The original G35 was arguably Infiniti's breakthrough car -- no small achievement, considering it competes in a segment defined and dominated by the iconic BMW 3 Series.
But Nissan's luxury division isn't sitting on its laurels. Just four years later we have a next-generation G-car that is a lot newer than its evolutionary styling may suggest (coincidentally, our eyes see that evolution being in the direction of BMWness).
Riding on a next-generation FM (Front Midships) platform, the G35 also has a next-generation version of Nissan's peripatetic 3.5-litre corporate V6. Here it makes a claimed 306 hp -- six more than BMW claims for the new turbocharged 3.0-litre "six" in the 335i. Transmission choices remain a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive is available in the G35x.
Aside from said G35x, the new model comes in plain G35 and two G35 Sport versions: automatic and manual. The Sports come with staggered tire sizes -- 225/50R18 front and 245/45R18 rear -- plus sport-tuned suspension and a viscous limited-slip rear differential.
Low-rent interior finish was one of the knocks against the old G35, so Infiniti made a special effort on the '07, promising "fine craftsmanship and modern warmth." Leather-faced seating and a hand-stitched leather steering-wheel rim are standard on all models, as is "Washi"-pattern (traditional Japanese paper) aluminum trim.
5 Series size, space and capability for a 3 Series price
We'll let you know when we've driven it