the Detroit Auto Show, be sure to get there no later than the second or third day...the UAW union workers can't stand anything that resembles quality, so by midweek they will have destroyed the upholstery, keyed the paint and broken the steering wheel...since import products put their vehicles to shame they act like children and destroy the imports...it is sickening how immature they act...regardless of anyone's opinion about American products or the mentality of the unionized worker, heed my words...if you wish to see an INTACT import, go no later than the third day....
thanks for the info on the wood trim (or lack thereof). hopefully i'll get my brochure shortly and see for myself. although i believe they still might have a wood interior trim option--it's hard to say. btw, saw a picture of the upcoming mazda "6" in C&D today. sharp looking car, although i know it's a different sgement than the g. the altima didn't meet my expectations, so i'm considering a g35, passat, or something that comes in bright red and looks and goes smartly.
It appears that the same, currently available nav system Infinity offers will be available in the G35. Does anyone have any experience with it and how it compares with the Acura/Lexus or other systems out there?
Recently received my G35 brochure from Infiniti - the car looks great, unfortunately the only transmission mentioned is a "manually-shiftable" automatic or something like that. That's a cop-out, can't Infiniti understand they need to offer a true manual?
At about the same time I read that new Cadillac CTS designed to compete in this segment is offering a manual from the start. Much to my surprise, I will need to look at a Cadillac, but will likely pass due to possible odd styling, somewhat weak engine, and possible issues with GM quality and interiors.
Infiniti sent me an e-message today on the G35. Shows many pictures, including the automatic transmission with sportshift. Also mentions 260 HP, rather than the 255 HP from the printed material Infiniti sent out in October. Doesn't go into a lot of details, nor does it mention options or option packages. Still, doesn't look good for now as to 6-speed manual upon introduction. Maybe they are waiting until after the new Z350 comes out next summer? That would be a mistake. But seems like all the players in this segment, except BMW, keep screwing up in regard to introducing a manual immediately upon introduction and ensure the manual comes with the powerful motor (not only with a lesser, base engine). Why? Doesn't anyone want to make a splash upon introduction? Stand out instead of following? Take a chance to impress a jaded buying public?
Just read about the G35 in Autoweek. Sounds like a pretty interesting car from the article. It is built on the same platform as the new Z car. Nissan usually comes through with manual transmissions on most of their vehicles. Let's hope they don't forget one in the new G35. I was hoping to cross shop the G35 w/, RX-8 and the upcoming WRX STi. I'm hoping than Nissan will offer a sport suspension and a manual for about $30,000 to 32,000. Essentially, a 4-door 350 Z. But, if there is no manual option, then it will not even make it to the list of cars to consider.
Don't look for a 6 speed Manual model until after the 350Z debuts this summer. The 6 speed manual RWD transmission is not yet in production. And I'll bet the Z gets the first production run. Nissan may even wait for fall or 2003 introduction for the G35 Manual option. Meanwhile, let's see if IS300 Manual sales match the 20% production allotment. It may be optimistic. I hope not. The manumatic G35 does nothing for me. Yawn. Add it to the list of 4 door autos. The G35-6 will be UNIQUE. The ONLY non-Tremec/non-Getrag RWD 6 speed on the market and the only Japanese RWD 6 speed made. Too bad Lexus!
one. i would certainly think they would have a manual g35, but not until after the z comes out. two. why do people think it will be as cheap as they are saying? i am hearing $30-$35k. the altima is going for around $30k. good luck getting the g35 for a similar price. third. i've seen a lot of cars mentioned. bmw's (both 3 and 5), cadillac, lincoln ls, and more. people are looking for manual sport sedans, not fwd. what about audi? a4? s4? a6 and s6? not rwd, but awd. better in some people's minds. maybe worse in others.
Agree with the consensus that we probably won't see the manual tranny right out the chute. Much as I hate to admit it, the auto tranny hits the volume market and makes business sense even though it ignores the enthusiast market. Until they offer 5 or 6sp, they will fall short of matching up with the major luxury sports sedan target market...BMW 3 series, Audi A/S series, et.al. I definitely am considering crossing over (30-35K relative bargain) but not without the manual tranny. Hope someone at Infiniti is listening....
...my wife and I opted NOT to replace our 1995 Nissan Maxima SE 5-speed or our 1996 Isuzu Trooper 5-speed, and instead got a 2002 Honda S2000 6-speed to provide a dose of sunny day / weekend fun.
