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Comments
I called a few years ago with my A6...
Nissan was smart. Develop one solid platform and make several interesting cars from it. 350Z, G35 coupe, G35.
We all know GM has tried to do this sort of approach, but their platforms have been uninspiring.
Rear drive, high hp, top notch chassis....etc......shared costs......smart move Nissan.
You mentioned in post #5861: "... fighting of some weird virus at the moment, any help would be appreciated for those that have dealt with this already...".
Not sure what kind of 'virus' you are talking about, ummmm, I can recommend a big bowl of chicken soup and lots of bed rest for you or PC-cillin for your PC, (yes, I'm serious!). TrendMicro has a free HouseCall for your PC, which works very well, and is very easy to use. It cleaned up a virus I had (hahaha@sexyfun.net), and no, that virus was NOT sexy nor fun. It was a BIG mess, but it's all cleaned up now. The HouseCall site is: http://housecall.antivirus.com/housecall/start_pcc.asp
BTW, did how did your repairs from 'the accident' go on the G35??
Glad to see ya back!
Virus, if the physical kind, is making the rounds in this part of the world: NE. Fairly quick, temp, upper respiratory ... hope yours is not the same, tho the electronic kind may not be preferable.
Good luck.
Joe W.
NICE! I could like it!
The folks bashing the interior are nuts. The interior is fine. The CTS interior is bashable. Go bash that.
I can see that the interior is non-traditional for a luxury marque and this I think is why some folks are griping. they are mistaking it as a material quality issue when really they are just peeing and moaning that the interior is not an Audi clone. As far as I am concerned the interior is the equal of the BMW and maybe a little behind the Audi.
I like the look of the car otherwise.
Designwise I think the CTS and G35 have kinda some of the same ideas going. The G35 is better executed and leaner looking. The CTS is more in your face and is not executed like it should be.
Now, if all you town hall posters would each chip in to my G35 fund, so I can buy one, then I can review it first hand and report back to you on how good it is.
For now I am going to assume that Canada will have the manual shortly after the U.S. (crossing my fingers). I'll give it maybe 2 months and then I'll have to make the tough decision and probably buy the IS300 if there's still no info from Infiniti.
Has any ordered an aftermarket wood trim kit for the G35? I'd love to see pics of it if anyone has it. Admittedly, they sometimes look cheap, but I'm looking for something that will push me over the edge. (Other than the plastic, I generally like the interior design/layout...)
PS: I've gots lots of pics (at home) of the wood interior. Catch me at jvalenty@san.rr.com and I'll email them to you.
http://www.jackvalenty.com/G35meet
Driving thru the BMW lot honking your horns would have been great fun!
That's another thing about the G, The horn has that very substantial sound... not the tinny, "eep eep" sound so typical of Japanese imports.
It sounds like you guys all had a great time, again, well done!
Faenor/Dane4
About the Virus thing, that was my grammatical mistake
Its good to be back and to have the G all buttoned up nice and warm at night in a garage!
My body shop friend did an incredible job on the car! It took quite a while but no one will ever be able to convince me now that a good body shop tech isn't a true artist!
My greatest fears were handling changes and extra noises and rattles, but the car is solid and call me crazy, might even have fewer clicks and noises than before the accident!
Have a great one all!
Faenor/dane4
Everything else seems to be coming in around the same time as the US (350Z, G35 Coupe, G35 Coupe manual) so I'm pretty sure you'll be able to buy a manual sedan around Feb/Mar 2003.
Scott
I love the G35, however, the wheel doesn't telescope. With the mandatory sunroof with the premium package there is more headroom than most sedans but not as much as I'd like.
It seems that the Nissan Murano may fit the bill, especially with the adjustable pedals. Has anyone seen any headroom numbers? What else would you suggest I consider? It appears I would be compromising on the power/weight ratio, however I love the CVT. If Infiniti had put the skyline CVT on the G with a little bit more headroom I'd be sold!
Thanks for your help.
By the way, the chrome around the roof line of my dark blue G35 is one of my favorite styling features and one reason why I chose a dark color.
