Infiniti G35 reviews

2003 Infiniti G35 Walkaround

Bold, avant-garde styling sets the Infiniti G35 apart and eliminates any chance of taking on that anonymous look of many Japanese cars. The G35's basic design also contributes to its impressive handling.

The G35 rides on Nissan's newest platform, which it will share with the upcoming Nissan 350Z sports car and Infiniti FX45 crossover utility. This platform was specifically designed for mounting a V6 longitudinally behind the front axle in the so-called front mid-ship position. (Front-wheel-drive sedans mount their engines sideways, in front of the front axle.) Moving the engine rearward improves the balance of the G35, a key to its excellent handling.

A long wheelbase (112 inches between front and rear wheels) contributes to the G35's stability, especially at high speeds. A wide track (the distance between the left and right wheels) adds to its stability in corners. Short front and rear overhangs, a hallmark of the widely heralded BMW 3 Series, help improve handling by balancing weight toward the center of the car. These design elements also help the G35 lead the near-luxury class in interior room and trunk volume.

The location of the G35's compact V6 behind the front axle allows the use of a low, aggressive hoodline, which flows into the sharply angled windshield and contributes to the G35's sporty, powerful silhouette. The hood is made of aluminum for reduced weight.

Stacked, vertically oriented xenon headlamps grab your attention. Fog lamps are integrated into the complex headlamp cluster, giving the G35 an aggressive appearance, particularly noticeable in other drivers' rear-view mirrors. The horizontal grille identifies the G35 as an Infiniti.

Raised front fenders inspired by a catamaran (a double-hulled sailboat) extend rearward and look pretty rad from inside the car. These raised fenders also have a function, managing airflow by reducing spillage off the sides of the hood. The smooth visual line flowing from the front fenders through the side profile cuts off crisply at the rear, expressing a balance between sport and function. The C-pillar and rear fenders accentuate the spaciousness of the cabin, while the large greenhouse provides good visibility from all seating positions.

The short rear deck ends in a crisp crease, concealing the biggest trunk in this class. L-shaped taillamps suggest a BMW and use bright LED lighting to pierce the fog and illuminate more quickly when the brake pedal is depressed. The G35's chief developer learned the value of these LEDs in Group C racing when competitors would rear-end Nissan's lightweight race cars equipped with carbon brakes; the LEDs would light up more quickly providing the other race drivers with more warning.

Indeed, the G35's overall design was developed from Nissan's experience racing prototype sports cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There's a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body. The extensive use of diffusers and deflectors helps the G35 achieve 0 degrees of front lift, reducing drag and wind noise at high speeds and contributing to stability. With the optional rear spoiler, 0 degrees of rear lift is achieved. The G35 has an exceptional coefficient of drag measurement of just 0.27 (0.26 with optional rear spoiler) for reduced wind noise and increased fuel economy.

The exterior of the G35 Sport Coupe shares visual elements of the sedan. Both benefit from the same long wheelbase. But the coupe is shorter, wider, and lower than the sedan. Specifically, when compared with the G35 sedan, the coupe is shorter in overall length (182.2 inches versus 186.5), wider (71.5 inches versus 68.9) with its performance-oriented chassis, wider wheel openings and fenders, and it isn't as tall as the sedan (54.9 inches versus 57.9).