The all-new INFINITI G35 sedan, which goes on sale in November 2006, is designed to create a powerful driving sensation – from its rewarding performance and sophisticated exterior, to its finely crafted interior and intuitive technology.
As the second generation of INFINITI’s groundbreaking sport sedan, the creators of the new G35 knew it would have to meet high expectations – both their own, which they set as developing a true performance partnership between car and driver; and those of INFINITI owners who have embraced the original G35 and seek a continuation of its unique combination of vibrant design, exhilarating performance and advanced technology.
The new G delivers, with a sensuous evolution of the exterior, utilization of an enhanced platform and the next generation of the award-winning VQ-series V6. It also offers a redesigned interior, which combines modern warmth and traditional Japanese design cues, and an impressive list of available technology, including a touch screen navigation system with real-time traffic function and an audiophile premium audio system that brings studio quality sound on the road.
"Having set our own standard in sport sedans with the first generation G35, we’ve totally pushed the envelope – and the segment forward again – with this new generation," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, INFINITI.
"With its enticing performance, stunning exterior and crafted interior and the incredible available Studio on Wheels audio system, this new G goes beyond the machine-like sameness of conventional sport sedans, rewarding the driver in every dimension."
Building On A Strong Foundation
As the volume leader for INFINITI, representing nearly one in every three INFINITIs sold in the United States, the G35 Sedan has been the first exposure many buyers have to INFINITI. The original G35 Sedan was introduced in March 2002 as a 2003 model, followed eight months later by the G35 Coupe. The G Sedan and Coupe shared the 2003 Motor Trend Car of the Year award and signaled the direction for INFINITI models that followed, including the INFINITI FX, INFINITI QX and INFINITI M.
"INFINITI’s unique mixture of vibrant design and dynamic performance really came together with the original G and opened the door to INFINITI for many buyers," said Igo. "Now we’re ready to add greater levels of warmth, sophistication and craftsmanship to meet evolving customer desires, while also upping the ante on its powerful driving sensation."
Driving the development of the new G35’s concept were the lessons learned from a careful study of sport sedan buyers, including owners of the original G35. A series of home visits, where a complete picture of buyer wants and needs beyond just their automobiles was formed, paired with extended test drives of many of the leading sport sedans, led to a greater understanding of concepts such as "polished performance" and "the power of harmony."
For example, it was clear that sport sedan buyers sought both innovative technology and handcrafted quality, and that personal growth and possessions were both important.
"We found a quiet confidence in our target G buyers that perfectly matched where the G35 has always lived – not overtly flashy or aggressive, but completely capable and authentic in nature. We wanted the new G to be the type of vehicle that the driver comes to appreciate more and more over time because it delivers deeper, more complex rewards in terms of both performance and amenities," said Igo.
Sporty and Sensual Styling
The new G’s vibrant design begins as an evolution of the original’s, with its long, wave-like hood, pushed back A-pillars and athletic stance. It is clean, simple and projects a balance of power and grace that is suggestive of the performance potential within.
The front of the new G is highlighted by its L-shaped headlights and dramatic INFINITI signature grille with sculpted "twisted" horizontal blades inspired by traditional Japanese swords. High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights with fog lights are standard, while an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which automatically controls the headlight lighting pattern according to steering angle and vehicle speed to help provide better visibility at night, is optional.
To impart tight tolerances and an exacting fit of the complex front fascia, INFINITI developed a new production process for headlight installation, as well as securing the aluminum hood with dual latches located at the two front corners. These dual latches provide proper alignment for the sensual, sculpted hood.
The G’s silhouette offers a wedged roofline and a sweeping bodyside character line that emphasizes both the rich shoulder surfaces and the G’s rear-wheel drive orientation.
In the rear, the refined, evolutional L-shaped LED taillights express the G heritage and the INFINITI design identity. The trunk lid is accented by an integrated spoiler, while prominent dual exhaust outlets complete the sporty appearance.
The G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT models offer a unique front fascia and side sills, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires. A full rear spoiler is also available.
