Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

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Comments

  • ryokenryoken Member Posts: 291
    Luxury model (cloth seats, willow color interior only) $27,100, and the only options available are a trunk mat, splash guards, and the body kit. They don't make these anymore, and if you want one, good luck finding it now. These were produced so they could advertise "starting at $27,100".

    Luxury Leather model (choice of willow or graphite interior) $29,650, and all the options are available here, one of which is the sport-tuned suspension package for $425. With all the options, MSRP can climb as high as $38,765. If you want specifics on options and prices, use Infiniti's build-your-own (MSRP only), Edmund's pricing engine (MSRP, Invoice, and TMV), or the MSN Auto's CarPoint pricing engine (MSRP and Invoice).

    6MT model, at $29,100, will include leather and the sport-tuned suspension. So, you should compare this price against $29,650 + $425 = $30,075. So it looks like the 6-speed is $975 less than the automatic, but forces the sport-suspension option on you. Who knows, it might even have some extra options that aren't available with the A/T, like 18" wheels and such.

    And don't forget to add the $545 destination charge.
  • jmichaelpjmichaelp Member Posts: 29
    Anyone have a clue as to why the following discrepency exists?

    http://www.infiniti.ca/eng/models/g35/specs/index.html

    Fuel Consumption
    City 12.6 L/100 km (22 mpg)
    Hwy 8.4 L/100 km (34 mpg)

    http://www.infiniti.com/discover/ModelSpecifications/0,9284,22756- ,00.html

    2003 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates (city/hwy)
    Feature Description
    5-speed automatic 19/26 Actual mileage may vary. Use for comparison only.
  • alfaberalfaber Member Posts: 19
    I would assume the difference in US and Canadian mpg figures is that the Canadian figures are quoted in Imperial gallons, which are almost 20% larger than US gallons.
      --Andy
  • maxima4maxima4 Member Posts: 74
    The lease on my '00 Altima expired. I spoke with Nissan and they extended it to 5/03 in anticipation of my wait on the G35 6MT Sedan. I feel like I'm running in circles because a full price list is not available yet. The car is in high demand which means that I may be paying full sticker price for it. I know I don't have to pay sticker, but if I want the car I may not have a choice. If I walk away, there will be someone else to buy it.

    I could put down a deposit to hold one for me, but I feel like I'm going in blind not having hard numbers to deal with.

    If the wait becomes too long I just may look at the 5AT. They are wheeling and dealing on those and I could get a fully loaded one for a great price.

    Is anyone else in the same situation as me? Thanks!
  • robertrrobertr Member Posts: 125
    My lease on a 2000 Maxima SE 5-speed expired this week. I had previously arranged to extend it one month. NMAC will extend it longer if I need it.

    In November, I put a deposit on a G35 MT6 sedan which the dealer ordered in November. No hard price yet, but price calculation is already agreed on. It was originally expected late January or early February. My salesman recently told me there was a delay on the manual sedan and to expect it late-February to early-March.

    You may want to make a deposit to give you right of first refusal on whatever is coming in that hasn't been spoken for yet. Also, see what the dealer will commit to in terms of Invoice + X, or MSRP - Y. I think they should have a full price list any day now anyway. Infiniti has announced the base price, and the options should be the same as the automatic. My email address is in my profile if you'd like to email me.
  • carshopper46carshopper46 Member Posts: 24
    Would you mind sharing what your agreed "price calculation" is for the G35 6MT? Thanks.
    And thanks to the other posters for explaining the pricing on the MT.
  • kfhmailkfhmail Member Posts: 199
    Can anyone tell me the LOGIC Infiniti has for offering only one interior color for the pearl/white exterior. They used to offer both graphite and willow, but they have dropped the graphite.

    I would like to see more interior color options, not less.
  • maxima4maxima4 Member Posts: 74
    Thank you for the advice.
  • htbombhtbomb Member Posts: 8
    To save production costs. If it's any consolation, although black interiors look richer, they're killer in the summer (mine's Willow). Infiniti should reconsider less important options like the $70 trunk mat that came in mine. Either put it in all cars or can it.
  • kfhmailkfhmail Member Posts: 199
    I understand about saving production costs, but Infiniti should produce "enough" alternative selections so that the "buying" public can have a choice.

