2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan Review | Buyer Guide
Infiniti Redesigns G35 For 2007
April 2007 – When the Infiniti G35 sedan came out in 2002, the automotive world recognized it as something special. Road & Track placed it at the top of the list of 11 sport sedans. Motor Trend named it “Car of the Year,” and a panel of 49 auto journalists at the Detroit Auto Show did likewise. But that was nearly five years ago. Now there’s a new, redesigned G35. Could Infiniti really make it better than the original? I drove a G35 for a week to find out.
The 2007 G35 looks a lot like its predecessor, but if you examine it closely, you’ll see that it is more finely sculpted. Infiniti revised the headlights and taillights and integrated them more smoothly into the bodywork. A new character line along each side emphasizes the wedge shape of the body, and a chrome strip on the rear-deck spoiler adds a nice finishing touch.
Infiniti claims that the interior offers a new level of “modern warmth,” but this was not readily apparent inside my test car, which was black. Yet, the light beige interiors that I saw were more inviting. Infiniti trims the ’07 model with a new textured aluminum that’s made to resemble hand-made Japanese paper. This trim adds character to the interior, and serves to counteract the economy-car look of the dash.
The G35 comes with standard leather seats with contrasting stitching on the edges. The ones up front are well bolstered for vigorous driving. A leather-covered steering wheel is made to match, and is stitched on by hand. An intelligent key fob is also standard equipment. All you have to do is carry it with you to unlock the doors and then press a button to start the engine.
The engine, by the way, is the fourth generation of Infiniti’s award-winning 3.5-liter V-6. This is a terrific power plant. For 2007, it gets a higher compression ratio, (10.6:1) a higher redline (7,600 rpm) and more horsepower (306). It pulls strongly from 2000 rpm, while delivering a sporty burble from the tailpipes. A five-speed automatic, with a manual-shift mode, is standard. However, my “Sport” model came with a six-speed manual gearbox, and a stiff clutch pedal—not much fun in heavy traffic.
G35 enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that the 2007′s handling is better than ever. The new model has a 36-percent stiffer body structure, as well as wider front and rear tracks for greater handling stability. It also displays that excellent front-to-rear balance of its predecessor. This car will hustle down a twisty road without breaking a sweat, and when you take a big sweeping curve, it feels like its tied to the end of a tether. However the ride quality is very firm on the Sport model, with its stiffer suspension and 18-inch wheels.
Infiniti offers a wide array of high-tech options on the G35. Buyers can add four-wheel active steering, adaptive headlights that swivel, and intelligent cruise control that maintains a constant interval with the car in front of you. There is also a Bose “Studio on Wheels” sound system with 10 speakers, as well as a touch-screen navigation system that incorporates a 9.5-gigabyte music hard drive, and a rearview monitor.
G35 customers have a choice of four models this year, the base G35, the Journey, the Sport and the All-Wheel Drive. Furthermore, the G is still a bargain. Pricing starts at just $32,150.
Is the 2007 G35 a better car than its predecessor? There’s no doubt about it
Snapshot Review
Fresh Styling
Strong Engine
Super handling
High-tech Options
Firm Ride
Specifications
Base Price $32,150
Engine 3.5-ltr, DOHC, V-6
Horsepower 306
Transmission 5-sp auto, 6-sp manual
Brakes disc, ABS
Gas Mileage 19-27 mpg
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