Infiniti G35 Tech Package
I'm interested in opinions and more detail on the intelligent cruise control (Technology package option). With the vast amount I've read on the car, I haven't seen anything written about the intelligent cruise control, except for the couple of sentences on the Infinity G35 website.
How well does it work? What is the minimum speed needed to use it? Has anyone experimented with it in different situations? Can you adjust the distance between you and the care in front of you? If so, how do you adjust it?
Thanks!
How well does it work? What is the minimum speed needed to use it? Has anyone experimented with it in different situations? Can you adjust the distance between you and the care in front of you? If so, how do you adjust it?
Thanks!
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Comments
It will engine brake and maintain a fairly flexible distance, if it feels it needs to brake, it will apply a maximum of 25% braking and bring you down to a minimum of around 20 MPH, after that the system turns off. it won't protect you in an accident or emergency situation so you still (obviously) need to pay attention 100%.
Also when the system is off, it still runs in the background scanning the situation in front of you, if you are approaching an object at a high rate of speed it will pre-charge the braking system in anticipation of you getting on the brakes, it's called preview braking.
Overall it's fantastic and unlike conventional cruise control which is useless on any populated highway because of the slinky effect 75-45-80-70-60-45-30-90-40 are you speeds in a 10 mile drive. this eliminates all of that and keeps you at your set distance. So what I'll do is set it for 79 (yes you can set by MPH so when you want to accel, push up and it digitally speeds you up by 1MPH, press it 6 times and you go up 6MPH.) and cruise, when I hit a patch of traffic that's doing 60, it maintains 60 until I manage to pass. then I'm back to 79.
When you approach a car and are slowed down from 79 to 60, when you switch lanes it gets on the gas pretty good so you are back to 79 in about 5 seconds... which means you don't need to use any gas manually to pass people.
One thing I noticed yesterday morning on the way to work, it was 25 degrees out, icy and we had freezing rain coming down.. it would NOT let me enable the system... I'm guessing safety feature, but I haven't identified what specifically locks it out... was it the fact it was below freezing... or did it know there was rain via the sensor.
It's not a stand-alone feature, it's part of the technology package which includes the Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), the Adaptive headlights and the backup camera.
This is the best $1000 package, overall I would not settle for a car that didn't have this package, The backup camera is a fantastic feature and is worth say $250. The Adaptive headlights really work, turning up to 22% (roughly) and feed into a turn, and they are independent, so on slow turns only one headlight turns while the other stays strait to give you the best visibility, easily worth $300. And lastly the ICC is another fantastic feature, easily worth $450, and that's the $1000 package. you get more then what it's worth.
I personally went with everything, G35S, Prem, Nav, Tech, 4was. It's all worth it.
It's nice to hear that it works well.
I'm preparing for the purchase of a G in the coming weeks and I'm also set on the Tech package.
My MDX has a backup camera and I love it. It comes in handy when backing into a spot in a parking garage. No more bumped walls. :P
I like the adaptive headlights, but that wasn't the selling feature for me.
I love the idea of the Adaptive Cruise and I'm glad to hear it works so well.
My commute is almost all highway, and I love cruise, but cant use it due to traffic.
It sounds like I'll enjoy having it and plan on using it a lot.
If I could just decide on a color now :confuse: :confuse: :confuse:
I must say that the Ivory Pearl is AMAZING, personally not a big fan of white, but when you see this paint in person it might suck you in! it's really beautiful and has a lot of metallic flakes. after seeing this in person I think this is at the top of the color list! check it out before making a color descision.
I love the White. I have seen every color in person, and I have to say the White definitely stands out... but I'm trading in a white car and would like something new. I also don't like the tan dash.
I like the Platinum Graphite, but I keep thinking it's too Altima-like when I see it.
I'm leaning very much toward the Blue Slate. It's sorta boring in overcast conditions, but blazes in the sunlight.
I also love the way the chrome stands out on the trim.
The wife hates the Blue Slate.
It's not her car but I do value her opinion.
She likes the Silver, but everyone has a silver car now, and I also don't like the way the bottom half of the side mirrors stand out on the lighter colors, like silver.
After seeing the brochure, I was absolutely dead set on Lakeshore Blue. It looks amazing in the pics.
Seeing it in the lot on a sunny day, my expectations fell short. Very short.
I think it would look awesome at night, but it's too light blue for me in the daylight.
It either needs a little more dark blue in it, or more silver.
Hard to explain, I suppose.
Decisions, decisions.
Still got a few weeks to decide though. :confuse:
just my 2 cents, it's a great car with or without.
The Tech pack is definitely worth it!
My G35x Prem/Nav/Tech get's picked up tomorrow @ 5 pm. :shades:
My current Acura MDX has a backup camera which I love having.
The Adaptive lights, I've never had but think they're pretty cool.
The ICC is the thing I'm really looking forward to.
I spend a lot of time on the highway and don't get to use my cruise control much cause there's a lot of cars that keep getting in the way.