    With that logic, You would save EVEN more if you only put the "willow" in all cars...why if you are already making both the willow and graphite not offer both on all cars?

    As I have said in earlier messages, I actually think inifinti should offer more choices (something in between willow and graphite).

    I also think Infiniti should re-think some of their options. An Infiniti should come almost totally loaded or it should not be an Infiniti. I know this would raise the minimum cost but any Infiniti should be loaded.

    IMO these options should be standard:
     - the carpeted trunk mat
     - Wheel locks
     - Full Size Spare
     - Premium package (many of these items came
        standard on my 1992 Diamante)

    Also the winter package should be part of the premium package (or at least the heated side mirrors - again standard on 1992 Diamante).

    IMO the only options should be:

    - Sun/moon roof (some people are too tall)
    - Wood package
    - Sport package
    - Spoiler
    - other aero options
    - cloth seats (other options should be available
       with cloth)

    An Infiniti should be LOADED.
  • kfhmailkfhmail Member Posts: 199
    I agree the graphite would be hotter in the summer, but I like it better than the willow (depends on exterior color).

    As I have said before, a color between the willow and graphite seems to me to be a logical option/selection to give the buying public.

    Also, personally I prefer a cloth seat to leather. Yes I like the way leather looks and smells, but I like the way cloth "breathes" better. I live in the South and the leather can get sticky when it is hot...but it gets cold here also, and I do not like to sit on a cold seat. I know they have seat heaters, but they are not instantaneous.

    Anyway...(if Infiniti is listening and wants my opinion)I would like to see more cloth color choices AND be able to get any or all of the options with cloth like you can on the leather.
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    leather even though I live in the south and it gets very hot. I have black leather in my '02 QX4. I like it mainly because I don't have to worry about stains or marks from the kinds drinks/food or markers/pens. I had light grey in the van we replaced and the black is MUCH better. I can deal with the hot by just turning on the A/C for a few min before getting in.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Anyway...(if Infiniti is listening and wants my opinion)I would like to see more cloth color choices AND be able to get any or all of the options with cloth like you can on the leather.


    You're in the minority on this one as most luxury manufacturers don't offer cloth or a very limited number of cloth cars. Luxury and cloth do not mesh - I can only imagine the look of horror on MB S-Class owners faces if they got into a German car with cloth. If you want cloth, your best bet is to shop down market.

    BTW, simply turn on the AC or the heater and 3 minutes later the world is peachy perfect.
  • kfhmailkfhmail Member Posts: 199
    I understand that I may be in the minority or perceived minority...but alot people say they like leather because they are "supposed" to. Also, you can get soaking wet from sweat/heat in 3 minutes while waiting on the A/C. But when I get a G35 I will go with the leather in order to get the options.

    Also, if you are ever in Germany go to any BMW or Mercedes dealership and you will not see leather seats. The people that make and market these luxury cars buy cloth/fabric seats not leather. This is basically just an American thing.

    Thanks for your input.
  • macman246macman246 Member Posts: 118
    Any major problems I should know about?

    Test drove one earlier this week. What an awesome ride! I'm hooked. The light willow interior was a bit bright and reflective in my opinion, so I'll try out the black next. Tinting the windows might help some.

    I already know to check for the Xenon HID's, A/C fix, CD changer fix, restyled 2003.5 trunk, and to get the Bridgestone Turanza's. Also to skip the extended warranty. Is there anything else?

    TIA
  • khoonkhoon Member Posts: 85
    I test drove a G35 today - good ride, but a horribly noisy engine!!!

    I was comparing it to a 325i, which is infinitely quieter than the G35. Isn't the G35 really just a souped up Altima? I've read about a new G35 6MT - what's this? Is it a 6spd manual tranny?