Although I would still lean towards a BMW 530i 5-speed to replace the Maxima, I would very much like to give the G35 a chance to persuade me otherwise.
So, please Infiniti, we are in our mid 40's, have two young girls and now own three vehicles with a total of 16 "shift your own" gears between them. Hot rod enthusaists, we are not. But an auto-G35 is a non starter in our household. We'll give Infiniti a chance to go against the 5-series, if you do.
The inifiniti web site now links to a September article about the G35 on CarandDriver.com The article says,
"In addition to manual and automatic tranmissions, Infiniti might offer a toroidal continuously variable transmission with six-speed function for U.S. models, providing a few low temperature issues can be resolved. We can also expect to see a two-door version sometime in 2002."
The fact that the official Infinity web site links to it would seem to lend it credibility. I take the article to imply that Infinity does intend to offer a manual and that a CVT is a possibility. This gives some reason for hope to those of us that believe our movement of the shift lever should be considered a command, not a suggestion. Note to Infiniti: Sooner would be better than later!
is a requirement for any future vehicle that I own. While the Lincoln LS I currently drive has an excellent (Getrag) manual, the engine is a bit anemic and the fit/finish of the car leaves quite a bit to be desired. Having owned Nissan equipment (twice) in the past, I'm confident many of the things that trouble me with the LS won't be issues with a G35.
On the other hand, the only competitive cars I'd consider are the BMW 5 series and the Audi A6, both of which are RWD or AWD and come with manuals. They're both (much) more expensive than the Lincoln and probably more than the G35 as well, so the G35 looks like my most likely next car, unless they opt out of the manual.
The Lexus IS300 was a possibility until it turned out to have been designed by boy racers, and is quite small inside to boot.
QUOTE: "Nissan will be the first to have a Japanese six-speed (I'm assuming that the Z car six-speed is not the Getrag as used in the Supra)"
I'm not sure who makes Honda's 6-speed manual transmissions but they have been offering 6-speeds in both the S2000 and the Acura RSX Type-S. I believe the Maxima SE also is already offered with a 6-speed manual.
I agree though, if the G35 is NOT offered with a manual then Nissan will lose a large part of the potential market with this car. How can they try and compete with BMW in the "sports sedan" segment without offering a stick shift? True car enthusiasts buy BMW's with stick shifts, only yuppies who buy BMWs for status or image buy the automatics so they can keep one hand on their all important cell phones at all times. If Nissan is serious about making a "performance sedan" to try and knock BMW off of its perch (and steal some sales in the meantime), it absolutely MUST offer a manual transmission in the G35. I too am very interested in this car but would only consider it as an alternative to a BMW if it came with a stick. If it's automatic only then it'll just get lost in the crowd and get thrown onto that heap known as "Japanese near-luxury sports sedan-wannabees" along with the Acura TL, Lexus ES300, Mazda Millenia, Mitsubishi Diamante, even their own Infiniti I-35, etc. Nissan really needs to differentiate themselves by making an impact on the market with a high-performance, high-HP, RWD, manual sports sedan that would be a true alternative to the German incumbent instead of just pretending to compete in this category. So Nissan, how serious are you?
I found the following article about Nissan, which includes info about the G35 and its transmission. See "Nissan Revival Plan showing big results" under Recent Stories at http://www.autoweek.com
Here's a quote from the Autoweek article that shows how the G35 needs to have a stick shift:
QUOTE: "The biggest difference between drivetrains of the Z and the G35 was the G35’s five-speed automatic. It cried out for a manual transmission, but that could have been because we drove the Z only moments before. Even though the automatic has a sport shift mode it was still an automatic. That aside, it was surprisingly fun."
Transmission discussion aside, i.e. will hold out for the manual, this car has all the makings of being a winner for Infiniti and is the only reason I would visit their showroom. The Z should energize things again for Nissan as well. Has anyone here seen the G35 at an auto show? Any other pictures on the web?
I saw the G35 at the Chicago Auto Show two years ago (February 2000). Of course, back then it was a concept car, but nothing has really changed. I took several pictures of the car at the time. It was on the floor-level turntable so you could get up close. It even had one door open.