Setting the ICC to 75 and not having to shut it off every time someone in front of me is doing 73 will be great!
Look for kring5's post, as he mentioned how well the ICC works.
kring5, "Infiniti G35 Tech Package" #2, 5 Mar 2007 6:31 pm
Sorry, I guess I just had to vent.
I have found two issues with the ICC, 1.) when the sun is either rising or setting and you are driving in the direction of the sun, the system crashes and doesn't work, I think it's overloaded by the direct suns rays. 2.) Chrome bumbers can turn the ICC into a schizo, I'm guessing it has to do with the reflective properties of the chrome. I've been behind a truck and old car that had big chrome bumpers and the car seems to sputter, ICC can't handle this situation.
I'd like to remind people just as a safty precaution that ICC only apply's a maximum of 25% brake power, so when it starts beeping, it means it doesn't think it has enough power to stop in time. and also, I beleive at 20 MPH the system turns its self off, So don't assume the ICC will take you to a stop in traffic. If you do, you'll find yourself in an accident.
I use my backup camera so I don't scratch up my G! :P
The adaptive headlights are better than I expected.
I love em.
I live in the windy backroads of NE and I have found night driving to be WAY better than it was in my last ride.
They're most noticeable at lower speeds on sharper corners, as they will turn more in that condition.
They're also pretty cool when pulling out of parking lots and stuff.
They grab attention.
I find the ICC to work VERY well, but have only had minimum use with it... until break-in is complete.
For me, the Tech package was a great buy, and makes the car that much more enjoyable.
It's not auto-pilot, it's cruise control.
All of my previous cars (except the dreaded 78 green on green Pinto) have had Cruise Control and I hated to use it.
No matter how empty a highway is, as soon as I hit that Set button, the masses come out of the woodwork.
I would love to have a "set it and forget it" Ronco style cruise system, but the other people on the road, who all travel at different speeds and in different lanes, don't let that happen.
The ICC is a breath of fresh air.
It does ride back enough to cause morons to slip in front of you, as they play leap frog in traffic, but for traffic conditions which are light to medium, it's perfect.
I set it, and it does it's thing, and very well too.
It's not the answer to all cruise control issues, but it's an awesome step in the right direction, and I now own a car which I use Cruise Control in, so life is good!
I hate those as well (LOL)
There is a little window in the lower front spoiler which houses the ICC unit.
It's toward the center ion the sport model, and off to the driver's side in the Journey/X models.
Working on a pic for you....
Even notice that cars with those rear bumper sensors all have bangs, scratches and cracks?
LOL.... just goes to show how well those things work!
I circled it, but you can barely see it.
thanks
It's an awesome color and quite frankly, the nicest in the otherwise boring lineup of colors, in my opinion.
I also have the Tech package and I absolutely love it.
The Adaptive Headlights are great and tilt way more than the Lexus IS lights... you can actually see them working.
The ICC Cruise works very well and I now use Cruise Control again. Regular cruise can't be used around here.. too much traffic. The ICC takes care of the problem of constantly hitting cancel, resume, cancel, resume.
The Backup Camera is also great and since I back into parking spots, I use it every day.
It's cheap money for what you're getting and I read tons of posts from people who are now sorry they didn't get it.
I live off some very back roads and the novelty of the lights has yet to wear off.
I love em'
None are available as dealer installed options but you will be able to find some aftermarket backup cameras... some that even interact with your navi screen.
Asking the dealer to add the ICC Cruise or the adaptive headlights now would prove to be more expensive than just springing for the package to begin with.
The rear bumper guide on the rearview camera is my favorite. So much more than just a distance monitor, you get an idea of the path of your rear bumper! Love it! :shades:
As to the ICC, I found myself in something of a love / hate relationship with it. My first real opportunity to use it was the trip out of town for Thanksgiving. Everything was fine ... until ... Cruise is set at 70 mph. Distance for ICC set at max. Four lane road. I'm in the right hand lane. There's a truck in the left hand lane. The road turns to the right, sharply (for a 70mph road). No big deal. However, the truck, in the left hand land has decided to put on his left-hand turn signal because, well, he's making a left hand turn. Now, suddenly, he's slowing dramatically but is "directly in front" of the car despite the fact I'm already turning. Brakes were applied. If it was only 25% power, I'm, well, I'm really surprised, because the car felt like it was going for a 70-0 stop time record. *laugh* Obviously nothing bad actually happened. Well, minor heart attack asside anyway. The ICC definitely takes some getting used to.
The headlights are pretty useful though. Mine seem to work better when turning to the right than the left. At least when stopped. When moving they work pretty well both directions. Anybody else see that?
Only the right side light moves when stopped.
I believe it's either 12 or 17 mph, but don't quote me.
It's not normally like me, but I'm just too darn lazy to open the manual right now (lol)
Keep me posted on the results of the ICC TSB.
I'm also thinking about getting this done.
I'm curious on your take on the difference of the throttle response, once you get it back.
Thanks!