    I've heard about dumping the Goodyear tires, what are some of the other gotchas???
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    At least I don't see it that way. Its more of a 4-door luxury 350Z.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I was comparing it to a 325i, which is infinitely quieter than the G35. Isn't the G35 really just a souped up Altima? I've read about a new G35 6MT - what's this? Is it a 6spd manual tranny?

    The Altima is a FWD car built on a a Nissan only FWD platform shared by the Murano, 04 Maxima, 04 Quest and Altima, while the G35 is a RWD car built on the FM platform (shared with the 350z, G35c and FX45/35) that provides the G35 with 52/48 weight distribution.

    The 6 speed manual (just like the one in the G35c and 350z) will be available over the next month depending on your locale.

    Lastly, a BMW 325i is quieter and with eurodelivery it's about the same cost but performance wise the 325i can't do anything beyond staring at the taillights of a G35s.
  • khoonkhoon Member Posts: 85
    bluedorguycom, thanks for your explanation.

    Perhaps you can help with my decision process. I really like the 325i, here are my percieved cons for this car:
    -Price - even with ED
    -cramped rear quarters
    -and most importantly, the fact that an updated '04 model will arrive by year end.

    Regarding the G35, i liked everything but the engine noise. What were the Infiniti guys thinking when they put this together? How could they allow so much noise for a car in the luxury segment?

    I concede, the G35 is probably a lot faster than the 325i, but lets get real, how many of us are going to race these cars? I normally cruise at 80-90mph (with radar protection) on the freeway. For all I care, the faster guy can pull ahead of me and play bait for the radar cops!

    Just my thought process...I welcome other points of view.
  • khoonkhoon Member Posts: 85
    MSN Carpoint and Edmunds do not show the invoice pricing for the G35. I checked Kelley, they have invoice pricing but it seems to be valid until Nov. '02. According to Kelley, the invoice on a leather G35 with AT, Sunroof, and the Winter package is $28,174. Is this accurate? Where can I find the invoice price for this car?
  • ryokenryoken Member Posts: 291
    I agree that the choice of interior colors is lacking. However, even BMW makes the Premium package an option, and it doesn't come with standard Xenons, either. As for wheel locks, you're getting a bit picky, there. I'm indifferent on the issue of the spare. I like the extra trunk room, and I've driven on a doughnut before without problems. If you really want cloth, there is an order code to get a 3-series with cloth seats "at no extra cost."
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    The 325i compared to the G35 may be an an apples and oranges comparison. The BMW that the G35 is compared to in all the reviewing magazines that call it the BMW beater is the 330i. The 330i in the articles I have read compared very nicely with the G35 on everything but price with the G35 being $8000 less.

    http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0208_sedan/index7.h- tml

    And now BMW is busy trying to catch up.
  • norcalmike2norcalmike2 Member Posts: 133
    When I bought my sedan, I compared the BMW 530i specifications side by side with the G35. In every category; horsepower, head and leg room, creature comforts, and standard equipment, the G35 was by far superior. Not to mention, my G car cost a boat load of money less than the BMW. For all practical purposes, the magazines should not be comparing the G35 with the 330i.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    "In every category; horsepower, head and leg room, creature comforts, and standard equipment, the G35 was by far superior."

    The 530i has the distinction of being the best luxury sports sedan ever in that price range, and the car is drop dead gorgeous. There is no other car, so the mags say, that put everything together as well as the 530i. Anybody that has even only sat in a 530i and G35 understands the fundamental differences between these two cars and the fact the G is left out in the cold in comparison to the 5er.

    If one really believes on the basis of interior room and acceleration the G wins, I respect that because we all have different tastes, but whole-heartedly don't agree, as a car is more than the sum of it's interior room and straight line acceleration. For if that were really true, nobody would any of these cars, they would go for the Mustang Cobra, Vette and good-old American muscle cars and BMW, Infiniti, et al would be all but defunct.

