting even greater hold on the road, Infinitis ATTESA ETS intelligent all-wheel drive system continues to be available on the G35x.

Even with a new exterior and interior, the pride and joy of the G35 - and for that matter the Nissan group as a whole - remains the 3.5-liter V6 engine. Now in its fourth generation, the VQ35DE has been rebuilt from the oil pan up to maximize power and efficiency while further abating noise, vibration and harshness. Around 80 percent of the engine is new, including the engine block and core components, all of which have been strengthened, giving the engine a centre of gravity thats 0.6 inches lower than before. Other internal improvements include the addition of variable valve timing for the exhaust, a higher 7,500 rpm redline, and an increase in compression ratio from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1.

External to the engine, but critical to the holistic upgrade is the engines ability to breathe: changes here include a new twin ram-air intake that sports reduced airflow resistance by some 18 percent, and an improved muffler design that incorporates 25 percent less back-pressure than the previous model. Total output hasnt been released, but Infiniti claims the engine now produces in excess of 300 horsepower, while improving fuel consumption, reducing emissions and delivering more of its distinctive engine note. Not only does the new V6 reportedly give the G35 an advantage over its European rivals, it should be capable of edging out its Japanese competitor from Acura, and possibly even the mighty Lexus IS 350.

In a way, the 2007 Infiniti G35 is for Infiniti, what the IS is for Lexus. Starting next year, Nissan is preparing to officially launch the Infiniti brand name outside of North America, in Europe and Asia. The new G35, with its more distinctive shape, now distinguishably different than any Japanese-market Nissan model, improved performance and accommodating size, should continue to provide an enticing alternative to staple offerings in North America, plus also ensure a stronger footing in its non-traditional, non-North American markets. Meanwhile, for those pondering a G35 Coupe with similar updates, Nissan hasnt mentioned anything about any upgrades to the slick, two-door model, however, its replacement is bound to be on the way within a couple of months.