2004 INFINITI G Sedan Press Kit

Following an introductory year marked by outstanding sales and numerous media awards, the INFINITI G35 Sport Sedan returns for the 2004 model year with the addition of an advanced all-wheel drive model, the new AWD G35 Sedan.

Available in early December 2003, the new AWD G35 Sedan features INFINITI’s ATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, which is also utilized on the INFINITI FX45 and FX35 AWD premium crossover SUVs. The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active center differential designed for smooth starts, better fuel economy and better traction and maneuverability on snowy roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems and minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

Other enhancements to the 2004 G35 Sport Sedan include standard heated outside mirrors, 17-inch wheels on all models, a Tire Pressure Monitor System, standard rear viscous limited-slip differential on the Leather 6MT model and the availability of two new exterior colors – Diamond Graphite and Twilight Blue.

All 2004 G35 Sport Sedan models continue to express INFINITI’s bold direction of combining leading-edge design and technology, driver-oriented performance and a high level of luxury. Standard on every G35 Sport Sedan is an advanced, 260-horsepower V6 engine mated to a choice of 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or 6-speed manual transmission.

The G35’s performance is enhanced by a 4-wheel independent suspension with lightweight aluminum components and highly aerodynamic styling – including a coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero degrees of front lift.

“The G35 Sport Sedan, on its introduction, instantly became a major competitor against some of the top sport sedans in the world,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division. “Now, with the addition of a new all-wheel drive model, the G35’s combination of power, handling and advanced technology rises to a new dimension of all-weather performance and desirability.”

Dynamic Performance and Innovative AWD Systems
A 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque, derived from the VQ engine series, which has been recognized as one of the “Ten Best Engines” by Ward’s Auto World magazine for nine consecutive years, comes standard on every G35 Sport Sedan, along with an advanced 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

The engine includes a long list of advanced systems, including a continuously variable valve timing control system, a “noiseless” timing chain for silent operation, a structurally reinforced aluminum engine block and an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system. It also features a modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.

All G35s come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), enhancing vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions – similar to that offered in the INFINITI Q45 and M45.

The G35’s advanced braking system utilizes power-assisted 4-wheel vented disc brakes, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which distributes brake force depending on load condition (passengers and cargo) and Brake Assist (BA), which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity and Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), which uses the ABS sensors to detect wheel spin and applies braking to the spinning wheel.

A high level of sporty handling is provided by an impressive 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension. The G35’s front suspension design minimizes alignment changes through use of two separate lower links and a long upper link. The rear design separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber inline with the wheel center to help reduce suspension friction and reduce the wind-up motion of the axle on acceleration. Both front and rear suspension designs utilize aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight and incorporate “ripple control” shock absorbers with damping control lips for suppressing high-frequency, micro-amplitude vibrations. As a result, tiny ripples in the road surface are absorbed to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride.

The new G35 Leather AWD model is designed to use an advanced torque split control strategy that automatically transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions. It provides outstanding cornering capability similar to a sports car due to optimum torque distribution to the front and rear wheels (0:100 up to 50:50).

The system also provides high starting traction performance and smooth, stable acceleration, especially in snow-covered or off-road situations with the driver-selectable Snow-Mode switch, which allows the driver to fix the torque distribution ratio at 50:50 and reduces throttle sensitivity to improve performance at low speeds on slippery roads as desired.

“The ATTESA system provides the best of both worlds – the handling feel and quiet operation like a rear-wheel drive vehicle, with the sure-footed traction of all-wheel drive,” said Igo.

The 2004 G35 Sport Sedan also features standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires and standard Tire Pressure Monitor System.

Aerodynamic Exterior Design, Innovative Platform
The G35’s bold styling takes full advantage of the vehicle’s FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which was specifically designed for mounting a V6 engine behind the front axle in the so-called “front mid-ship” position. The positioning of the engine is a key to the G35’s high level of driving performance, providing a nearly optimized 52:48 percent front-to-rear-weight balance.

This layout also features a long wheelbase (112.2 inches) and short front and rear overhangs, providing a large interior for its highly manageable overall length (186.5 inches). This also allowed the designers to push the wheels out to the car’s corners for better interior space utilization.

A wide front and rear track adds to the G35 Sport Sedan’s overall handling stability and further enhances interior and trunk volume. Mounting of the large 20-gallon fuel tank under the rear seat (forward of the rear wheels) also helps maximize rear passenger comfort and cargo capacity.

The location of the G35’s compact V6 behind the front axle allows the use of a low, aggressive hoodline, which flows into the sharply angled windshield and contributes to the G35’s sporty, powerful silhouette. The front fascia features an INFINITI-style horizontal crosspiece grille, low-postured front bumper and vertically stacked headlight assembly with integrated fog lights and turn signals.

The smooth visual line flowing from the front fenders through the side profile cuts off at the rear, expressing a balance between sportiness and function. The C-pillar and rear fenders accentuate the spaciousness of the cabin, while the large greenhouse provides good visibility from all seating positions.