    There is a lot of useful information in the now defunct 530 vs G35 thread.
  • khoakhoa Member Posts: 64
    G35 is a "sport" sedan. I believe "sport" and "engine noise" go hand-in-hand. The 330i actually has a really nice engine sound. Have you looked at the ES300?
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    and you think that's fair. The 530i and the G35 aren't even in the same market. Someone thinking about a G35 is not going to have the money for a 530i. If he does, there will be many other cars to compare against as well. Just the fact that anyone tries to compare the G35 to the 530i just shows how fantastic the G35 really is.
  • norcalmike2norcalmike2 Member Posts: 133
    Maybe I am getting a little wiser as I get older. To me, spending another 15K for a 530i does not make any sense. My G car is trouble free with no trips to the service department to fix those "new car bugs". I like that peace of mind. I will have to respectfully disagree with bigorange30 about G35 people not being able to buy 530i's. Over the years I have purchased a new 560SL, a Lexus SC400, and a 230SLK, paying cash each time (die hard bachelor). Even though my friends tease my about my fancy Altima, It's not all that important to me any longer to have a prestigious emblem on my hood.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    People have compared the WRX against the Porsche 911. Does that make it an utterly fantastic car? Yes and no. but if you have the money to buy a 911, you're not going to buy a WRX instead. You might buy a WRX with it.

    Long ago when I was a bachelor I used to pay cash for my cars, but business reasons dictate that I now lease. Paying cash is says nothing about the car and buying a G35 for cash when you can afford a 530i for cash is a personal preference. It does not indicate anything about the overall sophistication of each car and it's form vs. intended function. In life, you pay more for things, you get better quality, fit, function, form. Most people I know would choose a more expensive small high class diamond, against a lower price bigger lower quality diamond. The lower quality diamond is not really the better buy.

    Except for those who would play devils advocate, the cars do have some commonality, but being in the same class of car is not one of them. The BMW 530i outshines it's competitors up and those who think otherwise, I wonder about those rose colored glasses.

    One more thing, to me that fact that someone doesn't want to spend $15K more for a car or $10K more or whatever, says more about their finances than it does about the two cars. The comparison about two cars always compares form/function with price.
  • sopecreeksopecreek Member Posts: 203
    Interesting post from FX35/45 board. It may be what's coming for the G, too.

    #70 of 70 Ask and you shall receive... by deano67218 Jan 25, 2003 (9:23 am)
    For the record, I work at an Infiniti dealership in Kansas, BUT, I am not here to sell you anything. I just like chatting about cars, and that is what I see the purpose of this board. Last night, we received our first FX35. I got a chance to test drive it last night several times. I was pleasantly surprised. The biggest surprise was the "manual" shifting. It is the same tranny as the G, but they have improved the lag between activation of the shift and the actual shift. It is much smoother now. If anyone has any questions, let me know...I would love to chat with everyone!

    Chris
  • ryokenryoken Member Posts: 291
    Do you think that's a transmission software upgrade that can be applied to a G35, or does it involve mechanical parts? The only thing on the G35 Sedan that I think really needs a little improvement is the transmission.
  • sopecreeksopecreek Member Posts: 203
    I don't know. It may be the AWD version this person testdrove. Does AWD/RWD affect how the transmission behave? Or as you have pointed out, a software upgrade could be it, in which case the same may be applied to G. G35/FX35/Z350 are supposed to share the same platform, aren't they?
    How does the Z auto tranny perform compared to G35? But I agree with you, the tranny was my biggest gripe when I testdrove the G35 sport(didn't mind the noise or interior that much...)
  • norcalmike2norcalmike2 Member Posts: 133
    Sam Walton used to drive a 9 year old Jeep. We all have own own set of priorities.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    Used to drive a Lexus to work. That didn't mean he didn't understand the difference between that and the Porsche he spent almost $1,000,000 trying to import. Or declare the Lexus the better car because of the rear legroom and the fact it is was $970,000 cheaper. :)
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Well, I can afford a Porsche 911, but I'm looking at the WRX Wagon and the G35 sedan with MT. I'd rather be the one who pays less for a car that offers the most bang for the buck. Frankly, spending more than $50,000 for a car that underperforms cars costing half as much isn't my idea of prestige.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    "Well, I can afford a Porsche 911, but I'm looking at the WRX Wagon and the G35 sedan with MT"

    I can afford one also, but then I would have had to take out a second mortgage on my vacation house in Hawaii. It's all a matter of perspective.