255 sounds right. Have you seen the recent flurry of cover stories and articles on the upcoming Nissan 350Z? Now they appear to be saying 280 HP. For long time in past they had been saying 300 HP. But at least the 350Z will have the 6-speed manual. Now if only Infiniti ensures G35 gets one soon!
No not yet, ive been on vacation on the west coast and had the G35 brochure in the mail when i arrived home. It seems i was still on the Infiniti mailing list since the last car i owned.Has there been any mention of a traction control or stability ? I see you own a 5, the traction on my 3er is excellent.
Can't say I've seen anything conclusive from Infiniti about the traction and stability control system(s) the G35 might have. I'm assuming it will have 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS and TC as standard, if not also stability control, either standard or optional. The I-35 with optional Sport Pkg is the only version of Maxima/I-35 platform that has Nissan's Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system. Base I-35 and Maxima & Altima can be had only with TC.
My wife's '00 323iA has BMW's DSC system. My '98 540i manual only has TC; later 540iMs have DSC.
Scrolling back and reviewing posts, I am wondering what most people are presently driving that are giving the G35 consideration. It appears to be a lot of european sedans in this forum, i.e. riez mentions BMW...some others have mentioned BMW as well. If that is the case, then Infiniti is pretty much on target IMO with this car. Hopefully the build quality, interior, tranny options, other options such as traction, stability control will match up as well. If so, this will be a winner and the first reason I would ever have to venture into an Infiniti dealer. I went from an M3 to an S4 earlier this year so I am part of that crossover group.
M3 to an S4? Wow? I lease a 2000 Lincoln LS Manual. So why consider a G35? Well, the LS lacks two things important to me. The first is a limited slip differential. Second is a manual transmission with overdrive. The fifth gear in the Getrag 221 as used in the LS is 1:1. So the LS has to use a high 3:07 rear ratio to keep cruise rpm down. Still, it turns 3000 rpm at 75 mph. Still too high. And the 3:07 hampers acceleration. Solution is either a six-speed Getrag or the already prototyped Mazda RX-7 five-speed overdrive tranny. I don't think the car will get either an overdrive tranny or LSD due to Ford's economic concerns. Nissan was almost gone but they decided to figure out what the public wants and deliver it. And thank god it wasn't a K-car. Yes, Nissan is picking up the ball that BMW ignored and running with it. And that ball is a value oriented performance sedan. Lexus dropped the ball with the lack of a proper overdrive manual (.85:1). No cigar. So the G35 six-speed will be a winner if the price is less than 40k and hopefully less. With the Nissan "universal" 3.5 liter V-6, they will have the economics to possibly do it. All car manufacturers have to do is to do it right and keep doing it. There is no reason that BMW has to own the performance sedan game. Nissan can do it. It's only a matter of will. And by summer, they will have all the parts. Get in line. And the automatic G35 doesn't do anything for me. You can buy any # of slush box sedans. Yawn.
I (like Stan) own a Lincoln LS with the manual. In general it's a fine car, but not so fine as I was initially led to believe, in addition to which, I don't think it's likely to get much finer. It handles wonderfully, and offers 90% of what I thought I was getting, but. . .
Only 2% of the people who bought LS's chose the manual (that'd be us hard-core types), in addition to which, the future of the manual is very much in doubt. The fond hope of many of us when we bought the car was that, while the first-year car only included a manual on the V6, in time the V8 would also sport a manual. Guess again, Bucky. Lincoln appears to be completely uninterested in putting a manual with the V8, and whether it will remain an option on the V6 is very much in question.
Actually, whether it's a 6 or 8 is pretty much irrelevant if the engine makes 250 hp, more or less. If there's a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and approximate 50% front-to-rear weight distribution, sign me up. The LS with an additional 40 - 50 hp and a manual (with the LSD Stan so dearly wishes for) would be a really nice ride, but don't hold your breath.
Oh, and it would be nice if the paint didn't look like it was put on with a roller and the interior bits didn't fall off. Having owned Nissan products in the past, I'm thinking the fit/finish issues won't be a problem. The LS is wanting in this category.
All that said, the G35 looks like the next hot prospect, at least for me. The Audi A6 turbo/quattro and the BMW 530 are both worthy prospects as well, but European reliability has never met the Asian standard, and that to me (I actually buy cars and keep them for years) is a big deal. However, if the G35 continues to come only with an automatic, all bets are off. I could have bought a GS300 several years ago; I didn't because it only comes with (you guessed it) an automatic.
