New Car Review of the 2004 Infinit G35 Coupe.
Description: Sports Coupe
Base MSRP Range: $29,250 - $32,450
Invoice Price Range: $26,794 -Â $29,384
This is a genuine GT sports coupe, keen in shape and as slick as glass, with two doors on the flanks of a snug 2+2 cockpit and a high-powered engine below the stubby prow pushing all kinds of torque to the big wheels in back.
Infiniti calls it the G35 -- same name as the mid-size four-door Infiniti sedan. Both coupe and sedan share a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) chassis and the juicy six-pack engine borrowed from Nissan's no-nonsense 350Z fastback sports coupe that looks similar in shape and style.
Infiniti's coupe measures a bit longer and taller than the Z car, however, and it carries a two-place fold-down rear seat in the cabin. It also packs aboard extensive luxury equipment. And it can run up to high speed quickly but also lay down some daring maneuvers on a wiggly course.
The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 280 hp and connects to a smooth electronic automatic five-speed transmission with convenient manual shift mode or -- in the performance edition -- a six-speed close-ratio manual stick lifted from 350Z. Standard 17-inch wheels use ultra wide P225/50VR17 tires in front with P235/50VR17 rounds in back, but a Performance Tire and Wheel Package adds seven-spoke alloy 18-inch wheels with Michelin Type S tires, 225/45 up front and 245/45 in the rear. Also aboard are sophisticated electronic controls for safety, including VDC and TCS, with a dash-mounted switch so the driver can disconnect these reins for moments of sporty hands-on maneuvers.
There are three variations. Base issue, labeled Coupe 5A/T, stocks the five-speed automatic and has cockpit seats upholstered in cloth fabric. Cover the seats in soft leather hides to reach the next edition, Coupe 5A/T Leather. Top sport edition retains the leather and adds the six-speed gearbox as the Coupe 6M/T.
Optional equipment clusters in packages. The Premium Package brings a sunroof, twin zones for climate controls, driver's seat memory and a Bose 225-watt audio system. The Performance Tire and Wheel Package adds a limited-slip differential with the 18-inch wheels and tires, and the Aero Package installs a tail spoiler and diffusers. Also, a DVD-based navigation system comes with a retractable dashboard monitor, and satellite radio is available from either XM or Sirius subscription-based service.