    A person gets a car because the form, function, status, pricing meets their needs, wants, desires and requirements. That does not mean the 911 isn't at the top of it's game in the market segment it's playing in. And that you can find a car at a higher or lower price that can beat the Porsche at it's game. You're desire to get a G35 does not take away anything from the Porsche.

    Similiar analogy holds with the 530i vs. G35. Or any car vs. any car.
  • bigorange30bigorange30 Member Posts: 1,091
    because of its performance and Infiniti's reliability reputation. However, compared to the Corvette, Porsche Boxter or BMW, the appearance is not quite as appealing. I like the vette appearance the best. The G35 looks a little bland and the back end is the worst part of it.
  • jmichaelpjmichaelp Member Posts: 29
    The dealer has 40 6MT's in stock!

    http://www.infiniti.com/discover/ModelSpecifications/0,9284,22756- ,00.html

    6MT 30 lbs heavier than the automatic, probably due to addition of certain options. Disappointed to see that gas mileage only increases by one mpg. Guess I might end up going with the Saab 9-5 Aero...
  • kfhmailkfhmail Member Posts: 199
    Does anyone know why Edmunds is not listing invoice prices for the G35 sedan? The car has been on sale for about 10 months!

    Edmunds are you listening...I would like to see invoice prices.
  • ryokenryoken Member Posts: 291
    You can find invoice pricing on the G35 at www.carsdirect.com.
  • coolpop36coolpop36 Member Posts: 65
    No no no, this engine is not noisy. When I start the car up or push it on the interstate, I hear a very sweet purr.

    To me, "noise" implies a very crude, poorly tuned engine, like the one in my brother's 1990 Explorer, with the screeches and the pings and what not. A friend of mine just got this Mercedes C230, the 2 door hatchback junk, and that 4 cylinder engine is pure noise because it sounds very harsh. The engine in the G may be a bit loud for some tastes, but all I hear are smooth, beautiful tones.

    Just my 2 cents.
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    I can't figure out the weight difference between the MTX and Auto models, but heavy steel gears in the tranny and a steel dual mass flywheel and pressure plate can add some pounds.
    I'm surprised that the leather Auto and MTX are both going to have rather skinny tires (215).
    I was hoping for a Track Model option.
    At least you will be able to distinguish the MTX by unique 5 spoke wheels.
    It looks like the final formula is set.
    I'm disappointed in a way.
    Looks like the instant upgrades are going to be:
    1. Wider, lighter forged wheels with 245/45 rubber (Bridgestone Potenza SO-3 Pole Positions)
    2. Less restrictive, true dual exhaust system (according to Motor Trend, the stock system is a hp robber, and accounts for much of the difference from the hp of the Coupe).
    3. LSD pumpkin from the 350Z (fits right in)or the Nismo mechanical unit (I can't stand open diffs).
    4. Get the high, engine compartment mounted battery into the trunk.
    It's too bad that Nissan, like almost all manufacturers, penalizes one for choosing a 4 door over a coupe.
    Hey, it's just a coupe with 2 extra doors!
  • manavimanavi Member Posts: 150
    Hey!

    Sounds like you're looking at the exact same two cars I am. The WRX wagon and the G35 with MT.

    How is your decision making coming along?

    I have yet to testdrive a G35 since I've been waiting for the MT, but the WRX was a blast. The sedan seemed a little cramped inside, but the wagon was good.

    The G35 has all the creature comforts but it's of course more expensive and I'm wondering if I really want a pseudo-luxury car. I'm afraid I might feel paranoid about taking care of it and making sure it's always clean.

    The WRX wagon, OTOH, seems more practical and I wouldn't be afraid to let my kids eat their chicken nuggets in the back since it's just a Subaru ;) Plus, I could use the rear cargo area for Home Depot errands and such. But, I want the creature comforts of the G35, too!