You sort of answer your own question when you indicate that only 2% of LS's are sold with manual transmissions. With due respect, auto companies are ostensibly in the business of making money and catering heavily to 2% of the market might present a problem in that regard. I'm no fan of manual transmissions but certainly don't object to their availability. None the less, this isn't Europe where most drivers prefer manuals. If it weren't the case over there they would be selling mostly automatics as well.
So if you want to limit your automotive choices to vehicles that offer manuals be my guest. I prefer to look at the whole package: price, performance, style economy of operation and interior comfort and styling. That's how I make my decision. Good luck in making yours.
BTW, I drive a V6 Mitsubishi Galant Auto. with Leather. The car is uncannily similar in styling to a BMW 5 Series and probably offers 90% of the handling, power, comfort and looks at about 50% of the price.
Yes, 92% of the market is automatics in the USA. The LS is hurt in that Volvo has been chosen as Premier Auto Group's (Ford) export marque, so we will not benefit from world demand for manual LSes. The IS300, G35, Audi, MB240-6 and other performance sedans are marketed worldwide, where a standard tranny is standard. I think manuals are 88% in Europe. The new CTS manual will probably suffer the same problem, at least in the US. I believe that BMW, who has a much larger manual % in the US, would sell more manuals, especially 540i6 and M% if their prices were not so high. Between 1985 and 1999, BMW owned the RWD, manual 4 door market. Lincoln still stands as an excellent value, as my LS manual went for 32k. It's just that cdnpinhead and I would like the LS to go to "finishing school". The LS got "this close" to having a serious sports sedan. Jaq and the Firestone fiasco stopped some pretty frustrated engineers at LM from completion and they know what to do. But the bean counters stepped in and things are stalled. It looks like Nissan is charging on and unafraid. I think they may prove that it's a little like the chicken and the egg. There is more potential for manual sales if the equipment and value is right. In the case of the LS, why buy the manual if the auto V-8 is faster. I guess we are hard-[non-permissible content removed] gearheads. I'm 53 and Steve is probably a bit younger. We would both like M3's but they want too much and they are too small. We like the size of the LS. We don't need anything in the handling dept. Just finish off the drivetrain. Rumor is VVT and 240hp+ for 2003. My buddy just got a new Galant and I drove and inspected it last Thursday. Impressive for the bucks. 3.0 liter V-6! I saw one thing I would immediately change. I would order a trunk mount battery kit from that big mail order speed shop for around $40.00 (a bargain) and get that heavy battery moved out of the high and too far forward location above the engine. That has got to effect handling. By the way, Mitsu sales went up dramatically in the last two months.
1. Since it didn't look like G35 would come initially with manual, I started looking around. Seemed like all roads led back to BMW. For those of you who want the best and have to have a manual, do what I did and consider certified pre-owned. Choose your make and model. Likely one on a dealer's lot near you in a color you like and price you can afford. BMW has a great national web site that lets you search their certified pre-owned inventories for hundreds of miles around where you live. (I had to drive 590 miles to get exactly what I wanted!)
I never thought too much about certified pre-owned until I happened to be attracted to a BMW ad. 3.9 percent financing and they'd make first payment. That ended 11/30/01. Heck, now I drive a '98 540i 6-speed. Sure, it has a bit over 50,000 miles, but is warrantied pretty well for another 2 years up to 100,000 miles. And the driving pleasure is almost too sinful!
2. If Detroit actually built more than a handful of decent all around high performance cars with manual transmissions that were both affordable and well built AND took the time & effort to market them properly, many more American buyers would expect and demand them. BMW took the time to develop its cars over decades. Focusing in on all around useable performance.
Notice how Detroit has spent the past 15 years pouring vast quantities of cash into their cash cows: minivans, pick-up trucks, and now SUVs?!? All that cash wasn't used to make a single sedan design much better. Ford's T-bird SuperCoupe with turbocharged I-4 and then supercharged V-6 and 5-speed manual is gone! Merkur XR4ti died quickly! Ford Taurus SHO 5-speed manual died an ignomious death after being replaced by a V-8 automatic SHO! Chevy never put a manual in the '94-'96 Impala SS or the 1980s 2-dr Monte Carlo SS/Pontiac Grand Prix/Buick Grand National!