"The 2007 G Sedan is even leaner and more athletic in its proportions, as well as more polished and seductive than the previous version," said Igo. "There’s a sensual quality that’s more prominent in this generation, a quality that is equally matched in the refined interior."
A Crafted Interior Environment
The new G’s interior is designed to create a harmony between its dedicated driver’s cockpit and comfortable passenger space – and between modern technology and traditional Japanese design cues. The result is a "modern warmth" that is unique in the sport sedan segment.
"Traditionally, there have been two schools of thought in sport sedan interiors – cold, machine-like precision or soft, indulgent luxury," said Igo. "In the new G, we’ve found a way to thoroughly engage the driver, while embracing passengers with finely crafted hospitality."
The driver’s space of the new G has a simple, intuitive layout. The instrument panel features Fine Vision gauges with a new white-and-violet illumination. White is used for the most important information because it provides the highest contrast, while violet – a traditional Japanese representation of royalty – is used as an accent color.
A center information display, which is located between the tachometer and speedometer, conveys updates from the drive computer (average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel economy, average speed, elapsed time, running distance, distance to empty, outside air temperature, warning displays, odometer and automatic transmission shift indicator) and uses red illumination.
Another detail that has roots in Japanese design is the new G’s "Washi"-style textured aluminum-alloy accents. Washi is a form of elegant, handmade Japanese paper. The aluminum trim pieces are located on the center console, across the instrument panel and on the door panels.
The G’s steering wheel also has a unique look and feel. While the stitching for most leather-covered steering wheels is done by machine, with the stitches often located right where the fingertips fall, the new G’s steering wheel is double-stitched by hand – a process that takes more than an hour to complete. The benefit is significant, allowing the stitches to be moved away from where the driver’s hands rest for a smoother, improved feel. Steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio switches are standard on all models.
The G35 Sport model (automatic transmission) offers standard lightweight magnesium paddle shifters, which enable drivers to conduct upshifts or downshifts without releasing their hands from the steering wheel.
The feel of the new G’s switches and controls was another area of emphasis in the design of the new interior, with all switches delivering a smooth, rewarding operation.
Advanced Studio on Wheels™ Audio System
Another unique new feature is the G’s available 10-speaker INFINITI Studio on Wheels™ by Bose®, combining the industry’s first 3-way front door speaker array using 10-inch woofers with an audiophile-quality head unit incorporating double oversampling 24-bit 96KHz Burr Brown® Digital Audio Converters.
"The G designers and engineers gave the audio teams unprecedented freedom in the design of the Studio On Wheels, including engineering the front doors around the door speakers – rather than the other way around," said Igo. "The sound benchmarks were actually set utilizing a $30,000-plus audiophile high-end home audio system. The result is a breakthrough two-channel car audio system which accurately reproduces the impact and nuances of live music."
The G’s optional touch screen INFINITI Navigation System features available XM® NavTraffic™ with real-time traffic information and a 9.5 gigabyte Music Hard Drive. Other technologies include standard INFINITI Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, standard 7.0-inch color monitor display, available RearView Monitor and Bluetooth® Hands-Free Phone System.
All 2007 G35s come equipped with standard leather-appointed seating in a choice of Wheat (except G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT), Stone or Graphite. Along with the standard Washi-style aluminum trim, real wood (straight-grained African Rosewood) accents are optionally available.
A New Generation V6 and FM Platform
The soul of the G35 has always been its dynamic performance and at the heart of its advanced drivetrain has always been its award-winning VQ35 3.5-liter V6 engine and advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform. Both engine and platform have been significantly enhanced for use with the 2007 G.
The VQ-series V6, which has been named one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward’s Auto World magazine for 12 consecutive years, now moves into its fourth generation and has been significantly rethought, with approximately 80% of major parts (except bolts, O-rings and clips) redesigned. The block features ladder frame construction for greater rigidity and crank journal and pin diameters have been increased. The block height has been increased by 8.4 millimeters to reduce piston side force and the engine center is now 15 millimeters lower, which also contributes to the G’s improved dynamic performance.
