Among upwardly mobile young professionals, those who work long and hard hours in an effort to fight for their rung on the ladder, there are few items that better demonstrate their success than a new ride. In keeping with their newly adopted corporate culture, said vehicle must be an upscale, quality machine that would look appropriate in that coveted management parking spot. Being a hoot to drive and marked by conspicuously attractive styling are just added benefits.
Within the broad premium sports sedan segment are a number of respected autos, such as the
, Lexus IS, and the Infiniti G35. First introduced for the 2003 model year, the G debuted with a contemporary design and up to 280 horsepower. For 2007, the look is much the same, albeit with revised fascias and lights, a new flare to the flanks, and another 20 horses extracted from the 3.5-liter V6.
Photo 2 Infiniti will be releasing the 2007 G35 in November of 2006. Pricing has not been announced.
Photo 3Competition within the
2007 Infiniti G35’s ranks is fierce, with all rides offering varying degrees of power, handling prowess, and refinement. Companies like Audi and Lexus are offering tweaked or thoroughly revised models to take on the G, making it a crucial time for Infiniti to pay special attention to its entry-level sedan. Though the large Q45 and redesigned M have received their share of praise, many potential customers can’t swing the extra ten to thirty grand it requires to acquire one of those cars. However, logic dictates that happy entry-level buyers will consider the same brand when it comes trade-in time, a point at which they might have more expendable income.
Photo 4Standard alloy wheels measure 17 inches and roll on 225/55 tires, while optional 18-inch alloys ride on 225/50 tires up front and 245/45 rubber out back.
Photo 5Four models, all built in Japan, will be available when the 2007 Infiniti G35 goes on sale later this year: G35, G35 Journey, G35x with Infiniti’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system, and G35 Sport with or without a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Photo 6To qualify as a sports sedan, a car must have a good dose of power. With between 280 and 298 horsepower, the previous G35 sedan had this requirement covered with ponies to spare. Nissan rates the 2007 model with 300+ horsepower, with a more definite figure due to come closer to the car’s November 2006 release.
Photo 7Mated to the 2007 Infiniti G35’s 3.5-liter V6, which consists of 80 percent revised parts, is either a five-speed automatic transmission, complete with magnesium paddle shifters when ordered with the Sport Package, or a six-speed manual.
Photo 8Rear-wheel drive is the standard setup, though all-wheel-drive is available on the 187-inch long 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan, which rides on an aluminum multi-link suspension and is stopped by antilock brakes. Electronic brake force distribution and electronic brake assist systems are also standard.
Photo 9 A five-passenger G35 sedan may in fact be the least expensive Infiniti available, but this is still a premium vehicle. As such, the standard features list is quite lengthy, including real aluminum interior trim, leather upholstery, power front bucket seats, front-side airbags, and side-curtain airbags.
Photo 10Options for the 2007 Infiniti G35 include a rearview camera, a touch-screen navigation system with real-time XM NavTraffic as found in vehicles like the
Acura RL, and Bluetooth connectivity. A killer Bose surround sound system dubbed the Infiniti Studio on Wheels includes an audiophile head unit, subwoofers, and three-way speakers in the doors.
Photo 11 No word yet on how well the 2007 G35 performs, though a horsepower rating estimated to exceed 300 should make for an exciting ride. In fact, Infiniti claims that the updated G35’s acceleration is “thrilling and provides continuous gain.” We can hardly wait to determine that for ourselves.
Photo 12 Like other models in the Infiniti lineup, the center instrument cluster is marked by a chrome analog clock and simple radio controls. With the optional touch-screen navigation system comes a center control panel focused around a main control knob, much like the setup in the 2006 M that Infiniti calls the Human Machine Interface.
Photo 13 Similar to what’s available on the redesigned Mercedes-Benz S Class, the 2007 Infiniti G35 features a 24-bit Burr Brown digital audio converter. Simply load music files onto the flash card and insert into the slot on the dash – your personal library can then be played directly through the G35’s sound system, and there’s no need to carry or hook up a relatively bulky MP3 player.
Photo 14 With its powerful engine, stand-alone style, and capable handling, we’ve always been fans of the Infiniti G35, and with more than 300 horsepower on tap, chances are the 2007 model will continue to impress us and hordes of premium sport sedan shoppers. The updated design is enough to distinguish the new G35 from the outgoing 2006 model, but not so drastic as to alienate repeat and first-time buyers, while the interior is marked by quality materials and a host of desirable amenities.
Photos courtesy of Infiniti
