Inside, the dash and console appear very similar to the Nissan. To most this won't matter as the Maxima utilizes better than average materials and is well put together. The I35's leather is upgraded for 2002, as are the wood-tone accents. The supportive front seats have heated backs and bottom cushions while an optional heated steering wheel will warm the fingers. To warm the soul, a 200-watt, 7-speaker Bose audio system with speed-sensitive volume control includes a 6-disc, dash-mounted CD player. This sits in the center console atop an easily configurable electronic climate control system. Infiniti calls its gauge package an 'electroflorescent fine vision instrument meter cluster.' Whatever? Suffice it say its better looking and easier to read than most.
A new gated shifter connects the 4-speed automatic transmission to a retuned 24-valve, DOHC, 3.5-L V6, now good for 255-hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. This is one of the best V6 engines on the planet, rivaling inline 6-cylinder engines for smoothness and surpassing almost every 6-cylinder competitor in power delivery. While a front driver, the I35 exhibits very little torque steer, even under full acceleration.
Full acceleration in a luxury car? That's right! Unlike many others in this midsize entry-luxury category, the I35 begs to be driven, and driven fast. While its supple ride is obviously biased toward comfort it can hold its own when asked to perform. This has as much to do with its independent strut-type front suspension and rear multi-link system as its relatively light 1,495 kg (3,296 lb) curb weight. Standard 6-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels clad with P215/55R17 tires don't hurt either. Infiniti offers a sport-tuned suspension package if the standard setup is too soft for your preferences, with 17-inch champagne-finished wheels and P225/50R17 V-rated tires - a sensational looking chrome wheel package is available for the Sport too. Furthering its stability, traction control and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) come standard as well, while Vehicle Dynamic Control is standard on the Sport model.
A new gated shifter connects the 4-speed automatic transmission to a retuned 24-valve, DOHC, 3.5-L V6, now good for 255-hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. This is one of the best V6 engines on the planet, rivaling inline 6-cylinder engines for smoothness and surpassing almost every 6-cylinder competitor in power delivery. While a front driver, the I35 exhibits very little torque steer, even under full acceleration.
Full acceleration in a luxury car? That's right! Unlike many others in this midsize entry-luxury category, the I35 begs to be driven, and driven fast. While its supple ride is obviously biased toward comfort it can hold its own when asked to perform. This has as much to do with its independent strut-type front suspension and rear multi-link system as its relatively light 1,495 kg (3,296 lb) curb weight. Standard 6-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels clad with P215/55R17 tires don't hurt either. Infiniti offers a sport-tuned suspension package if the standard setup is too soft for your preferences, with 17-inch champagne-finished wheels and P225/50R17 V-rated tires - a sensational looking chrome wheel package is available for the Sport too. Furthering its stability, traction control and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) come standard as well, while Vehicle Dynamic Control is standard on the Sport model.