Best wishes.
I'm in the market for a sports sedan and was about to trot down to the Infiniti dealer and inquire about getting on the list for a six-speed manual, due in February. But I probably will pass if they keep the same option package setup.
Why? Well, I want a fairly basic car, but with two must-have options: sport suspension and xenon's. The basic car is priced at $27,645 which is great, but then the slipperly slope starts. To get either option, I have to go with luxury leather. And I won't own a leather car without heated seats so I have to get the winter package. But to get the winter package, you have to get a sunroof. And to get the xenon's, you have to spring for the Bose audio. Viola: Now the $27,645 car costs $32,970 and since I don't really care about leather, sunroofs, heated seats, and Bose stereo, I essentially am paying $5325 for the sports suspension and xenons.
I really think the G35 is a great value, but why can't Infiniti just let me pick and choose options like BMW does? With BMW the sports package is one option, xenons another, and I'm done with it. I can order the car the way I want and it appears at the BMW dealer a couple months later. I guess I'm getting a BMW 325i and will have to "make do" with 189-hp and a five-speed.
Arghhh....
- Mark
Scott
G35 Sport Sedan
Infiniti's new G35 burst onto the sport sedan scene in March 2002 as a 2003 model. It combines leading-edge design and technology, driver-oriented performance and a high level of luxury. The G35 features a standard 260-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension and rear-wheel drive. It also offers exceptional interior roominess, aggressive aerodynamic styling and a long list of luxury amenities.
Running changes to the 2003 G35 sport sedan include:
· The addition of a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission (February availability)
· Standard xenon headlights on Leather Luxury model
· Addition of sunroof to Premium Package
· Available satellite radio (choice of XM or Sirius)
As far as Nismo is concerned, I had someone price the G-Attack S-tune package from Japan shipped to the US, $1350, which includes coilovers and rear shocks and springs. you can see the package here;
>
http://www.nismo.co.jp/
As far as U.S. dealer availability, its going to happen by the first quarter of 2003, this is from Nissan performance Mag.
http://www.nissanperformancemag.com/june02/ask_sarah.php
I just bought an Infiniti G35, with sports tuned suspension, 225/55/v rated tires. I like the ride and all (not quite like my BMW M3), but noticed how much clearance I have in my fender wells. What do you think about lowering it a few inches? I'm more concerned about looks than performance. I've been in lowered Honda Civics and they ride like you're on a board with no suspension. Any suggestions? I live in Orange, CA. and looking for a business that might be able to do the modifications, and do it right.
If you can wait, in March 2003 Infiniti's R-Spec line of suspension will come out for the G35. With a 20mm lower ride height and firm but not harsh damping you will be able to carve corners on the road without feeling like you have cut stock springs driving on railroad tracks. This suspension setup will be offered at Infiniti dealerships and installation through them will not void your warranty.
- Mark
G35 MSRP -- $28,950
Sport Package - $425
Winter Pkg w/Sport $600
Xenon Headlights $550
Total Price (MSRP) $30,525
325Ci MSRP -- $29,100
Sport Pkg - $1,000
Xenon Headlights $700
Total Price (MSRP) $30,800
The prices are almost identical, but I think most people would agree that you are getting A LOT MORE car if you go with the G35 (i.e. Leather, 6 disc CD changer, 260HP, etc...).
Well, you've got the right base MSRP for leather but you skipped the destination charge. And there are constraints on further options that aren't in Edmunds - specifically, you have to get the sunroof and bose to get the sport package and xenons. Go up to infiniti.com and build a car and you'll see what I'm talking about. If I could go ala carte as you're doing I'd be a happy camper, but Infiniti won't let me do it. So I end up with a $33K car.
