I'm actually kind of disappointed that the G35 only comes in a measly 7 color choices. Why so few? Don't they expect this car to sell well? Even the Audi A4 comes in no less than 12 color choices, with 3 shades of blue and 2 shades of white. I would like to see a lighter metallic blue and a darker metallic gray on the G35.
I thought about the CTS. Not exactly my preference for a sports sedan....too many angles for my taste. When it comes to sports sedan, I much rather prefer Japanese imports. There are many aftermarket parts for accessorizing the vehicles.
I have one year to decide what I want. Hopefully, the G35 hype will die down and the purchase cost will be near invoice. By the time fall comes, the new G35 coupe will be introduce. By then, i'll be more serious about getting a new car. Or, if GM has trouble moving the CTS, I may consider it if Cadi offers $5K off along with my $2500 GM rebate points.
A salesman posting on this site previously said one could get everything except the Navigation System option. I have since visited an Infiniti dealer and got a brochure and checked the web site again. From the order card:
"G35 Luxury Leather Model with Premum and Sport-Tuned Suspension Packages Option groups (must select one): #Aero Package, Power Sunroof, Xenon Headlights #Winter Package, Infiniti Navigation System, Power sunroof, Xenon headlights"
Since I want the Winter Package, I am forced to take the Nav which I don't want at an extra $2-3K and can't get the Aero package which I might want. Without both the Premium Package and the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package something I want is left off. To get both I apparently have to buy an expensive option I don't want and can't get one I might want depending on how it looks.
Chance are Nissan is going to have two types of customer.
1. The type that wants everything and doesn't care about the cost.
2. The type that wants limited options and will take less rather more equipment when faced with the mandatory purchase of extras they don't want.
It will be interesing to see if this option policy eventually has a negative effect on sales, i.e. will some buyers just choose another car rather than feel they are being ripped off by being forced to buy thousands of dollars worth of unwanted extras.
I've been looking at the Volvo S60 and with the exception of a charge for metallic paint they have stand alone options or packages that actually discount the options over ordering stand alone. There is also no bundling of options or forcing multiple options in order to buy one option. Whether the Volvo is a better deal (priced higher with comparable performance of a T5) it still doesn't create this morass when ordering and the feeling of being taken advantage of; so I think Nissan will lose some buyers after the initial surge if they don't lighten up on this policy.
I'm very relieved to hear that you can order a Leather Pkg. G35 with the Sports Suspension Pkg. but without the Aero Pkg. The only 3 things I want are Leather, Sports Pkg., and a Sunroof. Did you happen to confirm this info with a dealer? Thanks.
I didn't bother uploading these pics since I thought that everyone had already seen them elsewhere.
The first thing that comes to mind is "Man, is this going to get dirty or what?" The willow is a very, very light interior, and with this one being a show car, I can tell you that the dyes from people's clothing has already started accumulating on the leather surfaces. The titanium is very sharp, but it is SO overwhelming on the center console that I don't see how people will keep from scratching the bejeezus out of it over time.
That is the sexyist interior iv seen in a long time...I would take my shoes off so not to dirty it...its so much better looking then the normal tan leather interior.
Was I suppose to get an order#? I placed a $500 deposit and got a receipt and the new Infiniti brochure. Maybe I should give Samuel a call again. Originally, I ordered a brilliant silver w/ willow interior but chaged my mind after seeing the demo silver car w/ graphite interior. Much better w/ the graphite interior.
I was just lurking on the NHTSA web site looking for recalls on Infiniti passenger cars. I started at year 2002 and started to go back. The first recall that I found was for a 1998 I30 that had a defect in the alternator. The Infiniti recall history speaks volumes for it's reliability.
Thanks for the great photo's. [should I assume you have digital camera!!]
