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2006 Infiniti Coupe Concept

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Khatir Soltani
Moving inside the Coupe Concept, the drama continues. Using wh
The interior benefits from a full-length glass roof that brightens the somewhat drab interior, seats look space-age, and are with internal speakers. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)
at initially looks like a normal dash layout, but is apparently an Infiniti signature "double wave" instrument panel to keep the driver abreast of the engine's activities, the interior is an equal blend of luxury and performance. While cool violet interior illumination adds some life to the unfortunately drab interior colour scheme, the console is the most useful interior piece. Running down the full length of the car, it looks both commodious and comfortable, as this writer's pet peeve is cars that lack elbow rests. Also, the console gives the ultra-cool, almost snake-head like shifter somewhere to live.

Unfortunately though, if the interior has one major flaw (besides the
The front end of the Coupe Concept is vastly cleaner than the G35's, and already looks like it'll clear curbstones. (Photo: Infiniti Canada)
bland colour scheme, which hopefully buyers will be able to change) it'd have to be the seats. They are, to be frank, somewhat hideous. Looking more like props from "Star Trek" than body-hugging performance seats, they do have one redeeming feature; built-in speakers. No word yet on whether or not the car will respond to voice commands beginning with "computer..."

As far as production goes, Infiniti's senior vice president of design, Shiro Nakamura admits the concept uses some production parts; the headlights and taillights for example are the same as those found in the upcoming G35 sedan, however there is no official word about whether or not this is in fact the next Infiniti coupe. Given that it already has some of its parts making it into production (albeit on different cars), you can expect the next G35 coupe to look suspiciously similar to the concept.

The powertrain is the final question to be answered, since Infiniti has been incredibly tight-lipped, saying only that it will be "improved." There are rumours, however, of some sort of V8 being made available, meaning that the G35 coupe, er... G45 coupe could possibly reach near-Skyline GT-R performance figures. We can only hope.

Specifications:
  • Body Type: 3-door coupe
  • Layout: front engine, RWD
  • Engine (estimated): 300+hp, 280+ lb-ft of torque, 3.5L, 24-valve, DOHC V6
  • Optional Engine (estimated): 335+hp, 340+ lb-ft of torque, 4.5L, 32-valve, DOHC V8 
  • Transmission: 6-spd manual (opt. 5-spd auto w/paddleshift)
  • Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
  • Seating Capacity: 4
  • Web Site: www.infiniti.ca
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada