Infiniti G35 Sedan/Coupe

(NEW FOR 2007!) Impressions: In a few short years, Infiniti has gone from a quiet, alternative luxury make to a company that's on the cutting edge of style, technology and performance. The G35 coupe and sedan are shining examples of this redirection of corporate philosophy. Both have their own exciting look and both share similar powertrains. Although the coupe rolls into 2007 with nary a change, the sedan is new from the wheel fasteners on up. Why? With a third of its sales volume squarely resting on the contact patches of the G35 sedan, Infiniti has no choice but to make absolutely sure that it continues to woo buyers. Although there was really nothing to complain about with the outgoing sedan, the replacement is much smoother looking with a much more aggressive front end and a clamshell hood whose primary part line runs parallel to the grille. Helping matters is an engine that's set further back and lower to the ground on a modified M35/45 platform, which increases body stiffness by nearly 40 per cent. With a wider track (the distance between the left and right wheels), both front and back, but the same wheelbase as before, there's a little more room for passengers inside the redesigned interior. As the G35 name implies, sedan power still comes from a 3.5-liter V6, although horsepower is now pegged at 306 (up from 280 in the automatic-transmission-equipped cars and 298 in six-speed-manual applications) since most of the engine has been redesigned. As before, the engine drives the rear wheels, but all-wheel-drive remains an option. As was the case last year, you can opt your sedan with a rear steering system that reacts to driver inputs. The coupe carries over with the previous 3.5 although the horsepower ratings drop five to 275 (automatic transmission) and 293 (six-speed manual). Expect that disparity to be made up when the coupe receives its redesign, possibly for 2008. As usual, all G35s come with the usual air/cruise/tilt and power amenities plus stability control, a six-disc CD changer and, of course, Infiniti's four-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. Base price: $31,500 (est. sedan); $33,200 (est., coupe) Type: Four-door sedan; two-door coupe Base engine (hp): 3.5-liter DOHC V6 (coupe, 280, AT/298, MT); 3.5-liter DOHC V6 (sedan, 306) Optional engine: None Layout: Front-engine, rear- /all-wheel drive Transmission: Five-speed automatic; six-speed manual (opt.) Mileage (city/hwy): 17/26 (sedan, AT) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes; stability control Weight (lb.): 3,500 (sedan); 3,490 (coupe) Basic warranty: 4/60,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: infiniti.com