Infiniti Prepares for Global Launch with New G35For the past four years, the Infiniti brand name has been on the rise,
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| Carlos Ghosn is the man with the plan to take Infiniti global. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
and much of this phenomenon can be attributed to the success of the G35. Available in sedan and coupe form, the G35 has provided an alternative to the typical premium compact sedan (Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, Benz C-Class) by marrying luxury and performance to a frame that is a size and a half larger. Of course, the G35 has been just what the doctor ordered; prior to its arrival, much of the Infiniti range consisted of gussied-up Nissans, most of which lacked the appeal of what the competition was offering at the time. After a rather short, but well served life cycle, Infiniti is ready to present the new, second-generation car.
When
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| The G35 charmed the masses with its stylish looks. Much can be said for the new '07 version. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
the current G35 broke onto the scene four years ago it was fresh and new, scoring points in the popular midsize luxury segment. It was unique then, and still is today as it continues to stand out next to more generic sedans. In order to preserve this image, the car's styling has evolved, walking a line inspired by the current G35 Coupe and the Infiniti Coupe Concept that was shown at this year's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Part of what made the G35 so distinctive is its profile, one that features a sports car-like long nose, abbreviated tail and short overhangs, plus its form is dictated by the front-midship mounted position of the engine.
Inside such borders, the changes applied to the new 2007 car are more
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| New lamps and grille are key to the new G35, as is the three lower intakes. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
obvious. The previously vertical headlamps have spread out at their bases forming an L-shaped outline that mimics the look of the larger M-Series Infiniti and, in profile, more in tune with the sporty Coupe model. Both front and rear lamps feature the latest in lighting technology, including bi-xenon adaptive beams up front and LEDs in back. Also new is the four-sided grille, which features a redesigned set of chrome ribs, the purpose of which is to create distinction between Nissan and Infiniti models. On the Sport model, the elegant, clean-looking exterior is dressed up with a more aggressive aero kit and 18-inch wheels.
While
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| Ah, that's much better! Improvements here include better materials and more calming instrumentation. (Photo: Infiniti Canada) |
the first-generation G35's exterior has always been attractively designed with understated but appealing details, it nevertheless has been the cause of some division among sport sedan enthusiasts, not only because of its somewhat irregularly shaped console and the lurid yellow-orange glow of its backlit gauges, but also because plastics quality has been often called into question. Most of the much-needed cabin update is said to be focused on improving refinement, with more attention paid to the materials used. Details such as texturized 'Washi' aluminum patina, a double-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel, magnesium paddle shifters (automatic only) and an enhanced feel for switches, knobs and other controls, reportedly make the G35 more competitive with others in this category. In terms of content, the G35 features the new XM NavTraffic navigation system with real-time traffic updates, plus a reverse-mounted parking assist camera, Bose and Burr Brown sound system and Intelligent Key with push-button start.
