Infiniti G35 Sedan 2006 and earlier

dgraves1

Nope, the sedan is not available in Diamond Graphite. I saw it on an I35 and it is gorgeous, exactly what I am looking for but, alas, it is not available on the G35 sedan.

bjvjs

Does anyone know when the 2004 G35 will be coming out? Any information available regarding pricing or equipment?

ihaberman

I agree that the diamond graphite on the coupe is the best color...but according to a dealer in Chicago, there is no plan to offer it on the sedan. Such a shame. That would be my first choice, together with the graphite leather interior. Assuming no graphite, I'm debating b/w the Black/Willow and the Silver/Charcoal. As much as I would like a light interior, I think the charcoal goes better with the faux titanium interior. The willow goes better with a more wood-sy interior...but the G35 doesn't offer enough wood in their wood "package". They need to offer a wood dashboard option in addition to the inserts on the doors. And they need to make it available with the sport package.

ryoken

I agree. I like medium gray metallics, like the Diamond Graphite. (As a side note, Emerald Mist is not available on the Coupe.) I also like gray interiors.. but we're out of luck there, too. I went with Desert Platinum/Graphite. I was hesitant to get a dark interior, but I just don't like the way the titanium-colored bits clash with the willow-colored bits. The Platinum keeps growing on me, it's rather elegant and highlights the luxury side of the car (while the spoiler and 5-spokes denote business).

ihaberman

The desert platinum/graphite is a great look. At the Chicago auto show, it was surprisingly my favorite combination. Usually, "beige" exteriors look too old-person for me (I'm 32)...but this one did not at all. The strange thing is, I don't see it around much...and thus, I forgot about it.

cheerioboy26

absolutely no information yet. rumors persist of AWD at some point, but they are just that.

Assumption is a standard MY introduction with 2004 cars available in Sept./fall time frame.

psriniv

folks, for the 2004 MY G35 sedan, the twilight blue is back replacing the emerald mist

cheerioboy26

is actually available right now, in MY 2003 but not at the dealers yet. Dealers could order it at the beginning of April, so the first cars from this month's production should reach the US in mid-late May and into June.

hunter001

I drove the G35 Sedan without the sport suspension and then one with with Sport suspension, back to back last weekend.

The G35 with the Sport suspension was a lot crisper than the one without, specifically while turning. It did not feel rough at all and felt tauter.

Overall I liked the car but was left wanting a bit in the "Steering feel" department. The steering feel tuning was more akin to that of a family car than a sports car but that, I believe is to be expected, since it is marketed as a near-luxury product and not as a sports-car. The steering ratio was very quick and the steering itself was very precise but it was too light to feel sporty. Almost similar in feel to my Acura 3.2TL.

The quality of the interior bits could be improved a bit more.

Overall a very nice car. I might plunk down the money for one, when the AWD version hits the road.

Later...AH

dgraves1

hunter - If you want more steering wheel feel and a more sports car like driving experience, you should give the IS300 a try. Of course, it is a smaller car.

cdnpinhead

it's a boy-racer delight. Gotta love those tail lights and the interior.

hunter001

I did drive the IS300 too. I REALLY liked the car's tuning and the ride. The steering was great (a notch below the 330 but still excellent) and the car's reflexes (better than the 330) were amazing. It drove very similar to my 02 WRX Turbo. Initially I was not too enthused with the boy-racer touches that Lexus had equipped the car with. But after a while, I decided that I could live with that, especially in the darker colors with the cloudy taillights. The interior had also improved a lot (from the initial years) after the introduction of the full-leather package, even though for performance driving, the leather-escaine combo was better.

I simply could not convince my wife however, due to the limited rear seat room. She simply could not think of replacing our 2000 3.2TL with the IS300.

If not for the steering feel, I would have been really happy with the G35, inspite of the "family car tuning" that filtered through. After they come out with the AWD version, I intend to visit Infiniti again.

Later...AH

squirreljam

Hey gang - this is a dupe post from the "G35-What did you Pay?" board, but want to catch anyone who might not see it there.

Can anyone share the April buy-rate lease money factor and residual percentage for a g35 sedan with 6MT for 36-39 months with 15K miles/year in St Louis MO?