FWIW, mine is a 6MT not the 5-speed auto.
I'm totally used to the throttle now, and actually love the sensitivity... but I'm hearing from some people that the TSB has also cured the dreaded bump into third, when in M mode with the automatic.
I'm due in the shop for a new rear sway bar and I'm on the fence on having the 08 ECU flash done.
I'll post results if I have them do it.
I'll do anything to get rid of the third gear bump.
I can't say how relieved I am to be out of the Auto and back to MY baby. Tint looks great (pics tomorrow if the sun is out) and the initial reaction to the ICC fix is extremely positive. The throttle still seems plenty responsive, but now I'm not smoking the tires on every launch with VDC disabled (though I can if I want to :P ). I'll play more tomorrow, but on my 20 minute ride from the dealership to home in rush hour traffic I could tell a difference.
On the whole Auto vs. 6MT thing... Wow, the ride of my 6MT is 10x better than the loaner auto I was given. It's weird, really, really weird. :confuse: The Auto I drove was a bare-bones 2007 G35S. So it was definitely a sport model. My 6MT is decked, with everything from Tech on down + 4-wheel active steer. I realize there are going to be differences (and the price tag between the two reflects it), but wow, this switch was like going between two entirely non-related cars. I keep telling myself, it was a freebie loaner and you didn't have to put gas in it... keep your mouth shut, but it really was night and day between the two.
Has anyone else driven both and seen the difference? Is it all the 4-wheel active steer I'm feeling? Or are the auto sports just not as "sport" as the 6MT?
Saturday it rained here, but I bit the bullet and took my 6MT out to play anyway. First thing I noticed was that VDC wasn't "killing" the performance, even in the rain. So I set out to test it. Complete stop in an empty parking lot. Rain is light, but constant. Launch the car in first gear with a smooth and quick clutch action. Car launches perfect, no VDC. Hit 6K RPMs, shift to second. I slipped the clutch a bit, back of the car steps out to the right just a hair, VDC kicks on and corrects but does NOT kill the accelleration. Then I had to hit the brakes because I was going to fast for a parking lot.
Sunday dawned, crisp and clear so I went out to play in the twisties on my motorcycle. Then I came home and got the car and hit the same roads. WOW! Had a blast. Car handled perfectly, the VDC came on multiple times (at least the light did) but it never inhibited me or risked my life / car. I was very, very impressed with the VDC post-ECU update.
I've already gotten used to the throttle response again and I find it still sensative, but not overly so. Before the ECU update I felt that I pretty much only used 1/4 of an inch of (pressing on) the throttle, period. Anything more than that was wasted as it didn't result in more accelleration (and usually triggered VDC). Now I use half of an inch, maybe 3/4s top. I've yet to find any reason to put this pedal on the floor, but the extra "room to move" with the throttle now lets me more easily do bad things, like use the gas / clutch to hold the car on a hill instead of the brakes. Useful for those intances where someone gets too close to the rear bumper.
Lastly, after spending 3/4s of a tank of gas playing this weekend, I averaged over 20 mpg. This is a significant improvement over my normal in-city milage of somewhere betwene 17-18mpg. I filled up again this morning and reset the milage calculator and will follow up again to see if it's the same / better / worse after several days of commuting traffic.
~Adam
Here's my dilemma, three choices for 08 G35X.
Dealer quoted price including all dealer/bank fees. Some people may say it's only $900 more but if the Tech Package isn't worth it then I'll probably go w/o Tech. Opinions are appreciated!!!
1. Nav/Prem/Tech - $37,000
2. Nav/Prem/Sport - $37,000
3. Nav/Prem/Sport/Tech - $37,900
Chris
I have an 07 and back then, the Tech packages was definitely worth the cost.
Now that the backup monitor is included in the Nav pack, the only real advantage is the adaptive headlights and ICC.
I enjoy the adaptive headlights, but I think I could live without them if I had to.
The ICC on the other hand, I absolutely love. I despise cruise control due to traffic in my area. Nobody knows how to remain at one speed or how to get out of the way. The ICC fixes those issues... set it and forget it.
The seatbelt pre-tensioners... eh.
$900? I'd do it, but that's just me.
ICC is cute, but I find it doesn't fit with my driving style. It also adds complexity and potential cost to repairs for front end damage. The main issue I have with ICC is it is always hitting the brakes as I'm about to change lanes to go around slower traffic. Then I have to wait for it to acknowledge that there's no one in front of me and/or hit the gas myself to get back up to speed. I've taken to turning it off.
I do like the headlights though, but I don't think that's enough reason to spend the extra money.
Just my $0.02.
I've found a way around this issue.
If you just slightly rest your right foot on the gas pedal as you approach a car you're about to pass, the system will not slow down. You don't need enough pressure to increase your speed. Just a light touch keeps the system from slowing.
Of course, you don't need to do this all the time, just when you are approaching a vehicle which is slower than you and you intend on passing.
To each thier own, but I think the ICC is great!
I just had mine replaced as well.