Exhilarating road manners
Of all the G35's exhilarating road manners, the one I liked most can be credited to the 6-speed manual transmission. This unit extracts all the sportiness of the engine buzzing under the hood with a quick and short flick of the wrist.
Be careful, though: when the weather is scorching hot, the small metallic trim on the shift knob can burn the palm of your hand. Also, the left foot has to learn quickly how to modulate the clutch pedal, which I found to be stiff and rather unforgiving. I guess it's true: you have to work your way into heaven...
By the way, the next-generation G Coupe will retain the 5-speed manumatic transmission. Too bad Infiniti did not add a sixth gear. As a consolation prize, the steering wheel will now include paddle shifters, something the current G35 does not offer.
Timeless
In the styling department, the 2007 G35 still has what it takes to stir emotions. Its sculpted, stylish and timeless lines have not faded one bit, while the short overhangs give the car an energetic presence that will never go unnoticed.
To sum up, the G35 is still remarkably distinctive.
Inside, every shortcoming of the Nissan 350Z seems to have been taken out of the equation. The materials are top-notch and the fit and finish is sophisticated. I especially liked the classy analog clock on top of the dashboard.
In addition, the steering wheel offers tilt and telescoping adjustments. There are standard heated front seats and airbags all around -- at no extra cost.
That's not all: when left unused, the 7-inch navigation screen disappears from the dashboard in entertaining, vertical fashion.
Of all the G35's exhilarating road manners, the one I liked most can be credited to the 6-speed manual transmission. This unit extracts all the sportiness of the engine buzzing under the hood with a quick and short flick of the wrist.
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| The G35 Coupe is quite a looker. |
Be careful, though: when the weather is scorching hot, the small metallic trim on the shift knob can burn the palm of your hand. Also, the left foot has to learn quickly how to modulate the clutch pedal, which I found to be stiff and rather unforgiving. I guess it's true: you have to work your way into heaven...
By the way, the next-generation G Coupe will retain the 5-speed manumatic transmission. Too bad Infiniti did not add a sixth gear. As a consolation prize, the steering wheel will now include paddle shifters, something the current G35 does not offer.
Timeless
In the styling department, the 2007 G35 still has what it takes to stir emotions. Its sculpted, stylish and timeless lines have not faded one bit, while the short overhangs give the car an energetic presence that will never go unnoticed.
To sum up, the G35 is still remarkably distinctive.
Inside, every shortcoming of the Nissan 350Z seems to have been taken out of the equation. The materials are top-notch and the fit and finish is sophisticated. I especially liked the classy analog clock on top of the dashboard.
In addition, the steering wheel offers tilt and telescoping adjustments. There are standard heated front seats and airbags all around -- at no extra cost.
That's not all: when left unused, the 7-inch navigation screen disappears from the dashboard in entertaining, vertical fashion.
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| The interior meets expectations. |