    Plus, the G35 has a longer driving range thanks to a larger gas tank.

    Aaargh!!!! Oh well, we won't be making a decision for probably another year or so, but I love to carshop!
  • corkfishcorkfish Member Posts: 537
    Yeah, we have very similar concerns. I liked the G35 and was waiting for the manual ( although the torque in the automatic I drove still made the car fun). Nonetheless, it's against my nature to spend $30,000 or more on a car. I like the fact that even if the Subaru gets dinged up a little I won't mind. I'd be a little paranoid with the G35.I drove the WRX sedan and was a little disappointed in the torque. You have to drive the car differently because of the turbo lag. Floor it in 5th gear when the car is at 60 mph and it just sits there waiting for the turbo to spool up. There's a lot of downshifting involved. Nontheless, I'm leaning toward the Wagon because it's such a sleeper. The new design is much better too. Much more conventional looking than the first model. I also like the idea of having the Subaru as a second car if I decide to buy something nice in another five years.
  • kfhmailkfhmail Member Posts: 199
    Comment to #7072

    Hey is the list of instant upgrades just your wish list or is this something that you have heard/read that Infiniti is going to do?

    Also please explain your statement "LSD pumpkin from the 350Z (fits right in)or the Nismo mechanical unit (I can't stand open diffs)"

    What is LSD pumpkin?

    Thanks.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Regarding the G35, i liked everything but the engine noise. What were the Infiniti guys thinking when they put this together? How could they allow so much noise for a car in the luxury segment?

    I know for a fact Infiniti decided to allow exactly as much engine noise as you hear. They're aiming for a segment that wants to hear the engine growl when the car's pushed. If you want quiet there's the I35 or go visit Lexus ES300. The G35's a far more aggressive sports luxury sedan than the competition.

    I concede, the G35 is probably a lot faster than the 325i, but lets get real, how many of us are going to race these cars?

    Who said race? I think most G owners can relate how much they love being able to just plant their foot and the car booms forward like a rocket.

    I normally cruise at 80-90mph (with radar protection) on the freeway. For all I care, the faster guy can pull ahead of me and play bait for the radar cops!

    It's not about racing people...it's the little things that one gets used to with so much torque and HP. You want to merge with traffic...boom, done. You're in a lane that's slowing to 60 and you see an opening, boom, you're at 80 now and it was a breeze. You need to cut across 3 lanes to get off an unexpected exit that's less than a 1/4 mile away. Behind you it's all blocked up...ahead it's free and clear...stab the gas and you're homefree.

    I drove a dodge neon rental this weekend and I was taken aback by so many elements of that wretched car...the most distressing thing though: the car's total lack of power, gearing or handling.

    Once you've got torque on tap, it's hard to go back to the world of pressing the gas and then waiting 10 seconds for a reaction.
  • khoonkhoon Member Posts: 85
    Thanks for your analysis! That's exactly what I'm seeking - a different perspective.

    Frankly, I'm confused as hell and can't quite make a decision.