I have a couple of questions that I hope you'll be able to answer. You mentioned that the seat [in the G35] was 'wider' than the seat in the CL-S. Is the seat part of the seat [the part we put OUR 'seat' on!!] also LONGER than the CL-S or did you notice?? ALSO - how about that 'thing' stuck to the side of the center console. Did you notice that and/or FEEL that pressing against your leg??
wow...great shots. I love the generous acreage of plastic Nissan is giving us; it's just beyond classy. I 'm glad the second picture also displays very bad seam-work on the back of the seat; another classy touch is at hand from Nissan. It seems so much thought went into the "willow" interiors design; I can really tell this will be holding up fantastically over time. I always wanted to add a little flair to the leather seats, and dye from clothes seems the perfect way.
Enjoy you Nissans, all!! And beware of the missing ponies: one day they might come back to bite you!!
I got my information from a brochure I picked up at the Detroit Show.
THe news for you is not all good. Yes you can get get Leather Model with Sport Suspension and without Aero, however, to accomplish that feat you have to buy more than just a moonroof. You must also buy Bose and Winter package. That's roughly an additional $1500 bucks by my reckoning.
So if you heart's set on Leather and Sport be ready to fork over another $1500 and enjoy that great stereo and heated seats.
I should have been more clear. I don't want either the Aero nor the Winter Pkgs. I live in CA so I have no need for the heated seats nor the winter tires. Looks like I'm out of luck. My only hope may be when they introduce the 6-speed MT, I hope Nissan throws in the Sports Suspension Pkg. as standard since MT drivers tend to drive more aggressively. They could offset the cost savings from deleting the auto tranny and give us the Sports Susp. Pkg. for the same base price. Makes total sense to me. Are you listening Nissan/Infiniti?
Nice interior pictures. But I did have some questions that imediately popped up when I looked at them.
I definitely see the "bulge" in the foot area that some people have commented upon. I have not personally seen the G35 as yet (much less sat in one), but to those who have - is that bulge to intrusive for some one to use the throttle?
And what the heck is on that bulge on the driver's side? I see a grab-handle on the passenger side, but what is that socket-like thing on the drivers side? Is that where we put in the ignition key?
Finally, I just noticed that the G35 (automatic version at least) comes with a foot-brake, not a hand brake. Don't tell me Infiniti is going the BMW 7 series route and is now eliminating a proper hand brake! Where the heck are they going to put the clutch with that foot brake in the way?
Nissan/Infiniti cars have the tach on the RIGHT and the speedometre on the LEFT. With most other cars [I think] it's the other 'way' around. I wonder why?? Has anyone ELSE noticed that?? Given a choice - I'd rather have the speedometre on the 'right'. Both my Jeep and my Acura have the 'speedo' on the RIGHT. What about the car YOU drive?? [and do YOU have a preference??]
I think the Tach on the right is a great idea. Most steering wheels block some of the dash, so I may be able to see when to shift easier. If you drive a Manual, and the G35 is a natural with the six-speed, you can drive totally by the tach. I know my speed by the gear and rpm. 3000 rpm in fifth is 75 mph in my car now. I don't think the tach is used by that many slush box drivers anyway. It's a more passive, appliance-like experience for them. Besides, it takes advanced coordination to shift, steer and hold a cell phone at the same time. To watch a tach at the same time - that's too mentally demanding for most American drivers. In fact, I'm encouraging all potential G35 owners to seriously consider the I35 if you prefer the automatic. It's doubtful that you will be able to tell the difference between RWD and FWD. Balanced four wheel drifts are harder to do without the control of a manual. Unpredictable upshifts and downshifts can upset the balance of the car during SCCA slolom events. Please leave the G35 for those who realize that this car is the first 4 door, RWD, six-speed manual from Japan and truly a poor man's 540i-6. If you prefer the automatic, there is the IS300, the CTS and the Lincoln LS also in the same price range. Too much unqualified demand for this car will just encourage price gouging and mediocrity for what should be a true driver's car with a manual.
Thanks for the clarification. As for that bulge, I will have to sit in the car to find out whether it is intrusive or not. Maybe that cigarette lighter can be converted to a AC adapter for my laptop? I do not smoke.
Canadacraig -
Never really noticed it. If IRC, the tach on my Camry is on the right and the speedo is on the left. I really have no preference if both of them are the same size.
If they are different sizes, then I prefer the speedo to be larger in automatic tranyy versions of car. And I prefer the tach to be larger in the manual tranny versions of cars.
