Took my second drive in the all-new 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan last night (I had my first exposure
to it in late August). The last one was automatic, but this time around I had the six-speed manual. All the things I said before (creatively, because of an embargo at the time) still hold true. The engine is incredibly powerful and flexible, the suspension is a masterful blend of comfort and composure, and the interior is far superior to the previous version (mostly in terms of material quality, but there's also an improvement in overall design)...
However, there are three points that came up after yesterday's drive. First, the engine, while a technical and performance triumph, still doesn't offer the pure refinement of BMW's inline 6. It's hard to describe, but I think it comes down to how hard it feels like the engines are working. In the BMW, when you drive it hard, it feels like it wants
to be driven hard. There's no sense of distress or over-exertion. Drive the G35 hard, and the engine actually feels more powerful...but it also feels high-strung and less "happy" about being revved past 5,000. There's a buzz in the shifter that doesn't come through in the BMW, and even the sound from the G35 seems a bit frenetic. Because the last version was an automatic, and my hand wasn't resting on the shifter during spirited driving, the buzzy nature of the engine wasn't as obvious (even though the sound was still there). We're talking shades of gray here, of course. It's not like the G35 is a screeching, violent nightmare. It's just that, compared to the BMW, the sense of "comfortable performance" isn't as great (even though the actual performance is as good or better). The other points relate to the shifter. First, I don't like how the power point is buried in the ashtray while being snugged right up against the shifter. Come on, guys, this is 2007. Everyone uses their power point, and nobody smokes anymore. Give the power point its due in terms of access and surrounding space. Also, the clutch take-up started a bit too close to the floor for my tastes. The effort required to coordinate clutch and engine for clean take-offs was too high. Otherwise, the car remains a stellar sports sedan.
By carlisimo
on October 5, 2006
03:01 PM
I've always hated clutches that engage high up (or even halfway up - down low seems right to me). Is there a right way for clutches to work?
By editor_karl
on October 5, 2006
03:10 PM
There's definitely a personal preference element (versus a universally "right" way). I tend to like them to engage lower than other people, but if they start right off the floor, or only a few inches off the floor (like this G35 did), then it becomes tricky to get a smooth launch. At least that's my opinion.
Too high in the clutch travel is also bad. That usually results in an "on-off" switch effect, meaning little-to-no progressiveness (which also makes smooth launches difficult).
By 210delray
on October 5, 2006
06:23 PM
No one smokes anymore?
Come to a bar (cough) in my state, Virginia! Although there are an increasing number of restaurants and bars that are totally smoke-free.
By blueguydotcom
on October 6, 2006
12:35 AM
Seems like Infiniti improved the G35 quite a bit...but still came up a tad short. I agree about the VQ feeling a tad like it's straining when you run it hard. I was in a friend's 2006 350z today and whenever he punched it the NVH from the VQ was evident in ways I've never felt from a BMW inline 6.
Yeah, some people still smoke. Shocking. It's like hearing someone is building a house and they plan on using asbestos in their walls and ceilings.
The other day in traffic I spotted a 330i ZHP like my old 2003. I was so excited to see my old car - not my actually car but the color, gray leather, etc were all the same. My excitement evaporated when I saw the driver was smoking in that wonderful car. Dirty savages in this world...
By billt9
on October 6, 2006
08:54 AM
smoking leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 20% of the population.
Smoking is bad for 20% of the people out there, and has much less effect on 80% of the population.
The thing is, you don't know who the 20% are, it might be you, so everyone shouldn't smoke.
That's a really nice photo of the G35. The lighting is just right to see through the grille and wheel well. The body color also looks pale purple gray in that picture. That would be a nice color option.
By editor_karl
on October 6, 2006
09:31 AM
Yeah, the color is actually pretty unique. When I first saw it in the parking garage (flourescent lighting) it looked dark blue. When I got it out in the sunlight it looked, essentially, gray. When I looked at it in the early morning light the next day it looked like it did in this photo (purple-ish gray). Kinda cool.
By ahightower
on October 6, 2006
12:30 PM
Seems to me like there's no reason to buy an M. Maybe the M45 if you gotta have that V8 experience, but certainly not an M35. They look so much alike now, and appear to be nearly the same size. The average person probably couldn't tell the difference. And when you spend that much more, (about $13K more for M35 Sport vs. G35 6MT) you want it to be obvious, don't you?
What else does the M have going for it these days?
By carlisimo
on October 7, 2006
07:06 PM
I dunno if that's a good reason, ahightower. The German luxury brands have always had even less visual differentiation between their different models, and that worked fine for them. Granted the G35 is pretty big, but the M35 is larger (especially in width, which is probably the most noticeable dimension from the inside).
By hondacura4
on October 7, 2006
07:43 PM
When Nissan decided to increase the VQ's displacement some years ago is when it lost its refinement. The VQ30 was smooth as glass at any RPM but the VQ35 has always been a bit rough. I thought Nissan was supposed to take care of this issue in the recent revamp of the VQ35 but I guess they didnt. The VQ still doesnt match the smootheness of the BMW, Honda/Acura, Toyota/Lexus V6's.
By ahightower
on October 9, 2006
04:06 PM
The G35 is as big as a 5-series, but costs less than a comparably equipped 3-series. Seems like an obvious choice to me, especially now that the interior is up to snuff.
By billt9
on October 9, 2006
07:37 PM
I love how big Nissan makes their cars. Good value and practicality.
By blueguydotcom
on October 10, 2006
02:09 PM
The G35 is as big as a 5-series, but costs less than a comparably equipped 3-series. Seems like an obvious choice to me, especially now that the interior is up to snuff.
Unless you're someone who values a smaller, tighter package. The current e90/e92 3 series is a very big car. The G35's positively massive.
By automoblog
on November 4, 2006
07:11 PM
Stop teasing me! Forget the sedan, give me the new coupe!
By svt_rs
on December 30, 2006
05:05 PM
the g35 coupe looks awesome but the sedan looks dissproportional to me, especially from the back. wierd enough edmunds rates the insurance on a g35 coupe around 3 grand less than the sedan. i thought sedans were much cheaper to insure.
By rastali
on April 9, 2007
04:14 AM
I really don't know what 2007 got to do with people not smoking anymore!! Did the world decide to quit smoking in 2006??
Using the Power Point is important I agree, especially if you are trying to connect a fridge to it!!!
IMHO, the room between the gear and the PP in the G35 is fair; I have been in many cars where you can't even shift properly if you just open the tray, not to mention having anything attached to it. Actually the angle in the G35 makes it even more accessible than many cars.
By sluri
on May 12, 2007
06:10 AM
Just to let you know, i believe the Power Point you are referring to in the astray was designed solely for the cigarette lighter (obviously you can plug your charger in to it). Iif you open up the center console there is a power point for your cell phone etc. and a spot for the wire to come out. unless you need more then one at a time, it shouldn't be a problem. look a little closer next time. so you are down to 2 issues now.
sluri