Thanks a ton,
Squirrel

dgraves1

hunter - I'm in the exact same boat. I love the feel of the IS300 and have convinced myself that the driving experience is more important than certain negative styling elements but my wife is still concerned that it is too small. I personally think the G35 has much better feel than the run of the mill "sporty" sedans like the TL-S, Maxima and numerous other front drivers, so it is a reasonable compromise for the family.

himiler

Congrats on your purchase!

effinponderous

I just recently picked up my fully loaded G35 with the aero kit. I am amazed at the difference in appearance with it. Other than mine, I have yet to see one equipped with the full aero kit anywhere. Has anyone else purchased this package?

hunter001

By "aero kit", did you mean the package that gives a different front bumper and body-colored side moldings ? That does give it a sharp appearance.

Does the kit also include the under-body diffusers etc., that reduces the Cd to 0.26 and 0 rear lift ?

Later...AH

effinponderous

It gives it a totally different look, and i have yet to see another one like it. Just wondering if anyone else out there has it.

slummyj

Last night, for the second time, I drove a G35 and an FX35. I can't make up my mind. The G35 is more practical for me, but the FX35 has a certain style and I like the brick interior. The color choices are dull on the GX35. I realize that it is supposed to be a luxury/sporty car, but it could have some more variety in interior and exterior colors. The GX35 reminded me of my Passat GLX with more power. The FX35 was more of a novelty...I'm concerned that once the novelty wears off, I'd be stuck with an SUV/station wagon crossover. My wife was no help. She went in hating the FX35, and left loving it.

hunter001

I did see one of those at our local dealership.

Also, does the kit also include the under-body diffusers, spoiler etc., that reduces the Cd to 0.26 and 0 rear lift ? Or is it mainly for the visual effect ?

Later...AH

dgraves1

Edmunds shows an "Aero Kit" for about $500 and an "Aero Package" for about $2500. Anybody know what the difference is between these two? I assume it is substantial.

hunter001

The aero kit costing $500, includes the rear spoiler and the underbody diffusers that introduce a zero rear lift and also reduces the Cd from 0.27 to 0.26. The front already has zero lift, standard.

The "Aero Package" on the other hand, replaces the front bumper of the Sedan to something that more resembles the front bumper of the Nissan Z35 and has body colored side moldings. I am not sure if it has the components of the "Aero Kit" mentioned above, that eliminates rear-end lift and reduces the Cd, which is what I asked in my above post.

Later...AH

hunter001

I was seriously looking towards a G35 Sedan with the following packages:

Premium Package
Sport package
Winter Package - sport
Aero Kit
Navigation

If only the "Sport Package" had a better "steering feel" as part of it, it would have been perfect.

Later...AH

effinponderous

The aero package includes everything from the smaller package (rear spoiler, zero lift and .26 DC), but also adds the lower side skirts in matching body color, a lower fron air dam and a lowered rear end as well. One of my co-workers had bought a standard G35 with premium and when he saw mine he didn't recognize it as a G35.

effinponderous

It amazes me how annoyed BMW lovers seem to be with the success of the G35. The 3 series is a staple in the entry level sport sedan class. Some might say it's the king. Prior to the purchase of my G, I would have agreed. We can all sit down and throw out the "what ifs" about engine size differences and fair comparisons, but in reality the facts should speak for themselves. The G35 out performs BMW's best equipped 3 series in almost every aspect but one; the nameplate. 0-60 time is better by more than half a second. There are some that might say it's not fair that the G has a 3.5 vs BMW's 3.0. Maybe not fair, but it is what it is. Breaking is the best in class, as is quarter mile time and slalom speed. Top it off with the fact that the G is 10" longer and offers more interior room. Although not a "fact", my opinion is that the G has more style as well. Finally, look at the price tag and the G wins again. The fact is that the 3 has ruled the roost for more years than the Yankees, but let's face it...even the Yankees lose sometimes. Come to think of it, the Yankee fans use a lot of the same excuses as the BMW fans are?!

ryoken

Ya'll are reversing the names of the packages.

"Aero Package" is the rear spoiler and underbody diffusers for about $550. This gets you the reduced Cd and zero rear lift.