Tach's pretty useless anyway, IMHO. I've driven stick for 17 years and I almost never look at the tach. I shift when it feels right, not by looking at gauges.
I can't wait to drive the new G in both manual and auto. Who knows, maybe Infiniti will finally convert me to lazy-man driving.
Never go to the "dark side". This is where people write large checks to AMMCO. I'm 53 and the auto lobotomy never took. Stay with me in the underground. G35 stands for "G Force -3.5". You'll never approach that with the auto version. On the other hand, don't wait and get the auto. The six-speeds may be in short supply once the new Z comes out. I don't want to be on some waiting list.
You guys are gonna be bummed if Infiniti postpones it and then kills manual G35, or delays a couple model years. Does anyone have conclusive proof that Infiniti is actually going to build for USA a manual and sell it here? Seen any specs for USA model? Can you order now? Can you find any manual price data? Will it be an '03? An '04? With low manual sales from both Detroit and Japan (IS300), keep wondering why Infiniti will go with manual if they didn't upon launch? Is the 6-speed manual going to be same already being used in the Maxima? If so, why not also have it upon introduction in G35? Don't think anyone would confuse upcoming Z350 with G35. One is Nissan, other is Infiniti. Cramped 2-door versus long-wheelbase 4-door.
They are important for image, if nothing else. BMW actually has ads with a manual shifter touting its transmissions.
Also, magazines will test the manuals, even if people buy automatics. That means the published test results will look much better if the manual is the model being tested.
So it would be better if the manual were available, at least for press fleets, right from the start. The Altima auto is a low 7 second car (to 60mph). Big deal. Motorweek took a manual tranny Altima to 60 in 5.9 seconds.
I'm concerned that the foot-operated parking brake like on an American car is a bad sign. I looked at the 2000 I30, the first year the current model was introduced. Guess what-foot operated parking brake and manual discontinued. That's why I got a 2000 Maxima SE 5-speed instead, with a hand-operated parking brake. I don't think I would care for a manual without a proper hand-operated brake. If Infiniti is serious about competing with BMW and not just Cadillac/Lincoln etc, they need to get this right.
Actually, doesn't the Z also have an exceptionally long wheelbase? The one I saw had a huge wheelbase. Maybe it wasn't G35 length but it was close.
IS300 sales suffered because it only had an auto. They were giving away IS300's last June. With the manual Toyota weaned mod-boys can get a Lexus with some zest, rather than the banal auto they stuck in it originally.
And as far as manuals go in the main entry level sport-luxury lineups...BMW sells something like 50% manuals. Hmmm, seems that those who do like to drive a car will buy a manual if the rest of the car can perform. Heck, Acura finally put a manul in its much maligned CL Type S too.
Lincoln LS, CTS, IS300, five speed BMWs, all suffer from terrible gearing, missing or ineffective overdrives, high revs in cruise, high levels of NVH in fifth. I'd call it the Getrag disease but Toyota caught it with their .85 overdrive in the IS. Let's hope that the G35 six-speed has an effective overdrive sixth to give great acceleration AND lower rpm cruising. What happened to five speeds with .73 fifth gears? Without decent gearing on the highway, the Manual model suffers from lower mileage, higher noise and wear, and poorer acceleration if no overdrive fifth is present and the rear end ratio has to be taller. I think Nissan will do the right thing by making a six-speed instead of a five. 4 valve engines have wide torque curves and don't require these close ratio gear spacings. We're not racing on the Autobahn here. When you are in fifth, it's not a race anymore. It's cruise and snooze time.
The volume and temperature controls on the center dash console are on the right (away from the driver) instead of the left (closer to the driver) simply because Nissan decided to save costs and not design a reverse console for left-hand drive (e.g., American) vehicles. If you take a look at the photos of the Japanese Skyline (links from previous posts), you'll see that the center console is identical (i.e., same button placement). But in this case the volume and temp. buttons are closer to the driver because the driver sits on the right with right-hand drive. This might turn out to be a mistake by Nissan not to make the change.
