Infiniti G35 2006 $16,995

Vehicle Overview Shortly after introducing the rear-wheel-drive G35 sedan as an early 2003 model, Nissan's luxury division added a sumptuously shaped G35 Sport Coupe. Though the two body styles are related, they share no body panels. The Sport Coupe has nearly 50/50 weight distribution, and Infiniti says its suspension tuning is slightly more aggressive than the sedan's because it makes extensive use of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. For 2005, a 298-horsepower version of the original 3.5-liter V-6 went into manual-shift versions of both the sedan and Sport Coupe. Automatic-transmission sedans got a 20-hp boost to 280 hp, matching the output of the automatic-equipped Sport Coupe. Sedans also flaunted a redesigned exterior, a refined interior, and a new instrument panel and console. Rear Active Steer is available on 2006 coupes, which have bi-xenon headlights and revised taillights this season. The Sport-Tuned Suspension Package for coupes features a unique front fascia and side sills. A Bluetooth-based hands-free phone system has been added to the Premium Package. Exterior Each G35 model features short front and rear overhangs. The 2005 redesign included a new hood, trunk, bumpers, body-colored side sills and dual-circle LED taillamps. The aerodynamically styled G35 Sport Coupe rides on the same 112.2-inch wheelbase as the sedan but is 4.3 inches shorter and 3 inches lower. Interior Leather upholstery is standard in the G35 sedan's five-passenger interior, which features a tilting gauge cluster and an in-dash six-CD changer. The sedan's available Premium Packages include dual-zone climate control, driver's seat memory and a Bose audio system. The sedan's trunk holds 14.8 cubic feet of cargo versus 7.8 cubic feet for coupes. Up to four occupants can fit inside the Sport Coupe, which features a sculpted fold-down rear seat. Options include a DVD-based navigation system and either XM or Sirius Satellite Radio. Under the Hood In G35s equipped with a five-speed-automatic transmission, the 3.5-liter V-6 develops 280 hp and 270 pounds-feet of torque. The five-speed automatic incorporates a manual-shift provision. When a six-speed-manual transmission is installed, engine output is 298 hp and 260 pounds-feet of torque. Safety Dual-stage front airbags, active front-seat head restraints, front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are standard. All-disc antilock brakes include brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Infiniti's Vehicle Dynamic Control electronic stability system is standard. Driving Impressions The G35 sport sedan takes curves beautifully. Body roll is minimal, and the engine's power helps when heading through quick turns. With both the regular suspension and the tauter setup, the ride is surprisingly smooth on most surfaces. Because the base model is so stable and flat, differences with the sport suspension aren't dramatic. Engine noise is definitely noticeable, but it's not unpleasant. The G35 Sport Coupe is sporty in both appearance and feel. It has plenty of power and operates with stunning precision and stability. Even though its suspension is taut, the ride is surprisingly smooth but jolts inevitably occur on rougher surfaces. An automatic-transmission model is nearly as satisfying as one with the manual transmission. The driver's seat is comfortably snug, but front headroom with the sunroof could be better.

• High intensity discharge (HID) xenon low beam headlamps w/integrated foglamps
• LED tail lamps
• Pwr heated mirrors
• UV-ray reducing glass
• Vehicle speed-sensitive intermittent windshield wipers
• Tail lamp integrated trunk release
• 8-way driver/4-way passenger front bucket heated pwr seats w/driver adjustable lumbar support active head restraints pwr access to rear seats
• Leather appointed seating surfaces
• Center console w/auxiliary pwr outlet
• Fold-down rear seat w/center armrest
• Front floormats
• Fine Vision lighting for instrumentation
• Exterior temp & digital compass display
• Tire pressure monitor warning light
• Pwr windows w/illuminated switches
• Retained accessory pwr for windows
• Cruise control w/steering wheel mounted controls
• Remote keyless entry w/trunk release
• Vehicle security system w/immobilizer
• Rear window defogger w/timer
• Auto temp control w/carbon micro-filtration
• AM/FM stereo w/MP3 playback/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
• Satellite radio pre-wiring
• Rear window in-glass antenna w/diversity system
• Infiniti signature analog clock
• Dual front/rear cup holders
• Aluminum interior trim
• Illuminated visor vanity mirrors
• Illuminated entry/exit w/theater dimming
• Dual front/rear map reading lamps
• Leather & aluminum trimmed shift knob
• Emergency inside trunk release
• Cargo net
• 3.5L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 aluminum engine
• Continuously variable valve timing control system
• Traction control system
• Vehicle dynamic control
• Rear wheel drive
• HD battery w/battery saver feature (2005)
• 110 amp alternator (2005)
• Direct ignition w/platinum-tipped spark plugs
• Advanced front midship platform
• Independent aluminum-alloy multi-link front/rear suspension
• Front/rear stabilizer bars
• Temporary spare tire (2005)
• Engine-speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering
• 4-wheel vented pwr disc brakes
• Brake assist w/electronic brake force distribution
• 4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Chrome exhaust finishers
• **ALL STANDARDS ARE 2006 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED**
• Driver & front passenger dual stage advanced air bag system (AABS)
• Driver & front passenger side-impact airbag
• Front/rear curtain side-impact airbags
• Front seatbelt sensors occupant classification sensor for airbags
• Front/rear 3-point safety belts for all seating positions
• Front safety belt pre-tensioners w/load limiters
• Front seat 2-way adjustable active head restraints
• Rear seat child safety upper tether anchors
• Rear seat LATCH system
• First aid kit