Here¹s a prediction for 2003: Nissan¹s Infiniti division will finally get
out of neutral and establish itself as a real player in the luxury division.
I make this prediction on a test drive of the new G35 sports sedan
and with the knowledge that there is more exciting product in the pipeline.

The G35 will be a success, despite the fact that it targets the highly
competitive compact sports sedan class, currently ruled by the 
BMW 3-Series, but also containing such hot properties as the Audi A4,
Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Lexus IS300. A sporty coupe version 
of the G35 is set to arrive in a few months followed by a mid-size sports
sedan with a powerful V-8 engine and a whopping load of luxury content.
And following that, we will see a high-end crossover SUV with V-8 power
to compete with the popular Lexus EX300. 

However, let¹s get back to the G35 sedan, because it doesn¹t get much
better. I must admit, when I heard that Infiniti was introducing another
sedan, I nodded and blew off an invitation to the product press conference.
My mistake. But then, Infiniti isn't known for product that would raise
one¹s body temperature.

Here is the bottom line. The G35 is one of the most impressive sports
sedans on the market and for the price, it may be the best thing going. 
For just a nudge over $30,000 you get a lot of luxury content and excellent
performance starring one of Nissan¹s industry-leading V-6 engines.
Let¹s start with the styling. I like the sculpted, edgy design of the G35.
Unlike the Cadillac CTS, the Infiniti G35 does not take the concept of
creases and edges to an extreme. Rather, the G35¹s edges define
the various planes. I also like the element of the raising a kind of vestigial
fender at the front corners. These discrete longitudinal mounds define the 
front end, while housing the multi-lens headlights. This design trick was 
developed to some degree in the 1930s, but it is a nice modern adaptation. 
Infiniti designers spent considerable time tuning the design aerodynamically. 
The result is a 0.27 coefficient of drag with zero lift‹a very slippery shape.
As for the interior, it generally works, but I have a few reservations. The
overall interior room for a car in the class is excellent, particularly in
the rear. The trunk offers a roomy 15 cubic-feet of space. The G35¹s gauges
and controls are generally well placed and easy to find and use. I am not so
sure about the center console, however. It is constructed of a single piece
of plastic molded in a silver color. Somehow, it seems quite vulnerable to
dings and scratches and may even fade with time. I also think it looks
rather cheap and belies the overall quality of the interior.

The G35 really shines on the road. Just pick a spot. As a stoplight
dragster, it will have few peers among small sports sedans. The potent V-6
engine is even more impressive passing on two-land country roads. Just hit
the accelerator and the car instantly springs to life with a huge leap
forward. I have seen few automobiles more responsive in terms of mid-range
acceleration. And there is no instance where the application of power is
more reassuring. The G35¹s engine and transmission combination work
flawlessly. Yes, I would like to drive the version with the six-speed manual
transmission that is coming soon, but the automatic works quite well.
On a fast highway, the G35 tracks straight and true with little or no
steering correction necessary. One of my few complaints is noticeable wind
noise at cruising speeds. Given the car¹s aerodynamics, this was a
surprising discovery. However, I know from experience that wind noise can be
tuned out to some degree once a car goes into volume production by such
techniques as filling body cavities with plastic foam.

The G35 really shines on narrow, twisting country roads. It shares a new
sports car platform with the Nissan 350Z sports car. The design concept
pushes the wheels out to the four corners of the body structure to increase
stability and improve handling. On twisty roads, the G35 delivers
outstanding performance. The steering is nicely weighted and provides
exceptional feedback. sAs much as I enjoy the G35¹s handling, the ride
quality is equally impressive. Even on very bad sections of country roads,
pock-marked through years of neglect, the G35 delivered a smooth,
well-controlled ride.

 
Vehicle: Infiniti G35
Price as tested: $32,420
Engine:
    Type: 3.5-liter V-6
    Horsepower: 260 @ 6,000 rpm
    Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm
Fuel economy, automatic transmission
    City - 19 mpg
    Highway - 26 mpg
Curb Weight: 3,369 lbs.