3. cayennered1... Nice try. But I can assure you of one thing, your loaded Mitsu Galant V-6 (GTZ?) does NOT offer anywhere near the handling, power, or comfort of my 540i 6-speed. (Nor do I think it comes close to a 530i 5-speed.) Looks are another matter. Mitsu Galant and Lincoln LS both did nice job trying to copy 5 Series. But you can still tell the original from the derivatives.
I just noticed the G35 ad's in the back of the current mag's say April 2002 as a release date, i had prev only seen spring, interestingly enough the small article i read on the Nissan 350Z said the power over 100 mph for a 280hp vehicle was NOT very impressive , but thats only one persons conjecture at this time.
Also they are claiming msrp of several K under 30k like 28ish for the 350Z , i think if the G35 follows suit , and a 6 speed it will be a winner.
Which magazines specifically already have the G35 ads? Which issue? (My C&D subscription expired, but I just sent in my request for a new R&T subscription).
68bullitt At the infiniti website there is a reprint of the C&D article online. Go to future models. There may be others available I am unaware of.
riez The 540i 6sp is sweet and buying one like you did doesn't break your wallet. The extended warranty is pretty much required on those. A friend paid about $2k to BMW several years ago for an extended warranty on a used 540 and he has cashed it several times over during the time he has had it. One reason I am sniffing around right now with Infiniti, BMW, etc. is warranty is up on my current ride....but my wife just says I am always looking for an excuse to swap cars.
You manual shift lovers are certainly entitled to your choice of transmissions, but to ignore a car for that reason seems to be making a car buying decision that is very narrowly focused.
Sure a BMW 3 Series is a fine car and available with a manual, but find one at around 30 grand with 250hp, 112in. wheelbase and Infiniti butt kissing service. It's not going to happen. You'll pay thousands more for comperable performance, be in a relatively cramped cabin and have less reliability. If having a manual trans. is more important to you than the above than by all means go for it.
As for me, I crave comfort, reliability and performance at a reasonable price a lot more than an opportunity to exercise my left leg in bumper to bumper traffic.
... have to have a manual transmission option. And not with the smaller, less powerful engine. Lincoln LS made that mistake. And Cadillac's CTS is advertising only average acceleration figures even with its manual.
I say let the numbers do the talking. BMW 330i manual may not have 250 plus HP, but its acceleration figures are very, very good. What will those numbers be for G35 automatic? Doubt it will be better. Question will be how much slower.
cayenneredred1... If you crave comfort, reliability, performance, and price, then why aren't you driving an I-35 Sport automatic, Maxima SE automatic or manual, or Altima 3.5 SE automatic or manual? Each can be loaded up quite nice. And you can get 'em for around or under $30,000.
....a manual tranny option is required. I agree that the slush box should be offered for the masses that prefer such but failure to provide the manual option will eliminate the enthusiasts, like myself, that prefer it.
riez makes an excellent point. There are plenty of other options out there...including the Infiniti I-35...that have the auto tranny. Other than a few more HP and styling, what will distinguish it from the I-35. Also, you can add the Acura TL-S and Lexus ES300 to that list as well.
But for the person that wants a RWD or AWD sports sedan with a manual tranny, the options are few. BMW owns this market. Check their sales numbers over the last 3 years and the growth they have experienced. Certainly there are those that buy it for the badge (and probably buy the auto tranny)...but there is a large enthusiast market that buy it for performance that prefer to row their own gears. To ignore this group with the G35 would be a marketing mistake for Infiniti and it certainly ignores what I want in a sports sedan.
cayenneredred1...you say well then go buy the BMW....and I might do that again next year. But I like competition in the market place and appreciate value and performance over a badge. So I like other options to consider beyond BMW and Audi (Sorry but IS300 does nothing for me). Infiniti may have butt kissing service, but it can't be any better than the service I received at the BMW dealer. And my M3 was totally free of any reliability problems.
<<cayenneredred1... If you crave comfort, reliability, performance, and price, then why aren't you driving an I-35 Sport automatic, Maxima SE automatic or manual, or Altima 3.5 SE automatic or manual?>>
Same reason why everyone else is on this board. We're all waiting for the newly introduce G35. The Maxima is outdated, and the I35 is the same as Maxima. The Altima is nice, but lack the luxury amenities.
