Test Drive: 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport

[kahmed79]

Today I test drove the 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport with the 6-speed manual transmission and the updated VQ35 HR (High Response) motor. The automotive press has said that the G35 Sport is the closest competitor to the BMW 3-series and I wanted to find out for myself. A lot of manufacturers have tried hard but have failed to come close to the overall feel of the BMW. After driving the G35 S today I have to agree with the press that it comes very close to the BMW in terms of handling/performance. After taking a spirited drive on some winding back roads I actually liked the G35 a little more than the 3-series. The interior in the G35 is much better than the one in the 3-series. The power from the updated VQ35 HR is just amazing, it really is quite responsive and the torque flows in nicely from low rpm's all the way up to redline. The engine produce 306-hp at 6800 rpm and peak torque of 268 lb-ft comes in at 4800 rpm. The signature exhaust note of the previous generation VQ35 motor is gone, which is good since I was getting tired of the sound. The new motor produces a much deeper rumble and exhaust note. One thing that I found interesting was that the engine is quite refined in the G35 S and the vibrations are kept out for the most part compared to the 2007 Nissan 350Z (that I drove a few days ago) which also happens to have the new VQ35 HR. Overall, I prefer the application of the motor in the G35 S.
The handling really caught me be surprise, I have never driven a sports sedan that has come so close to the confidence inspiring handling of the 3-series and the G35 is at least 95% there. The suspension settled very nicely in a series of high speed S-turns and there was plenty of grip available from the Michelin Pilot Sports. On bumpy roads the suspension was very compliant but on smooth roads it was firm with just a slight bit of roll. My only gripe with the car is that the shifter action isn't as refined and direct as the 3-series. Brakes were decent and had good feedback. The clutch had a very progessive engagement which is typical of Nissan/Infiniti cars with the VQ35. The starting price is $32k for the G35 S with manual transmission, which is a couple grand more than the Subaru Legacy GT. In the end you get a truly amazing car for the price. Kudos to Infiniti for doing an excellent job.

[kahmed79]

[uaeimran]

@kahmed79

ahan dude, wow Nice Piece of work , as you have compared many things with BMW 3-Series , i agree that it might be good enough and the best point ofcourse i liked about this car is that it comes with the Proper Manual Transmission.And moreover the handling you have described seems pretty much cool.

what all those positive points that you have mentioned , 1 question arises that can it be compared with the New Lexus IS-350 (3.5L V6 based on a Chassis of GS430) ?

[ateekt]

No doubt, it's an
"awesome"
sedan with unique
"attitude"
(y) ...!

[portage1]

bad to the bone ---------------

[kahmed79]

Uaeimran

Good thinking dude, the IS 350 falls well below the 3-series and the G35 in terms of handling and the suspension isn't as sorted.

The ride in the IS 350/250 is harsh over all surfaces and in order to be a true 3-series competitor you have to have good damping. Imo, Infiniti has done a slightly better job than BMW since the G35 is not harsh on rough surfaces.

The manual trans is difficult to find in the G35 sedan as the majority of the cars will have the auto. I specifically wanted to drive the manual car so I waited a few days till the dealer got one in.

[kahmed79]

[kahmed79]

[kahmed79]

[memphis]

Looks like a Ferrari inspired steering wheel..

[kahmed79]

memphis

The steering wheel was nice and grippy, which is essential in a performance car.

[toofast]

I still go for BMW. Infiniti blends in the crowd where as BMW stands out.

[ateekt]

@ toofast:

Reply By : toofast on 4/10/2007 2:08:43 AM
I still go for BMW. Infiniti blends in the crowd where as BMW stands out.

You're my man bro (y) ...! Bimmer is a class of it's own ...!

[Porsche_Maker]

Inifinte Good

[kahmed79]

toofast & ateekt

If I was spending my own money then I would definitely go for the 3-series, it is the benchmark. I'm just giving Infiniti the credit that they deserve for being the closest to BMW, a feat that no other manufacturer has been able to achieve.

[anonpak]

Not to be rude, but the new 3 series is no competition for the G35.

I think we are all mature enough to realize a 3 series sedan is nothing without the bmw badge :-).

[ateekt]

@ kahmed79:

Agree with you bro, Infiniti no doubt, are a great vehicles (y) ...! Nissan have done, some really serious work to bring Infiniti next to BMW (or any other luxury brand)...!

Infiniti is my favourite
"high-end"
brand & than Lexus, BMW no doubt is
"over"
both ...!

[kahmed79]

ateekt

You have to agree that BMW's have the ugliest interiors in their class.

[ateekt]

@ kahmed79:

I love them anyway ...!

[u4usman4u]

There is no ugly interior under BMW.

But yes i m not satisfied with the SPEEDOMETER LIGHTS in BMW.