"Aerodynamic Body Kit" is the ground-effects "looks-only" kit. (~$2400)

The Aerodynamic Body Kit comes in two versions, a 5-piece w/ rear spoiler, and a 4-piece w/o rear spoiler. The 4-piece version is only available in combination with the Aero Package (which already includes the rear spoiler).

Both packages together go for approx. $2900.

If you want to confirm this yourselves, go to Infiniti's website, into the Build Your Own section, and look at what the individual packages contain.

dgraves1

Anyone have any pictures of the Aero Body Kit? I looked on the Infiniti site but it only shows the front bumber and the rear spoiler. I'd like to see a side view.

jwilson1

There are pictures in some of the threads about 4-6 weeks ago on freshalloy, if you want to do a search.

JW

effinponderous

You are correct, my apologies. I have the 4 piece plus the aero kit

effinponderous

I can send you pics of mine, if you like.

dgraves1

effin - Thanks but that won't be necessary. Ryoken sent me a link to G35drivers.com which had some pictures. It is a nice look. I'm just not sure I can spring for the extra almost $3K.

chinee

Hey hunter001 and dgraves1,

I too considered and almost purchased the IS 300, in fact if the Sportcross was available in February, that's probably what I'd be driving today.

However, I've had my G for almost 3 months now and I'm convinced that I made the right choice. Take the g plunge, you won't regret it.

hunter, I traded my 2002 3.2TL... didn't regret that decision either! And like your wife, my wife disliked the IS as well.

dgraves, that FX is a really nice ride, if your wife likes it, get it! I love my G, but if I had a few more grand to spare (and my conscience would me), I'd have gottten the FX.

dgraves1

I think you must have gotten me mixed up with someone else. The IS is my first choice. I am not considering an FX at all. I love sports cars and want a sedan that is as close as possible to one. I couldn't stand driving an SUV.

clpurnell

Any one notice the Infiniti lease calculator is MIA? Any Ideas on why this happened?

blueguydotcom

I couldn't take the IS300's unresponsive engine. I've driven 2 of them now and both felt like the engine had no oomph. It could be perception but I like the pin-you-back feeling and the IS300 sadly lacks. And while both cars did negotiate corners nicely, I had the distince impression that the steering felt extremely numb. If given the choice for the same money, the bimmer gets my vote. For less money and more relibility, the G35's the clear winner though.

chrism124

I am curious to know if anyone has heard of a V8 option for the G-series.

Regards,
Chris M

himiler

Wouldn't that further the cut into Q45 sales that the FX45 has begun?

Fun idea, though! Heeerree, Mr. M5!

chrisboth

Thank god this is not the 330i vs G35 post as the Bimmer owners would be attacking the boards like Shaq at a homecoming game. But you are so on with your observations...

Most new 3 owners have to be po'd as they paid to be the best and are left wanting aftet being introduced to the idea of a better or more sylish competitor taking the reigns. Check out the posts I shared with one particular fella who lived in the boards and defended himself for days saying the 330 was better car for quality and smoothness. My point was if I wanted smoothness I would get some Courvesier....I want to drive fast and hard and feel it. I don't need to spend 45k to get to the motor I want with G. The 3 is tired looking, everyone has them and they are a badge that brings an attitude of "my car is superior to yours" Face it, the 4 cylinder BMW (couple years ago)- same body - 28K...can you justify any motor except M going into it and making it worth 43-45 when its 28 to start? Paying for the badge is just wrong when the car is outdated and will change soon and when the 3 price starts to look like the 5 series price..time to get the 5..

and the size matters - that extra 10 inched in wheelbase out sizes the 5 series and makes for exponetially better handing than 3. While 3 feels german, I can get that in a passat..and w-8 is cheaper than 330i and it arguably is faster too and better looking for sure. Something about that passat that people love...i miss mine and the G rocks...

Go Phillies

fedlawman

"Thank god this is not the 330i vs G35 post."

You wouldn't know it after reading your commments...

Actually, the G35 and 330i are both at the top of my list for my next car, and they both have their advantages and disadvantages.

