EDMUNDS.COM 2004 INFINITI G35
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Fast, affordable and stylish, both the sedan and the coupe offer high levels of sport and luxury.
Pros
Powerful V6, balanced and capable handling, roomy cabin, reasonable price.
Cons
Average interior materials quality, touchy brakes.
What''s New for 2004
Sedans get standard heated outside mirrors, heated front seats and, on leather-equipped six-speed models only, a four-way power passenger seat and a limited-slip differential. Other changes include a standard tire-pressure monitoring system, Low Emissions Vehicle status and a revised front console with an additional cupholder on leather-equipped six-speed coupes. 2004 also sees the addition of an all-wheel-drive sport sedan to the G35 lineup.
Overview
Introduction:
A performance counterpoint to the mild-mannered I35, Infiniti''s G35 is a BMW 3 Series fighter if ever there was one. A discussion of the G must start with what''s underneath. Like the 350Z, both the sedan and coupe are built on Nissan''s all-new FM platform. FM stands for "Front Midship" and refers to the positioning of the engine. Compared to most front-engine cars, Infiniti''s engineers have located the G35''s V6 further rearward behind the front wheels to improve balance and handling. Dimensionally, the G35 sedan is bigger than most of its competition. For instance, the G35 is 186.5 inches long, about 10 inches longer than the BMW 330i and IS 300. It''s also taller than most. This doesn''t translate to extra weight, however, as both G35s weigh about as much as their peers. Weight savings comes from a carefully designed body structure, an aluminum hood and extensive use of aluminum for the front and rear suspension components. The performance equation gets even better when you check out the engine. Infiniti engineers wanted to give the car a muscular power delivery similar to a BMW 540i or a previous-generation M3. As such, the G35 has a 3.5-liter V6 similar to those found in the I35, Maxima, Altima and 350Z. This advanced V6 features 24 valves, dual-overhead cams, variable valve timing and an electronically controlled throttle. Output is rated at 260 hp in the sedan and 280 in the coupe. Only the Acura TL matches the G35 in horsepower, and every other six-cylinder in this class is left clutching a consolation prize when it comes to torque. The driver is greeted by a T-shaped instrument panel that is modern in appearance. Once strapped in, the driver might notice that the driver seat is actually different from the front-passenger seat. The seat cushion has a special center-mound shape that contains firmer foam to support the driver better during sporty driving. Other features include a gauge cluster that tilts in tandem with the steering wheel (though there is no telescope function), an optional and concealable LCD screen for the navigation system and an analog clock. Infiniti''s target from the beginning was to create a high level of driving performance. If you are shopping for a luxury sport coupe or sedan, this is one that you''ll want to check out.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The G35 is available in coupe or sedan form. The sedan is available in rear-wheel drive or a newly introduced all-wheel-drive variant. There are no trim levels to choose between, so it comes down to whether you want leather upholstery. Base sedans come with an automatic transmission, 16-inch wheels, automatic climate control, one-touch auto up-and-down front windows, an in-dash six-disc CD changer, keyless entry and a rear-seat trunk pass-through. In addition to that, base coupes get 17-inch wheels, high-intensity discharge headlamps and heated, power-adjustable seats. Getting a G35 sedan or coupe with a leather interior provides all of the above features, while giving you the choice of a manual or automatic transmission. Sedans equipped with a manual gearbox and all coupes get a sport-tuned suspension; manual-shift coupes pick up 18-inch wheels and Brembo brakes. All leather-lined G35 are eligible for a premium package that includes dual-zone climate control with rear vents, an upgraded 225-watt Bose sound system, a sunroof, automatic headlights and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Among the other options are a DVD-based navigation system, an aerodynamic kit and either Sirius or XM Satellite Radio.
Powertrains and Performance:
Though the G35 comes with just one engine, it should satisfy all but the most power-hungry drivers. This smooth-revving 3.5-liter V6 makes 260 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in the sedan, and 280 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque in the coupe. Most other four-door cars in this class average around 220 hp, meaning that the G35 is one of the fastest sport sedans available for less than $30,000. Transmission choices on both the sedan and coupe include a five-speed automatic with a sequential-shift manual mode or a six-speed manual gearbox. Fuel mileage is 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway with the automatic and 20/27 with the manual. The all-wheel-drive G35 Sport Sedan uses the ATTESA E-TS system and features a magnetic clutch to distribute power as well as a "snow mode" that can evenly split the power 50/50 to the front and rear wheels.
Safety:
All G35s come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brakeforce distribution and BrakeAssist, side airbags, head-protecting side curtain airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), a stability control system, is also standard. Though crash tests have not yet been conducted, Infiniti says the G35''s body structure and seats have been designed to protect occupants from strong impacts and large vehicle body deformations.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Thanks to a long wheelbase, the G35 offers a spacious cabin. The sedan''s passenger compartment measures 101.4 cubic feet, with ample amounts of front and rear headroom, legroom and shoulder room. The coupe is also roomy in front; those seated in back will find adequate legroom, but the sloping rear glass limits the available headroom for adults. The sedan offers 14.5 cubic feet of trunk capacity, while the coupe''s hatchback holds 7.8 cubes.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
As expected, the G35 offers a very entertaining ride. Acceleration is strong, and the prodigious midrange torque is something not often found in this class of car. Handling, too, is on par with the best and you''ll likely find yourself leaving the windows down just to hear the exhaust note of the coupe. We highly recommend taking a look at the G35 if you''re shopping for an entry-level luxury sport sedan or coupe.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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