I prefer not to shift if I'm driving a luxury sport sedan. However, if I was driving a Civic or WRX, yes, I prefer a manual.
I'm not saying that Infiniti should ignore the manual for the "enthusiast". Perhaps, a second year model is more appropriate. Take a wait and see on the 1st year production of the auto. Then decide if there's a market to compete with BMW.
If the styling is right, and the price is right, G35 will do extremly well, regardless of no manual.
Not offering a manual tranny option up front misses out on the opportunity created by Infiniti marketing on a new model introduction....along with some positive kudos for the enthusiasts from the media. IMO, failure to offer a manual tranny in the IS300 hurt it initially. A great car might be able to create its own market...but you never get a second chance to make a good first impression.
G35 will initially be available only as an automatic. Manual tranny will follow several months later. Coupe version will be introduced at least a year later. Convertible possible but mabye not.
Check out all the articles when the Lexus IS300 was introduced. Darn near every article mentioned the lack of a manual transmission option and many writers clearly took Lexus to task for that oversight. Lexus at least corrected and added the SportCross but Infiniti should've learned from Lexus' big mistake!
The problem with the stick is the absence of the info on it. I suspect that they intentionally do not release the stick G35 info to sell more 6-speed Maximas meanwhile. I personally know of 2 people cross-shopping 6-speed Max SE vs G35 (manual) vs IS300 vs BMW. However if the Infiniti waits for too long to announce the manual those guys might just go elsewhere frustrated.
Comments
At about the same time I read that new Cadillac CTS designed to compete in this segment is offering a manual from the start. Much to my surprise, I will need to look at a Cadillac, but will likely pass due to possible odd styling, somewhat weak engine, and possible issues with GM quality and interiors.
two. why do people think it will be as cheap as they are saying? i am hearing $30-$35k. the altima is going for around $30k. good luck getting the g35 for a similar price.
third. i've seen a lot of cars mentioned. bmw's (both 3 and 5), cadillac, lincoln ls, and more. people are looking for manual sport sedans, not fwd. what about audi? a4? s4? a6 and s6? not rwd, but awd. better in some people's minds. maybe worse in others.
Although I would still lean towards a BMW 530i 5-speed to replace the Maxima, I would very much like to give the G35 a chance to persuade me otherwise.
So, please Infiniti, we are in our mid 40's, have two young girls and now own three vehicles with a total of 16 "shift your own" gears between them. Hot rod enthusaists, we are not. But an auto-G35 is a non starter in our household. We'll give Infiniti a chance to go against the 5-series, if you do.
"In addition to manual and automatic tranmissions, Infiniti might offer a toroidal continuously variable transmission with six-speed function for U.S. models, providing a few low temperature issues can be resolved. We can also expect to see a two-door version sometime in 2002."
The fact that the official Infinity web site links to it would seem to lend it credibility. I take the article to imply that Infinity does intend to offer a manual and that a CVT is a possibility. This gives some reason for hope to those of us that believe our movement of the shift lever should be considered a command, not a suggestion. Note to Infiniti: Sooner would be better than later!
On the other hand, the only competitive cars I'd consider are the BMW 5 series and the Audi A6, both of which are RWD or AWD and come with manuals. They're both (much) more expensive than the Lincoln and probably more than the G35 as well, so the G35 looks like my most likely next car, unless they opt out of the manual.
The Lexus IS300 was a possibility until it turned out to have been designed by boy racers, and is quite small inside to boot.
Bring on the clutch!
I'm not sure who makes Honda's 6-speed manual transmissions but they have been offering 6-speeds in both the S2000 and the Acura RSX Type-S. I believe the Maxima SE also is already offered with a 6-speed manual.
I agree though, if the G35 is NOT offered with a manual then Nissan will lose a large part of the potential market with this car. How can they try and compete with BMW in the "sports sedan" segment without offering a stick shift? True car enthusiasts buy BMW's with stick shifts, only yuppies who buy BMWs for status or image buy the automatics so they can keep one hand on their all important cell phones at all times. If Nissan is serious about making a "performance sedan" to try and knock BMW off of its perch (and steal some sales in the meantime), it absolutely MUST offer a manual transmission in the G35. I too am very interested in this car but would only consider it as an alternative to a BMW if it came with a stick. If it's automatic only then it'll just get lost in the crowd and get thrown onto that heap known as "Japanese near-luxury sports sedan-wannabees" along with the Acura TL, Lexus ES300, Mazda Millenia, Mitsubishi Diamante, even their own Infiniti I-35, etc. Nissan really needs to differentiate themselves by making an impact on the market with a high-performance, high-HP, RWD, manual sports sedan that would be a true alternative to the German incumbent instead of just pretending to compete in this category. So Nissan, how serious are you?
