2003-2006 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe

Pros :
- An amazingly original coupe design.
- More powerful than any coupe in its class.
- Pricing is truly unbelievable for what is offered.
- Front midship platform means well-balanced handling.
- Shares virtually no body panels with its sedan sibling.

Cons :
- Below-average fuel economy from 3.5L V6.
- Some cost-cutting evident from interior materials.
- Cheaper Nissan 350Z sibling may steal sales.
- Styling looks downright weird from some angles.
- Less headroom than the G35 sedan.

Interior :

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Press Coverage :
The G35 Sport Coupe features the innovative FM (for front mid-ship) platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle. This results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 53:47, which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers, such as entering and exiting corners. The FM platform also positions its large diameter wheels and tires out near the corners of the vehicle, providing an extra measure of handling stability.
Like the G35 Sport Sedan, the G35 Sport Coupe features a standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with aluminum-alloy block and heads and electronically-controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system. In 2003, the Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe received a higher level of engine performance and exhaust tuning than the sedan, resulting in a horsepower rating of 280, versus the 2003 sedan’s 260 horsepower. Torque is rated at 270 lb-ft versus the sedan’s 260 lb-ft. The G35 Sport Coupe is offered with a choice of 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or an all-new 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Infiniti’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard on every G35 Sport Coupe.
For 2005, the G35 coupes receive a redesigned instrument panel, new console, and the same 280 horsepower in automatic form. The G35 Coupe with 6-speed manual transmission receive a boost to 298 horsepower. The revised Sport-Tuned Suspension Package is standard on the G35 Coupe 6MT and includes 19-inch wheels and a viscous limited-slip differential.
For the 2006 model year, the G35 coupe continues to add refinements, including new bi-xenon headlights and revised taillights, additions to the Premium Package and a new color. Additional features include available Rear Active Steer, vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering, and 15.1:1 steering gear ratio. The new Premium Package adds Intelligent Key, Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone system and driver’s seat and steering wheel memory plus automatic entry/exit assist (5AT only).
The G35 Sport Coupe also features an advanced 4-wheel multi-link suspension with extensive use of aluminum-alloy components to reduce unsprung weight and incorporate special “ripple control” shock absorber technology for responsive yet comfortable ride and handling. The suspension tuning of the G35 Sport Coupe is more aggressive than the sedan. The G35 Sport Coupe offers standard 17-inch wheel capability including ultra wide P225/50VR17 tires up front with P235/50VR17 tires in the rear. Also offered are 18-inch wheels and high-performance tires. Standard braking system components include 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), with front and rear Brembo brakes offered on models with the 6-speed manual transmission.
The exterior of the G35 Sport Coupe offers styling that is both sporty and elegant. It features xenon headlights, LED tail lamps and an available rear aero wing.
The 4-passenger interior of the G35 Sport Coupe is equally attractive, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with an Infiniti level of luxury and design detail. The standard sport-contoured front bucket seats are 10-way (6-way power) adjustable for the driver and 4-way (2-way power) adjustable for the passenger. An in-dash 6-disc CD changer is standard, while a digital Bose premium audio system with eight speakers and a DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System with 6.5-inch wide retractable monitor are optionally available. The sculpted fold-down rear seat offers seating for two passengers or an expanded cargo area.
From a safety standpoint, every G35 Sport Coupe comes with standard dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and front and rear seat curtain side-impact supplemental air bags.
The Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe is offered in three fully equipped models, the G35 Coupe 5A/T Model, G35 5A/T Coupe w/Leather Model and G35 6M/T Coupe. The G35 Sport Coupe also offers a Premium Package, Aero Package and a Performance Tire & Wheel Package. Other available options include navigation system, sunroof and Bose® audio system.
The G35 5A/T Coupe Model includes standard features such as a 3.5-liter DOHC V6, CVTCS, dual outlet exhaust, five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, drive-by-wire throttle, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, 120-watt AM/FM in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic temperature control, power windows/door locks and mirrors, xenon headlights, front-passenger side-impact curtain airbag, front seat side-impact airbags.
The G35 5A/T Coupe w/Leather Model includes all of the standard features plus soft-type leather appointed seating surfaces with embroidered Infiniti logo, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, heated seats.
And for the ultra-enthusiast, the G35 6M/T Coupe Model adds a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission and Brembo brakes.
Infiniti USA

Although its stiff clutch takes a little getting used to, the manual gearbox in the G35 is one of the best you'll find in a premium coupe.
Don't go looking for sumptuous furnishings in the Infiniti G35 cockpit. The materials used here are all of solid quality, but it's just not the primo stuff you'd find in a 3 Series. It is, however, a comfortable, driver-oriented setup that editors generally liked.
Much of the comfort factor is attributable to the nicely shaped front seats, which proved supportive during both long commutes and back-roads driving. Those with larger frames may find the seats too narrow, but most editors had no complaints. We also liked the fact that the power seat controls are right there on the center console, allowing drivers to make quick adjustments while sitting in traffic. The steering wheel buttons for the audio system and cruise control are also easy to use, at least in the daytime. At night, there's no illumination on these buttons, a flaw that was addressed on 2005 models.
At least the gauges are easy on the eyes at night. The G's soft orange lighting found favor with the weary commuters on staff, who said it was legible without being distracting. White gauge faces make the instrumentation equally readable during the day.
Edmunds.com

Inside the sheet metal, the G35 Sport Coupe shares a number of components with the Sedan. For instance, the dashboard and center console are identical to those of the 4-door, which isn't a bad thing because this interior is the best the company has produced in quite a while, in quality and design. The leather-upholstered front seats are comfortable and supportive, while the rears are best for children or extra luggage. The trunk is on the snug side, but the company claims it can hold two golf bags.
A wonderful exhaust note fills the air once the engine comes to life. The shift lever slides into 1st gear with a reassuring click. Give the engine a couple of revs and drop the clutch at about 2500 rpm. It takes only a split-second for the rear 245/45R-18 tires to take hold, then the G35 Sport Coupe leaves the line with its rear tires chirping. The powerplant revs so smoothly and quickly that in a blink of an eye, the tach needle sweeps into the red zone. With every upshift, the engine does its thing by providing head-snapping forward blasts from 3000 rpm all the way to its 6600-rpm redline. From the driver's seat, the sensation from zero to 100 mph feels virtually identical to the Z's. And no wonder, for powering the car is the same 3.5-liter V6 found in the sports car.
And how does the car tackle corners? In fine sports-car fashion, thank you very much. With the same basic suspension setup as the Z — multilink at both front and rear — the G35 Sport Coupe exhibits crisp turn-in response and minimal body roll. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system is precise and quick, while the Brembo brakes do an exceptional job of bringing the car to a halt. And thanks to its slightly longer wheelbase (112.2 in. to the Z's 104.3), the car feels more balanced and stable through corners than the Z, especially noticeable through quick left/right transitions where the Z's rear end can become a touch twitchy.
Driving the G35 Sport Coupe on Interstate highways is also a pleasant experience. On my drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles, about a 400-mile trek, the Sport Coupe behaved in a surprisingly civil manner, with a controlled but comfortable ride quality and a quiet cabin.
Road and Track

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History:
1999-2002 Infiniti G20
1,998 cc / 145 hp / 136 lb-ft / 2923-2961 lbs / 0-60 mph 10.2 sec.