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Infiniti chose Palo Alto, California to showcase the all new 2007 Infiniti G35 to journalists. AutoPacific and VehicleVoice was there to experience the driving opportunity first hand. The conclusion, in a nutshell, is that Infiniti has made the G35 even better than the excellent first generation effort.

On sale in November 2006, the 2007 G35 Sedan uses the second generation of the Nissan FM platform. “FM” means Front Mid-Ship or Front engine with a slightly mid-ship engine placement and rear wheel drive. The coupe derivative of this generation G35 will be introduced in mid-2006. This means that the new sedan and old coupe will be sold side-by-side for the first part of the year.

The G35 target buyer is aged 30-49 with an income level between $85,000 and $150,000. Slightly over half are married. The G35 buyer appreciates handcrafted quality and is a performance enthusiast. Infiniti describes this person as self-assured and quietly confident.


Evolutionary Contemporary Design
At a glance, the new G35 is immediately recognizable as a G35. It is slightly more curvaceous with a long wave-like hood. While the 1st generation G35 was a good looking car, the latest iteration is less blocky. Even though the A-Pillars are steeply raked, the G35 maintains good ease of entry and exit.

Perhaps the most welcome change is in the interior. The instrument paney is very straightforward and elegantly styled. The instrument panel is now a swept away design instead of the bluff design of its predecessor. The material selection is top notch – a departure from previous lower level Infiniti entries.

Each G35 comes with a center mounted 7-inch display whether the car is equipped with a Navigation System or not. The implications of this are huge. If Infiniti is thinking into the future, this display can be used to integrate iTunes or handheld GPS systems through Bluetooth. All you need is the interface and the Bluetooth technology and the car becomes the receptacle.

Powertrain Prowess Continues with New G35
On the powertrain side, the G35 excels. The new fourth generation VQ35HR engine now puts out 306 horsepower at 6800rpm. Torque is 268 lb-ft. While the engine is referred to as the fourth generation, it is still a “VQ” even though 80% of the parts are new. The new G35 sounds great. Nissan tuned the “engine music” to emanate a powerful but pleasing note on acceleration.

Unlike the front wheel drive Nissan products that use CVTs (continuously variable transmission), the rear wheel drive (and all wheel drive) Infiniti uses a 5-seed automtaic transmission with a direct shift mode using magnesium paddle shifters.
The objectve of all this powertrain goodness is to achieve a powerful “acceleration swell”. This means that the acceleration arrives like a building wave not a straight linear rush. Subtle, but effective.
Full-Blown Launch Planned
Often, a new generation of a successful car is quietly launched onto the market. Not the 2007 G35. Infiniti plans a full-scale marketing assault using TV, interactive, direct mail, website, outdoor advertising and in-dealership promotions.
Be sure to visit your local Infiniti dealership on October 26 for their G35 launch party. Even if you don’t get an official invitation, just drop on in.