When sport and luxury collide | |
| 2006 Infiniti G35x (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
When Nissan launched its luxury division in 1989, two models jumped out of the starting block. There was the M30 coupe, based on the home-market Nissan Leopard, and the all-new Q45 sedan.Up until 2003, Infiniti was struggling to gain respect within the luxury crowd. You can blame that on a line-up that included cars and trucks that weren't very inspiring or visually exciting. The entry-level G20 wasn't powerful enough. The curvaceous J30 had bold styling but wasn't very sporty. The I30 and I35 were dressed-up Maximas, just as the QX4 sport-utility was a dressed-up Pathfinder. Finally, the flagship Q45 lacked the visual punch and substance (and still does today) that it should've had. Lexus made a much better entrance on the scene.So what turned the tide in 2003? Well, the mighty FX sport-utilities were launched, and the G20 was finally axed. The least-expensive Infiniti was replaced by the G35, a sedan that cost some $10,000 more. From a 2.0L, 145-hp four to a roaring 260-hp 3.5L V6, from front-drive to rear-drive, I shouldn't even be calling this a succession.As evidenced by the number of G35 coupes and sedans on the road, we can conclude that Infiniti finally hit the home run they needed.
Styling | |
| 2006 Infiniti G35x (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
Although the G35 has changed very little since its intro, it still looks good. The headlights are stacked one atop the other, and look like no other competitor. I may be childish, but I love driving cars in which you can see two bulging front fenders in the view out the windshield.The taillights, redesigned last year, have circular patterns in the clusters instead of the old diagonal strakes. Infiniti also took out the grab handle from the trunk, which looked clumsy in older G35s. I like the side profile of the car, with the cab pushed rearward.There is something rich and substantial about this car. The doors close with an expensive sound, the fit and finish is impeccable.
On the road Fire up that snorting V6 and you'll be rewarded with a melodious soundtrack. With 280 horsepower on tap, acceleration is fierce but silky smooth. The host of electronic brains, including the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, the Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDS) and the traction control system, make sure you put that power to the pavement without messing things up. Even trying to leave two parallel black strips on the ground when launching the car is darn impossible. The G35x normally drives the rear wheels but can send up to 50% of available power to the front when wheel slippage is detected.The 5-speed automatic is quick-witted, offering snappy gear changes. The manual mode does its job holding down gears for blasting through tight back roads. However, leaving it in 'D' is just fine. I managed 13.9 L/100 km with the required super unleaded fuel, but I did hustle the car around
| |
| 2006 Infiniti G35x (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com) |
quite a lot. I just can't resist revving that engine, and I pay for it at the fuel pump. I wish Infiniti would offer the 6-speed manual with the all-wheel drive version. Oh well.The suspension setup is rigged for sporty driving, and it delivers. Too bad my test car still has winter tires, which are more flexible than I'd like. In any case, this great chassis is composed and talented in any situation you throw it in. The ride is slightly harsh on a bumpy surface, but it's a trade-off that I gladly accept in exchange for the G35x's ability to burn up back roads.