When the G35 sedan was first introduced, it single handedly returned enthusiasts back
into the
Infiniti showrooms. But diehard enthusiasts yearn for full manual control
and Infiniti's much anticipated and newest G35 variant; the 6 speed manual sedan delivers the
goods. Better yet, this new model is cheaper than G35 automatic
transmission models. All G35 6MTs come with leather seats and sport
suspension pack at a starting price of $29,100 (a saving of $1,500 over a comparable
5 speed automatic model). Upgrading to the premium pack is $32,300 (a
saving of $1,500 over an AT model).
Infiniti of Mission Viejo in California gave us an opportunity to to
take their first 6 speed G35 for a spin around the block, down the road, and over the hill.
As we walked towards the G35 6MT, we noticed a coupe parked nearby. Just looking at the sexy lines of a G35 Sport
Coupe could make you fall in love with it. So much so that you'd be hard pressed to take a second look at a G35
sedan, until...
You open the doors to the G35 Sedan and see the 6 speed shifter. Getting into this car you can't help but notice
the two rear doors, and the comfortable rear seats with ample room for extra
passengers. Bahhh, who needs legroom? I want power...
styling...performance, even though the two extra doors and the extra room is practical, functional,
and sensible. This 4-door has alot going for it.
The instant you sit behind the wheel and rev up that beautiful sounding 3.5L VQ engine, you know. The manual transmission
(shared with the 350Z) makes a world of
difference, and helps the driver of the G35 Sedan (the passenger too for that matter) forget
all about the rear of the cockpit. As you chirp the rear tires in first and shift easily into second (at an easy 5,000
RPM), you become slightly aware of your passenger's nervous excitement as they get pushed back into the comfy leather seats. Shifting is flawless, and if anything a little too smooth for my left lead foot. The rest of the
trip through the gears are precise and well suited to the car. Shame that
we can't talk about the 6th gear, since we could not find sufficient runway to
test it out, and kept getting blocked by pesky slow SUV's.
When we finally got back to the dealer, we backed the car into the parking
slot and got out to re-admire the lines of the car. And to our surprise,
we remembered there are two rear doors and the roomy interior with the rear seats. We could have sworn we had left those somewhere back on
that quiet side street when the tires chirped in second. Alas that we were now
a little more sensible and practical. Heck, if you want a 2-door sportscar
but need four doors this is the closest thing to a four door Z car.
-Cyrus Mirsaidi and Noel Saw
Special thanks to Infiniti of Mission Viejo: Robin Gallagher (949) 916-4200
Configuration:
Four door sedan
Mid-ship front engine
Rear wheel drive
Models (Pricing):
Base ($30,700)
6 speed MT ($30,500)
Engines:
3.5L V-6 280 bhp
Changes for 2005 G35 Sedan
·
Power upgraded to 280 hp 5 speed AT
· Power upgraded to 298 hp 6 MT
· Revised exterior inc. new hood and tail-lights
· Revised interior with genuine aluminum or
rosewood, buttons, gauges, shift knob, center
console
· VLSD and 18" wheels for Sport Models
· MP3 playback on standard 6-disc changer
Speak your mind: 2003
G35 6 speed first drive