    Thanks again!
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    I am considering a Garnet Fire red sedan with the Willow leather. For those of you who have it,
    how is the Willow leather holding up?
    wear marks?
    difficult to keep clean?
    general impressions of Willow color?
  • stanny1stanny1 Member Posts: 962
    I currently drive a Lincoln LS with MTX (manual) tranny. The car is low on power but what really bothers me is the general trend by manufacturers to think that Traction Control is somehow equal to having a real LSD (limited slip differential).
    Yes, the normal driver will have Traction Control intervene when one rear tire starts spinning. The TC system will reduce power and/or apply the brakes on the offending wheel.
    But that time wasting move could be prevented by having what was very common years ago and that is a rear differential with a limited slip "pumpkin", which if you opened the differential case, you would see a round ball that is the LSD unit.
    There are many types of LSD units. Some have discs, some have cones, ratchets, springs and one real expensive type is called a Torsen differential.
    When you turn a corner. the inside rear wheel must turn less than the outside wheel. A differential allows that to happen. The problem is that when you want to accelerate or slide the rear to corner (also called steering with your right foot), you wnat the rear wheels to each contribute 50% to the effort. If one wheel slips, you will lose control.
    If you take your G35 to a SCCA Solo 2 Slolom near you (which is the most fun you can have sitting down), you will not want the intervention of traction control or the lack of a LSD unit. Spinning one wheel in a turn means you are just "spinning your wheels" in a literal sense. You just lose time and control. On a road course, you could lose control in a turn and hit a tree. You must know what your rear wheels are going to do when you step on the gas. LSD helps you predict what the rear will do and thus your direction.
    Maybe someone here can find the URL for the burnout for the M3. It's on some Nissan enthusiast site, if I remember. That fairly controlled burnout is a testament to LSD. The M3 does circle after circle without brakes and close to full throttle. Sterring wheel inputs were minimal, but controlled the vehicle as it spun around. Without LSD, that car would have probably killed a spectator or three.
    It looks like the G35 MTX will not feature an LSD unit, even as an option. But it's on the 350Z, and it's the same FM platform as the G35. So I bet that if you went to Nissan Parts or NIZMO, you caould buy the pumpkin and have it installed. That will be my utmost priority.
    Along with replacing the exhaust system.
    About a year ago, I met the Media Relations Manager for a major aftermarket exhaust company. I E-mailed him today and he said that it was funny you asked, but NIZMO is going to sell their system for the FM cars. They are the prime manufacturer!
    But they have to get their hands on the car first (the 6MTX).
    An "open" differential is the stock, non-LSD unit in the G35. If you took the differential cover off, it would be "open", like missing something.
    In drag racing, an open differential would be a guaranteed out of control situation. Hell, they don't even use an LSD. They just have a solid shaft on each side of the ring gear. No differential action needed or wanted.
    Hope this helps.
    The next time you accelerate and hit a wet spot, be ready to correct your direction. TC may save you. But an LSD unit would react a lot less.
    A good test is when you come out of the car wash. I like to do a mini-burn out because it's all wet there. But I have to be careful. The tires spin at different rates, and it's easy to do an uncontrolled fish-tail. With LSD, I could do controlled donuts.
    With an automatic, the lack of LSD has a less pronounced effect, because you can't get torque as fast and as much as when you have a stick. That M3 burnout would be much harder to initiate and maintain with an automatic.
    All things being equal, the manual tranny is like having 20-40 more HP, especially off the line when automatics take time to build steam.
    Hard-[non-permissible content removed] gearheads like me will gladly wait for the new 6 speed G Sedan. I'm 54 and have driven manuals all my life.
    Younger drivers may not realize that owning a manual, rear wheel drive, 4 door is a rare opportunity. Between 1984 and 2000, they were almost extinct except for BMW. These were the dark days when the evil forces of FWD almost killed the true performance car.
    Although I think they want too much of a premium for their cars, I applaud them for keeping the flame alive.
    Because of this almost 15 year drought, I was forced to keep my 1983 Cressida for 17 years. Yes, it was a rare 5 speed manual. It cost $12,900 and yes, it had LSD from the factory.
  • maxima4maxima4 Member Posts: 74
    Thanks for the run down on the LSD (Posi Traction?)vs. Traction control. I used to drive a 1970 Olds 442..that had 500 pound feet of torque and 365 HPs. It was a torque junkie and the car hauled booty!! Both wheels used to grab and launch the car like a missle. Those were the days!

    Anyway....I love the G35 and my expectaions of getting a 6MT Sedan are dwindling fast. Dealers are gettig invoice and the wait is heading towards June at this point. I am going to settle for the 5AT and be happy. I mostly likely will be able to get one fully loaded with the NAV system. I know I could wait, but I have already extended my lease once and the miles are starting to rack up. Nissan will only extend the lease 6 months past the original date. By the time a car is available with what I want in the 6MT, it will be way past June.

    The 5 AT is fun to drive, but the fun factor will be dialed some what.
  • needashaveneedashave Member Posts: 91
    Anyone have any experience driving one in the snow? Happy motoring.
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