I prefer the tach on the right and speedo on the left like in my current Mustang and in my previous BMW. I think it has to do with since I shift with my right hand, my body and eyes are kind of leaning towards the right so it makes sense to me to have the tach more aligned with my field of vision for that split second. As everyone knows, BMW puts a lot of effort into ergonomics and into making sure everything is perfect for the driver to concentrate on the task of performace driving. So if BMW puts the tach on the right, I'm sure it was for a good reason and not just a random flip of the coin. I'm glad to see the G35 will have the tach on the right since that's what I've been used to for many years.
I really do hope that when Infiniti releases the G35 manual they get rid of the foot parking brake and put in a hand brake (I guess they'll have to ruin that nice wide center console to do it). A manual transmission with a foot brake just doesn't work especially if you have to drive and stop on a lot of hills. I'd say a hand parking brake is pretty much a MUST for manual transmission cars. Are you listening Nissan?
When the VP and general manager of Infiniti comes out and says to the world's automotive press that the 6-speed manual will come later, I tend to believe him:
I am pretty darn sure that the 6-speed will not be lifted from the Maxima. Nissan is said to have developed its own six-speed for RWD performance cars - Z, GTR, G35. All three of these upcoming models are based on the FM platform. The only major difference being the amount of horses under the hood.
That means no Getrag crap. Cannot comment on the gear ratios though.
I am also not impressed with the 215/55/17. Seems a bit too skinny for a car this size and with this much HP. Hoping that by the time the manual arrives there will be a 235/50/17 tire for the sport.
Have to disagree with you hvan on the smaller size per your post:
#902 of 932 Tires by hvan3 Jan 27, 2002 (10:59 am) "You guys need to get over the fact that the Nissan offers off size tires. Once your tires wear out, do you really want to replace the same size tire? Here's your chance to "customize" your tire preference. I would recommend 225/45/17. If you want to go a bit extreme, like myself, lower the vehicle by one inch to improve cornering."
This is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First, the only proper way to lower a car is by swaping suspension components. The aftermarket will deliver, in time. Secondly, reducing the circumference of the stock tire will also reduce the speed at which the auto tranny shifts, will make your speedometer read too high, will make your odometer read more miles than actually driven, and will reduce your fuel mileage. These will need to be overcome by changing the ODO sender and possibly recalibrating the engine ECU. That is a pretty bass-ackwards way to lower your car and it only increases the tread width by 10mm.
To each his own, I guess.
BTW: I'm less worried about *when* the manual tranny will be offered than *How Good* will it be. I'd rather Nissan not rush something second rate to market just to make people like me happy. Got to drive a new M5 a couple of weeks back: that is now my new benchmark for what a sport manual should be like. I'll settle for getting just close.
I think the goofy gearing is that either the U.S. Govt mandates cars are geared for 55/65mph because of speed limits, or it's done for CAFE mpg numbers.
I dunno why it's done like that but I hate it. Get with the program folks, no one does 55mph on the interstate anymore.
Short gearing would actually hurt mileage, and therefore CAFE numbers.
I think it's done because people want passing power while cruising in 5th, without having to downshift to 4th (or even 3rd). High revs put the engines in their "sweet spot" of torque, ready for passing at any time.
You trade off noise and fuel efficiency, of course. Maybe even durability.
QUOTE: "I come across plenty of people everyday doing 55mph in the passing lane."
I think we all do. Those are the people who don't seem to have a clue. I don't mind people who prefer to drive slow. But if you want to drive slow, PLEEEEASE stay in the right lane. Accidents are caused by people trying to pass the slow drivers in the left lane.
It's not the fast lane, it's the passing lane. So there's nothing wrong with doing 80mph in the left lane, as long as you let me pass when I come up behind you. ;-)
gandhim3... He said the 6-speed is "to be offered later in the development process". Not very specific. Does that mean 2002? 2003? 2004? And a lot can happen that might change that. Just too darn bad it wasn't offered at the beginning of the retail sales cycle! Big mistake, just like what Lexus did with IS300.
In the recent announcements so far, everything that Nissan/Infiniti has announced, they have followed through with their products.