QUOTE: "The biggest difference between drivetrains of the Z and the G35 was the G35’s five-speed automatic. It cried out for a manual transmission, but that could have been because we drove the Z only moments before. Even though the automatic has a sport shift mode it was still an automatic. That aside, it was surprisingly fun."
Regards,
DL
Regards,
DL
My wife's '00 323iA has BMW's DSC system. My '98 540i manual only has TC; later 540iMs have DSC.
Nissan was almost gone but they decided to figure out what the public wants and deliver it. And thank god it wasn't a K-car. Yes, Nissan is picking up the ball that BMW ignored and running with it. And that ball is a value oriented performance sedan. Lexus dropped the ball with the lack of a proper overdrive manual (.85:1). No cigar. So the G35 six-speed will be a winner if the price is less than 40k and hopefully less. With the Nissan "universal" 3.5 liter V-6, they will have the economics to possibly do it. All car manufacturers have to do is to do it right and keep doing it. There is no reason that BMW has to own the performance sedan game. Nissan can do it. It's only a matter of will. And by summer, they will have all the parts. Get in line. And the automatic G35 doesn't do anything for me. You can buy any # of slush box sedans. Yawn.
Only 2% of the people who bought LS's chose the manual (that'd be us hard-core types), in addition to which, the future of the manual is very much in doubt. The fond hope of many of us when we bought the car was that, while the first-year car only included a manual on the V6, in time the V8 would also sport a manual. Guess again, Bucky. Lincoln appears to be completely uninterested in putting a manual with the V8, and whether it will remain an option on the V6 is very much in question.
Actually, whether it's a 6 or 8 is pretty much irrelevant if the engine makes 250 hp, more or less. If there's a manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and approximate 50% front-to-rear weight distribution, sign me up. The LS with an additional 40 - 50 hp and a manual (with the LSD Stan so dearly wishes for) would be a really nice ride, but don't hold your breath.
Oh, and it would be nice if the paint didn't look like it was put on with a roller and the interior bits didn't fall off. Having owned Nissan products in the past, I'm thinking the fit/finish issues won't be a problem. The LS is wanting in this category.
All that said, the G35 looks like the next hot prospect, at least for me. The Audi A6 turbo/quattro and the BMW 530 are both worthy prospects as well, but European reliability has never met the Asian standard, and that to me (I actually buy cars and keep them for years) is a big deal. However, if the G35 continues to come only with an automatic, all bets are off. I could have bought a GS300 several years ago; I didn't because it only comes with (you guessed it) an automatic.
FWIW.
So if you want to limit your automotive choices to vehicles that offer manuals be my guest. I prefer to look at the whole package: price, performance, style economy of operation and interior comfort and styling. That's how I make my decision. Good luck in making yours.
BTW, I drive a V6 Mitsubishi Galant Auto. with Leather. The car is uncannily similar in styling to a BMW 5 Series and probably offers 90% of the handling, power, comfort and looks at about 50% of the price.
My buddy just got a new Galant and I drove and inspected it last Thursday. Impressive for the bucks. 3.0 liter V-6! I saw one thing I would immediately change. I would order a trunk mount battery kit from that big mail order speed shop for around $40.00 (a bargain) and get that heavy battery moved out of the high and too far forward location above the engine. That has got to effect handling. By the way, Mitsu sales went up dramatically in the last two months.
I never thought too much about certified pre-owned until I happened to be attracted to a BMW ad. 3.9 percent financing and they'd make first payment. That ended 11/30/01. Heck, now I drive a '98 540i 6-speed. Sure, it has a bit over 50,000 miles, but is warrantied pretty well for another 2 years up to 100,000 miles. And the driving pleasure is almost too sinful!
2. If Detroit actually built more than a handful of decent all around high performance cars with manual transmissions that were both affordable and well built AND took the time & effort to market them properly, many more American buyers would expect and demand them. BMW took the time to develop its cars over decades. Focusing in on all around useable performance.