Yes, my pricing on the 325 is a little out of left field so it isn't a true apples-to-apples, but it represents what the car will end up coosting me. I was pricing a euro delivery 325i (not ci) at $1K over ED invoice with sport package, cold weather package, metallic paint, xenons, and power seats as this is exactly the car I want, BWM will let me order it with each option separate, and the dealer has confirmed he can do this deal. This works out to $28,690 but I can get a $500 BMW CCA discount so it would be $28,190. So the net difference is about $4800, mostly invested in G35 leather, sunroof, and Bose that I don't want. Now, I'm getting a healthy discount on the BMW and using MSRP for the G35 and it is possible that I could get a discount on the G35. But since I want a manual tranny car in the spring when they will just be appearing, I doubt I'll get much if any. So I think my price comparison fairly represents that it is going to cost ME nearly $5K more to get the G35 equipped the way I want it.
I'm getting the impression that the base model G35 is just something they build a few of so they can say that it is possible to get a G35 for $28K and get people into the showroom - they don't really want anybody to actually buy one so they discourage it by packaging all the options in the car they really want you to buy and most people pay $32K+.
- Mark
Scott
Scott
So to get any options or option package you have to go Leather Model.
Brochure lists 8 "Individual Options":
- Nav System (requires Premium Pkg),
- Bose premium sound (incl. w/Premium Pkg),
- sunroof,
- Xenon HID,
- wood interior (requires Premium Pkg and can't be had with Sport-Tuned Suspension Pkg),
- aero kit,
- splash guards, and
- carpeted trunk.
Also shows 5 option packages for the Leather Model:
- Premium Pkg (requires sunroof),
- Sport-tuned Suspension Pkg,
- Winter Pkg,
- Winter Package-Sport (requires Sport Tuned-Suspension Pkg), and
- Aero Pkg (requires Sport-tuned Suspension Pkg).
Got that?
I'm not buying a BMW for ED, but if I get a BMW I'm going to do this since I'm over there next spring anyway. It essentially saves the cost of a rental car for the period that I'm there. The downside is that when you get home, you have no car for the six weeks it takes to ship it back to you, but I can finesse this. You also have to pay for the car in full 30 days before you pick it up.
I have yet to hear from anyone who has had a bad experience with ED and thousands of people do it every year.
More info at www.bmwusa.com.
Finally, if you are a member of BMW Car Club of America for a year, they give you a $500 discount on the 3-series, $1000 for the 5. Well worth joining if you anticipate getting a BMW.
- Mark
Mark, even if what you are claiming is the case. The Infiniti G35 would still be a great value and a better deal than the same equipped BMW.
My humble opionion
Tony,
But, 325i vs. G35, both great cars, don't get me wrong, but think about two things, size of the cars and performance.
As my name implies I bought a cloth model G35 in April for 1645 off MSRP, yes, I wish it were a stick, as for xenon I could care less, not all they are advertised to
http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2002/07/18/hid-blindness.htm
And for sports package, already got the 18's, just waiting for the springs and shocks.
- Mark
From what I have seen and read it's an awesome car. I test drove one a month back and it is everything they advertise it to be. Good luck.
Infiniti Reports Best July Sales in History [Aug. 01, 02]
GARDENA, Calif. (August 1, 2002) - Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan North America, Inc., today reported its best July sales in history with sales of 7,535 units, a 33.5 percent increase versus July of last year.
Continuing its hot sales pace, the G35 sport sedan reported sales of 3,371, which is its best sales month since going on sale March 11.
Rounding out the Infiniti lineup, I35 posted sales of 2,041 units, QX4 posted sales of 1,459 units, G20 posted sales of 276 units and Q45 posted sales of 388 units. Please see the sales chart on the following page for more details.
Nissan's combined U.S. sales for July, including Nissan and Infiniti divisions, totaled 62,281 units, accounting for a 5.4 percent increase versus July of last year.
Infiniti is supported by a network of 158 dealers throughout North America and offers a range of luxury vehicles including the Infiniti QX4 luxury sport utility vehicle, G20 sedan, G35 sport sedan, I35 luxury performance sedan and flagship Q45 performance luxury sedan. For more information on the complete line of Infiniti luxury vehicles and the Total Ownership Experience (TOE) philosophy, visit Infiniti on the Web at www.infiniti.com.
G20 276
I35 / I30 2,041
G35 3,371
Q45 388
QX4 1,459
Infiniti Division Total 7,535
As far as sightings - you just never know....I'll go a week or more w/o seeing any, and then on my way home from work yesterday I saw two.