In my opinion, the 6-speed is probably still undergoing development, seeing as it is shared with the new Z. And the new Z will not come out until the Fall of this year, which is also when the G35-based coupe will be shown.
As much as everyone is comparing the G35 to the Lexus IS300, you have to remember that these cars were brought to the market under different development processes. The IS300 is simply a Toyota rebadged as a Lexas - an after thought, when Toyota realized that the key to success in the US market is not competing against Benz (which it has done so successfully thus far). The key is to emulate BMW. Not having a small 4-door chasis in the pipeline, they just slapped on a Lexus badge on the Japanese market Altezza. How else do you explain the poor quality interior and high NVH levels.
Yes, Nissan has done the same thing with the G35 by slapping an Infiniti badge on to the Japanese market Skyline. But the Skyline is based on an all-new FM platform expressly designed to compete on the global stage. The G35 is not an afterthought, unlike the IS300.
Hard to say. The old Skyline had the wonderful I-6 engine. And USA won't initially get the monster super-high performance Skyline GT-R(?) that is sold in Japan and Europe. Wasn't that the screaming near 300 HP twin-turbo 2.6L I-6 AWD with manual tranny?
There doesn't seem to be any real comparison as the two cars are in vastly different classes despite similar pricing and badging. The G35 is larger, quieter, more comfortable, faster, probably better handling and braking, better exterior and interior quality, and better more sophisticated styling that appeals to mature adults who can actually afford the car.
It's ludicrous that that IS300 is actually in the same low to mid $30Ks price range as the G35. The G35 introduction just underscores the fact that the IS300 would have been more appropriately brought to market as a $25K Toyota. I would expect IS300 sales to decline still further with the G35s introduction.
What exactly is the top of the line Skyline in Japan now? Anyone know? Are they still using the twin turbo inline six? Do they have a turbo version of the current 3.5v6? Do they plan on doing this? Anyone.
Right now I think the only high perfomance skyline is the R34 with the 2.6 twin turbo. There are reports that the next GT-R will have a V8? and will be one of the first Japanese sports cars to break the 276hp voluntary limit. The next GT-R and NSX will have close to 400hp according to some sources.
According to that site, the top of the line model is GT-R M-spec R34. Or currently there is an 1000-unit limited GT-R M-spec V-spec II Nür. The limited GT-R has 6 cylinder DOHC 24 valve, twin ball bearing metal turbocharger. It has maximum power of 280PS@5800rpm, torque of 392Nm@4400rpm.
Infiniti G35 is an redesigned Skyline and it is also sold in Japan. The original skyline is called Skyline GT-R and it is classified separately.
Comments
I have one year to decide what I want. Hopefully, the G35 hype will die down and the purchase cost will be near invoice. By the time fall comes, the new G35 coupe will be introduce. By then, i'll be more serious about getting a new car. Or, if GM has trouble moving the CTS, I may consider it if Cadi offers $5K off along with my $2500 GM rebate points.
"G35 Luxury Leather Model with Premum and Sport-Tuned Suspension Packages Option groups (must select one):
#Aero Package, Power Sunroof, Xenon Headlights
#Winter Package, Infiniti Navigation System, Power sunroof, Xenon headlights"
Since I want the Winter Package, I am forced to take the Nav which I don't want at an extra $2-3K and can't get the Aero package which I might want. Without both the Premium Package and the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package something I want is left off. To get both I apparently have to buy an expensive option I don't want and can't get one I might want depending on how it looks.
Do any of you guys know how many G35's they expect to sell? 30,000? or less than that?
1. The type that wants everything
and doesn't care about the cost.
2. The type that wants limited
options and will take less rather
more equipment when faced with the
mandatory purchase of extras they
don't want.
It will be interesing to see if this option policy eventually has a negative effect on sales, i.e. will some buyers just choose another car rather than feel they are being ripped off by being forced to buy thousands of dollars worth of unwanted extras.