The rear fascia is highlighted by large rear combination lamps with LED taillights. The LED lights provide maintenance-free operation and bright visual recognition for following drivers during braking.

The FM platform design, derived from racing technology, also places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body.

The extensive use of diffusers and deflectors helps the G35 achieve zero degrees of front lift (0.0 clf), reducing drag and noise and contributing to vehicle stability. With the optional rear spoiler, zero degrees of rear lift is also achieved. The G35 has an exceptional coefficient of drag measurement of just 0.27 (0.26 with optional rear spoiler) for reduced wind noise and optimized fuel economy. The G35 Sport Sedan also utilizes aluminum for the hood for reduced weight and further enhancement of fuel economy.

Attention to body and structural stiffness includes adoption of a dual bulkhead engine compartment construction that functions as a body stabilizer for damping vibrations (in addition to isolating noise and heat). The G35’s roof panel and body side panels are laser-welded to enhance body rigidity and to enable the entire body to damp vibrations. The increased stiffness and rigidity improve driving stability and ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

The G35 is offered in eight exterior colors: Desert Platinum, Ivory Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Black Obsidian, Garnet Fire, Caribbean Blue and two new colors for 2004 – Diamond Graphite and Twilight Blue (previously available).

A Spacious, Comfortable Interior
In creating the G35 Sport Sedan’s interior, the designers and engineers set three goals: premium space, premium comfort and premium utility. Taking full advantage of the FM platform’s long wheelbase and wide track, the G35 offers 98.0 cubic feet of interior space and 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space. More than just total volume, innovative packaging provides ample space where it is needed most for driver and passenger comfort – head, leg, shoulder and hip room. For example, use of a center positioned air conditioning design increased front passenger foot space. For rear passengers, use of a hidden front seat rail widens the available foot room.

Special attention to comfort required a rethinking of the seat design from “one seat fits all” to unique front driver and passenger’s seats. The driver’s seat uses a special center mound shape with high damping urethane foam and special spring design to support the driver during sporty driving. The front passenger’s seat has a flatter-shaped lower cushion and the seat is shaped to provide a relaxed posture, even when folding or stretching his or her legs. In the rear, the G35 offers a choice of wide bucket-shaped seats or optional rear reclining seats, both with ample knee room and a pass-through armrest.

A three-spoke steering wheel provides a firm grip and sporty feel and the instrument panel features INFINITI’s fine vision electrofluorescent illumination system and signature analog clock. The optional DVD-based INFINITI Navigation System includes a 6.5-inch retractable screen.

The interior’s T-shaped structure, with its flowing design theme from the center instrument cluster to the floor console, emphasizes ergonomics and convenient storage. There are numerous pockets, holders and straps located throughout for easy access and use.

Audio systems include a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and an optional 222-watt Bose® premium audio system with an AM/FM/cassette in-dash 6-disc CD changer (with faster operation for 2004) with RDS, 7 speakers, speed-sensitive volume control and steering wheel audio controls. The G35 is offered in two interior colors – Willow and Graphite – and is available with leather-appointed seating and genuine Birdseye maple wood trim.

The G35 Sport Sedan’s trunk space is enhanced by the use of items such as a four-link hinge design, thin LED rear combination lights and underfloor storage compartments near the spare tire.

From a safety standpoint, every G35 comes with standard dual-stage supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupant head protection. Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors. It is also equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

The G35 also features Zone Body Construction with front and rear crushable zones to help disperse crash energy around the passenger compartment. The FM platform also provides a number of innovative safety performance features, including a mechanism for releasing the engine downward in certain collisions, and a breakaway driveshaft helping prevent the intrusion of the engine into the passenger compartment and brake pedal construction that helps prevent rearward pedal movement and lower leg injuries.

G35 Availability and Equipment
The 2004 INFINITI G35 is available in four models – G35 Sedan, G35 Sedan Leather, G35 Sedan Sport 6MT and the new G35 Sedan Leather AWD. All models come equipped with a 260-horsepower V6 engine with choice of a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode offered on the G35 Sedan, G35 Sedan Leather and G35 Sedan Leather AWD. The G35 Sedan Leather 6MT model features a close-ratio 6-speed manual and standard rear viscous limited-slip differential (the INFINITI Traction Control System is not available on this model).

A number of optional packages allow the buyer to custom-equip the 2004 G35 Sport Sedan to further reflect his or her exact driving style and tastes.

Packages include the Premium Package, with dual sliding glass sunroof with one-touch open/close feature, dual-zone air conditioning with rear vents, driver seat memory with automatic entry/exit system, automatic auto on/off headlights, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Bose® audio system with 7 speakers, adjustable reclining rear seats and more.

The Sport-Tuned Suspension Package adds unique 5-spoke aluminum-alloy 17-inch sport wheels with W-rated high-performance tires, sport-tuned springs and shock absorbers and titanium-color finished interior C-stack, while the Aero Package, which is available with the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package, adds a rear spoiler with rear underbody rear side fairings. Other available options include navigation system, Bose audio system, genuine wood trim and sunroof.

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