I would appreciate if you could repost with a link and delete your message quoting the article.
Thanks!
Pat
Sedans Host
I see no reason to change it.
It feels different to have the seat further forward but I am finding that I feel like I am sitting "in" the seats more than "on" them now, the side bolsters feel like they are cradling my back better and I can drive the car more aggressively with more of a feeling of control. Also, my left foot reaches the dead pedal very well now, whereas before it felt like quite a reach.
Since the G sedan has a taller seat position, it makes sense that, for a given leg length, a closer seating position might be a better choice.
Try it, you might like it.
-- joe
I have the same tires on my G35, and though I have only about 10k miles on them I'm already starting the search for replacements just so it won't be the mad rush when the time comes
I used this tire calculator: http://www.c5-corvette.com/tirecalc.htm to find a wider set of tires that were as close to identical in OAH and circumference as I could get. I'm paranoid about things like speedometer error and deviating from the originally designed drive ratios etc...
I'm not certain if it is of concern to you, or if I'm just being overly picky
The kicker is that 235/50 R17 is not a mainstream tiresize and because of that there are two choices Cheap, and Insanely expensive
But seriously, the very same Bridgestone Turanza's that are on your car and mine now, come in 235/50 and at about $129 a piece, I think that if you go for the much higher performance Michelin or Bridgestone offerings in the more popular 225/50,55 size you will be looking at SIGNIFICANTly more money. This might not be a concern for you, but I'm thinking that the Turanza's are decent, and with 20mm of extra width there should hopefully be some noticeable handling improvements.
I wish there was a place you could go where there were ten identical G35s all with different brands and widths of tires that you could drive around on a track or parking lot... That would seem the only way to get a ballpark idea of what might work well. I've been in the unfortunate situation where I've spent a FORTUNE on "ultra high performance tires" for a previous vehicle only to discover that my car (though much stickier in the corners) was far more dangerous. They stuck and stuck and stuck in the corners like glue and then without warning they would just all of a sudden let go, either because they were pushed to the limit, or I hit a manhole cover or small undulation in the road and the momentarily lost adhesion.
The irony is that I went to Bridgestone Potenza RE71s and though those tires had far less grip, they gave plenty of warning as they approached the limits of adhesion, and when the "let go" it was a gentle thing, predictable, and easy to counter... I felt FAR more confident on the tires that cost half as much and they lasted much longer too!
Just some food for thought...
If you read tire reviews and they say things like "predictable" and "Plenty of warning" choose that route as opposed to "Tires stick like crazy!"
In the real world of the street, you need the predictability of tires to counter the unpredictability of the road surface...
Have a Good one! and sorry for talking so much...
Faenor/Dane4
Don't count on seeing the manual in anything less than a well optioned sport model. The six-speed will also probably be MORE expensive than the autobox. It is on most Z's.
Sales have been outstanding.
Sport and Premium models have become impossible to get. We have 2 premiums untill next month and three sport models until October.
In fact Infiniti is running so low on the sport wheels that they have deleated the full size spare from the winter sprt pkg.
The options really are not that hard to figure out and a five min. conversation with a salesperson should answer any questions you might have.
I'm sure it's because of the winter package. In general summer tires aren't safe in winter weather, or when the temperature gets below about 32F. The rubber compound gets hard and has poor traction, even on dry pavement. That's how they get such high performance on summer tires, by focusing the rubber design on a narrower temperature range.
However I see your point. In northern regions all-season tires may be insufficient, so why alternate between winter and all-season tires when you could have summer and winter tires.
If it's any consolation the G35 that won the Road and Track comparison had the V-rated RS-A all season tires, beating the BMW 330i which had dedicated summer high-performance tires.
Yet tirerack.com doesn't rate the RS-A that highly, so maybe it was the car not the tire responsible. If you really want a great high-perf summer tire, there are probably much better tires than the RS-A. Of course that would mean buying two sets of tires for your new car, summer and winter.
-- Joe