I've been looking at the Volvo S60 and with the exception of a charge for metallic paint they have stand alone options or packages that actually discount the options over ordering stand alone. There is also no bundling of options or forcing multiple options in order to buy one option. Whether the Volvo is a better deal (priced higher with comparable performance of a T5) it still doesn't create this morass when ordering and the feeling of being taken advantage of; so I think Nissan will lose some buyers after the initial surge if they don't lighten up on this policy.
The first thing that comes to mind is "Man, is this going to get dirty or what?" The willow is a very, very light interior, and with this one being a show car, I can tell you that the dyes from people's clothing has already started accumulating on the leather surfaces. The titanium is very sharp, but it is SO overwhelming on the center console that I don't see how people will keep from scratching the bejeezus out of it over time.
Enjoy!
Originally, I ordered a brilliant silver w/ willow interior but chaged my mind after seeing the demo silver car w/ graphite interior. Much better w/ the graphite interior.
I have a couple of questions that I hope you'll be able to answer. You mentioned that the seat [in the G35] was 'wider' than the seat in the CL-S. Is the seat part of the seat [the part we put OUR 'seat' on!!] also LONGER than the CL-S or did you notice?? ALSO - how about that 'thing' stuck to the side of the center console. Did you notice that and/or FEEL that pressing against your leg??
Thanks,
Craig!!
Enjoy you Nissans, all!! And beware of the missing ponies: one day they might come back to bite you!!
Its pointless to badmouth the G35, we know how much you love it but just won't say it.
THe news for you is not all good. Yes you can get get Leather Model with Sport Suspension and without Aero, however, to accomplish that feat you have to buy more than just a moonroof. You must also buy Bose and Winter package. That's roughly an additional $1500 bucks by my reckoning.
So if you heart's set on Leather and Sport be ready to fork over another $1500 and enjoy that great stereo and heated seats.
I definitely see the "bulge" in the foot area that some people have commented upon. I have not personally seen the G35 as yet (much less sat in one), but to those who have - is that bulge to intrusive for some one to use the throttle?
And what the heck is on that bulge on the driver's side? I see a grab-handle on the passenger side, but what is that socket-like thing on the drivers side? Is that where we put in the ignition key?
Finally, I just noticed that the G35 (automatic version at least) comes with a foot-brake, not a hand brake. Don't tell me Infiniti is going the BMW 7 series route and is now eliminating a proper hand brake! Where the heck are they going to put the clutch with that foot brake in the way?
Craig!!
Thanks for the clarification. As for that bulge, I will have to sit in the car to find out whether it is intrusive or not. Maybe that cigarette lighter can be converted to a AC adapter for my laptop? I do not smoke.
Canadacraig -
Never really noticed it. If IRC, the tach on my Camry is on the right and the speedo is on the left. I really have no preference if both of them are the same size.
If they are different sizes, then I prefer the speedo to be larger in automatic tranyy versions of car. And I prefer the tach to be larger in the manual tranny versions of cars.
I can't wait to drive the new G in both manual and auto. Who knows, maybe Infiniti will finally convert me to lazy-man driving.
On the other hand, don't wait and get the auto. The six-speeds may be in short supply once the new Z comes out. I don't want to be on some waiting list.
Also, magazines will test the manuals, even if people buy automatics. That means the published test results will look much better if the manual is the model being tested.
So it would be better if the manual were available, at least for press fleets, right from the start. The Altima auto is a low 7 second car (to 60mph). Big deal. Motorweek took a manual tranny Altima to 60 in 5.9 seconds.
Which would you advertise?
-juice
Also remember these are preproduction prototypes so they will not be up to the standards of final production versions.
IS300 sales suffered because it only had an auto. They were giving away IS300's last June. With the manual Toyota weaned mod-boys can get a Lexus with some zest, rather than the banal auto they stuck in it originally.
And as far as manuals go in the main entry level sport-luxury lineups...BMW sells something like 50% manuals. Hmmm, seems that those who do like to drive a car will buy a manual if the rest of the car can perform. Heck, Acura finally put a manul in its much maligned CL Type S too.
http://www.nissannews.com/infiniti/pr_events/2002/detroit/speech.html
Check Mark McNabb's speech towards to bottom.