Notice how Detroit has spent the past 15 years pouring vast quantities of cash into their cash cows: minivans, pick-up trucks, and now SUVs?!? All that cash wasn't used to make a single sedan design much better. Ford's T-bird SuperCoupe with turbocharged I-4 and then supercharged V-6 and 5-speed manual is gone! Merkur XR4ti died quickly! Ford Taurus SHO 5-speed manual died an ignomious death after being replaced by a V-8 automatic SHO! Chevy never put a manual in the '94-'96 Impala SS or the 1980s 2-dr Monte Carlo SS/Pontiac Grand Prix/Buick Grand National!
3. cayennered1... Nice try. But I can assure you of one thing, your loaded Mitsu Galant V-6 (GTZ?) does NOT offer anywhere near the handling, power, or comfort of my 540i 6-speed. (Nor do I think it comes close to a 530i 5-speed.) Looks are another matter. Mitsu Galant and Lincoln LS both did nice job trying to copy 5 Series. But you can still tell the original from the derivatives.
Also they are claiming msrp of several K under 30k like 28ish for the 350Z , i think if the G35 follows suit , and a 6 speed it will be a winner.
DL
At the infiniti website there is a reprint of the C&D article online. Go to future models. There may be others available I am unaware of.
riez
The 540i 6sp is sweet and buying one like you did doesn't break your wallet. The extended warranty is pretty much required on those. A friend paid about $2k to BMW several years ago for an extended warranty on a used 540 and he has cashed it several times over during the time he has had it. One reason I am sniffing around right now with Infiniti, BMW, etc. is warranty is up on my current ride....but my wife just says I am always looking for an excuse to swap cars.
Sure a BMW 3 Series is a fine car and available with a manual, but find one at around 30 grand with 250hp, 112in. wheelbase and Infiniti butt kissing service. It's not going to happen. You'll pay thousands more for comperable performance, be in a relatively cramped cabin and have less reliability. If having a manual trans. is more important to you than the above than by all means go for it.
As for me, I crave comfort, reliability and performance at a reasonable price a lot more than an opportunity to exercise my left leg in bumper to bumper traffic.
I say let the numbers do the talking. BMW 330i manual may not have 250 plus HP, but its acceleration figures are very, very good. What will those numbers be for G35 automatic? Doubt it will be better. Question will be how much slower.
cayenneredred1... If you crave comfort, reliability, performance, and price, then why aren't you driving an I-35 Sport automatic, Maxima SE automatic or manual, or Altima 3.5 SE automatic or manual? Each can be loaded up quite nice. And you can get 'em for around or under $30,000.
riez makes an excellent point. There are plenty of other options out there...including the Infiniti I-35...that have the auto tranny. Other than a few more HP and styling, what will distinguish it from the I-35. Also, you can add the Acura TL-S and Lexus ES300 to that list as well.
But for the person that wants a RWD or AWD sports sedan with a manual tranny, the options are few. BMW owns this market. Check their sales numbers over the last 3 years and the growth they have experienced. Certainly there are those that buy it for the badge (and probably buy the auto tranny)...but there is a large enthusiast market that buy it for performance that prefer to row their own gears. To ignore this group with the G35 would be a marketing mistake for Infiniti and it certainly ignores what I want in a sports sedan.
cayenneredred1...you say well then go buy the BMW....and I might do that again next year. But I like competition in the market place and appreciate value and performance over a badge. So I like other options to consider beyond BMW and Audi (Sorry but IS300 does nothing for me). Infiniti may have butt kissing service, but it can't be any better than the service I received at the BMW dealer. And my M3 was totally free of any reliability problems.
Same reason why everyone else is on this board. We're all waiting for the newly introduce G35. The Maxima is outdated, and the I35 is the same as Maxima. The Altima is nice, but lack the luxury amenities.
I prefer not to shift if I'm driving a luxury sport sedan. However, if I was driving a Civic or WRX, yes, I prefer a manual.
I'm not saying that Infiniti should ignore the manual for the "enthusiast". Perhaps, a second year model is more appropriate. Take a wait and see on the 1st year production of the auto. Then decide if there's a market to compete with BMW.
If the styling is right, and the price is right, G35 will do extremly well, regardless of no manual.
A great car can create its own market.
Like what, (while driving)?
HiC