For me, the G35 sedan is somewhat awkward looking, and not as handsome as the 330i. The interior of the BMW is also more attractive and of higher quality materials. The G35 no doubt has higher performance limits, but the brakes are somewhat grabby and the steering is a smidge overboosted.

I see the Infiniti as the "young upstart" that's very capable, yet a little rough around the edges and the BMW as the veteran that is supremely capable, but more mature and well rounded.

I'm really torn between these two cars because they both appeal to me in different ways. I would be thrilled to own either one.

bigorange30

You are a BMW man. It drips from every word you write. I too am looking at both. I am leaning toward the G. After test driving, I just don't see much of any advantage that the 3 has over the G. The 3 is just an overpriced G from what I see so far.

himiler

Unless you have a critical need for natural steering feel, the G35 is a slam-dunk.

blueguydotcom

Again, it comes down to price and performance. For style inside and out, for my personal tastes, the 3 series has it all over the very bland, almost undercover G35. The g feels great behind the wheel (heck even as a passenger in my friend's G it feels nice) and if I can find a used 03 for a decent price I'd go that direction over a used BMW 3 any day and twice on sunday. If they were the same price (the lower price of the G), I'd still go G because I don't trust German reliability (or lack thereof). If the BMW were cheaper, i'd take it. But paying the same or even extra for a car that I find visually stunning, isn't worth it.

BTW, I live in San Diego and see probably 30 BMWs a day. They never fail to take my breath away. Then the logical side takes control of my emotions and it reminds me of the insanely high cost of ownership. Once more my breath is taken away...out of fear this time.

navirad

Anyone know when the model year will change over? I doubt there will be many changes but it may help with pricing in purchasing 2003's this summer.

blueguydotcom

Assume MY 2004s will arrive in september/october like all other cars.

According to a knowledgeable cat on FreshAlloy.com, don't expect any changes for 2004. AWD may come later but for now Infiniti's keeping it on the DL.

Also I'd bet dollars to donuts we'll see an Infiniti G35 convertible for next summer. The coupe's selling strongly, so they'll use the convertible to invigorate sales.

chrisboth

Woulnd you guys want the AWD G? I'd be bummin every time I punched it on Kelly Drive around the apex of a tight turn....I drove the WRX and didn't care for ir either. If I was on dirt tracks..sure.

himiler

It's tough to take advantage of an AWD set-up when you try to drive it like a RWD car. Different drivetrain, different technique.

Here in the Northeast, having AWD means you'll never get caught flat-footed when the white stuff blows.

chrisboth

I'd still go for an old toyota pickup to head to sugarbush in and opt for the RWD summer car. Winterability in a sports sedan is oxy moronic. I guess the 911 AWD is ok..

effinponderous

Ok guys...all I was trying to do was list the facts, without throwing opinion in to it. But now that opinion is taking over, I'll say this; My brother in law works for BMW corporate. His job is to take all new models, and drive them for a week making sure all the bugs are out before sending them to the press for evaluation. Translation; I have ridden in everything from the Z4 to the Z8, as well as the 760IL / Mini Cooper and the new Rolls. While I enjoy the BMW immensely, I've always enjoyed being different. To me, the G gives me a different look / better performance / and more bang for the buck. He#@, I've even had mine equipped with the full aero package (very limited in numbers around here)to look different than the standard G. I've had more people mistake the car for a Lexus or Mercedes than anything else. As far as the steering goes, I don't see the "lack of feel" that some people have mentioned. The whole car works for me.

robmarch

if nissan uses the system from the previous skyline, it will perform similarly to the 911 AWD, i.e. primarily a RWD car until wheelspin occurs or torque is electronically distributed.

I think having the option would really improve the new FM platform, especially if the G45 or G35Turbo (one of which will probably be the next GTR) makes it here.

and, I don't think a G45 would cut into "Q45" sales. If they were worried about that, they wouldn't have introduced the M45.

chrisboth

Then the AWD might just be the great - wonder how much extra unsprung and total weight that will contribute?? Having full time subaru style awd is not for me. Who cares about the Q? It sales are hurting cuz all kinds of other cars ore out there...make it look better and people will come...what happend to the I30 sales lately - Dont even notice them anymore.