I am pretty darn sure that the 6-speed will not be lifted from the Maxima. Nissan is said to have developed its own six-speed for RWD performance cars - Z, GTR, G35. All three of these upcoming models are based on the FM platform. The only major difference being the amount of horses under the hood.
That means no Getrag crap. Cannot comment on the gear ratios though.
Have to disagree with you hvan on the smaller size per your post:
#902 of 932 Tires by hvan3 Jan 27, 2002 (10:59 am)
"You guys need to get over the fact that the Nissan offers off size tires. Once your tires wear out, do you really want to replace the same size tire? Here's your chance to "customize" your tire preference. I would recommend 225/45/17. If you want to go a bit extreme, like myself, lower the vehicle by one inch to improve cornering."
This is a bad idea for a number of reasons. First, the only proper way to lower a car is by swaping suspension components. The aftermarket will deliver, in time. Secondly, reducing the circumference of the stock tire will also reduce the speed at which the auto tranny shifts, will make your speedometer read too high, will make your odometer read more miles than actually driven, and will reduce your fuel mileage. These will need to be overcome by changing the ODO sender and possibly recalibrating the engine ECU. That is a pretty bass-ackwards way to lower your car and it only increases the tread width by 10mm.
To each his own, I guess.
BTW: I'm less worried about *when* the manual tranny will be offered than *How Good* will it be. I'd rather Nissan not rush something second rate to market just to make people like me happy. Got to drive a new M5 a couple of weeks back: that is now my new benchmark for what a sport manual should be like. I'll settle for getting just close.
HiC
Are you kidding me?
I dunno why it's done like that but I hate it. Get with the program folks, no one does 55mph on the interstate anymore.
"Get with the program folks, no one does 55mph on the interstate anymore."
I come across plenty of people everyday doing 55mph in the passing lane.
I think it's done because people want passing power while cruising in 5th, without having to downshift to 4th (or even 3rd). High revs put the engines in their "sweet spot" of torque, ready for passing at any time.
You trade off noise and fuel efficiency, of course. Maybe even durability.
-juice
I think we all do. Those are the people who don't seem to have a clue. I don't mind people who prefer to drive slow. But if you want to drive slow, PLEEEEASE stay in the right lane. Accidents are caused by people trying to pass the slow drivers in the left lane.
-juice
In my opinion, the 6-speed is probably still undergoing development, seeing as it is shared with the new Z. And the new Z will not come out until the Fall of this year, which is also when the G35-based coupe will be shown.
As much as everyone is comparing the G35 to the Lexus IS300, you have to remember that these cars were brought to the market under different development processes. The IS300 is simply a Toyota rebadged as a Lexas - an after thought, when Toyota realized that the key to success in the US market is not competing against Benz (which it has done so successfully thus far). The key is to emulate BMW. Not having a small 4-door chasis in the pipeline, they just slapped on a Lexus badge on the Japanese market Altezza. How else do you explain the poor quality interior and high NVH levels.
Yes, Nissan has done the same thing with the G35 by slapping an Infiniti badge on to the Japanese market Skyline. But the Skyline is based on an all-new FM platform expressly designed to compete on the global stage. The G35 is not an afterthought, unlike the IS300.
It's ludicrous that that IS300 is actually in the same low to mid $30Ks price range as the G35. The G35 introduction just underscores the fact that the IS300 would have been more appropriately brought to market as a $25K Toyota. I would expect IS300 sales to decline still further with the G35s introduction.
Are they still using the twin turbo inline six? Do they have a turbo version of the current 3.5v6? Do they plan on doing this?
Anyone.
http://www.nissan.co.jp/GT-R/R34/0105/index.html
According to that site, the top of the line model is GT-R M-spec R34. Or currently there is an 1000-unit limited GT-R M-spec V-spec II Nür. The limited GT-R has 6 cylinder DOHC 24 valve, twin ball bearing metal turbocharger. It has maximum power of 280PS@5800rpm, torque of 392Nm@4400rpm.
Infiniti G35 is an redesigned Skyline and it is also sold in Japan. The original skyline is called Skyline GT-R and it is classified separately.