Other engine enhancements include the addition of standard variable exhaust cam timing (eCVTCS), a higher rev limit (increased from 6,600 rpm to 7,600 rpm) and higher compression ratio (10.6:1 versus the previous 10.3:1), asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, improved coolant flow and new Iridium spark plugs.
A new symmetric twin ram air intake system helps reduce airflow resistance by 18% and increases horsepower by three hp at 60 miles per hour. A new dual exhaust system has been designed with equal length exhaust manifolds and reduced muffler exhaust pressure (25% less than the first generation G35) help improve engine breathing. Both are tuned to create authoritative harmonies, helping enhance driving pleasure.
The result of all these changes is 306 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque (a significant power improvement from the previous generation VQ), an exciting engine sound and expected improvements in emissions and fuel economy.
The new VQ engine design also includes a long list of advanced systems found on the previous design – including a Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), a "noiseless" timing chain for quiet operation, an electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.
"There are a couple of unique features you notice about this new generation VQ engine – first, the great engine sound and the absence of the usual engine noises and vibrations," said Igo. "And secondly, the tuning strategy that is not strictly about standing-start acceleration, but a more refined balance of quick acceleration that builds continuously to the redline, which we call "Swell" acceleration. It’s a deepening pleasure that keeps getting better as you drive, like a building wave."
The G again offers a choice of 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or a 6-speed manual transmission. The 5-speed automatic features Downshift Rev Matching, DS mode and ASC (Adaptive Shift Control) that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations.
The 2007 G’s driving pleasure is also due in great measure to its second generation FM platform, similar to that used on the INFINITI M. The racing technology-inspired FM platform locates the engine behind the front axle in the "Front Mid-ship" position.
The positioning of the engine provides good front-to-rear weight balance, while the combination of long wheelbase, manageable overall length and wider front and rear track (+0.7 inches front, + 0.9 inches rear) adds to the G35’s overall handling stability.
The G’s suspension is a 4-wheel independent design with lightweight aluminum components and front and rear stabilizer bars, designed to provide nimble and natural feeling handling, as well as a controlled, refined ride. The front suspension minimizes alignment changes through use of a single pivot lower wishbone 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.
G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT models offer an optional Four-Wheel Active Steer system, which helps improve vehicle handling performance by adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed.
Body stiffness has been increased by 36%, through utilization of new structural pieces in the critical engine compartment and rear floor areas, and a 16% increase in the number of body spot welds.
The G35 is also offered with a state-of-the-art "intelligent" all-wheel drive system. The G35x AWD model 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 M35x and FX. The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active center clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.
All 2007 G35s, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), helping to enhance vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions, while Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) is standard on the G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT models.
The G’s braking system utilizes power-assisted 4-wheel vented disc brakes with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). Larger brakes are offered on the G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT models.
The power steering system is a new twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensing design, which provides optimum steering effort at both high and low vehicle speeds,
The new G features standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P225/55R17 tires, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and 225/50R18 front and P245/45R18 rear W-rated tires on the G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT models. A Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is standard on all 2007 G35s.
A Long List of Standard Safety Features
All 2007 G35s come equipped with the Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor, 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, front seat Active Head Restraints and 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.
Five Available Models
The 2007 INFINITI G35 is available in five models – G35, G35 Journey, G35x AWD, G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT. In addition to the long list of standard and available equipment on the G35, G35 Journey and G35x AWD models, the G35 Sport and G35 Sport 6MT models add drilled aluminum pedals, sport seats with thigh extensions and driver’s power bolster adjustments, upgraded brakes and Viscous Limited Slip Differential, along with magnesium paddle shifters on the G35 Sport.
Several options and packages are available for the 2007 G35 Sedan, including the Premium Package, Sunroof, Satellite Radio (choice of XM® or Sirius™), Navigation Package, Technology Package, Four-Wheel Active Steer Package, rear spoiler and straight-grained African Rosewood trim.
"The new G is an invitation fulfilled – a next generation sport sedan that has immense reserves of performance, style and design," said Igo. "It leaves no doubt that this is a sport sedan worthy of serious consideration."
###
Issued by Infiniti