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Posted August, 2006

Road Test: 2006 Infiniti G35

By Kevin S. Lowery

Two years ago when the G35 premiered, the automotive press and the market thought it was seductive. Strange, for an Infiniti. Now, on an “off year,” Infiniti adds more gizmo packages and some new model designations—where a whole bunch of new letters appear at the end of the badging. To keep the G35 momentum alive, the G35 adds a Bluetooth, Hands-Free Phone System, an optional satellite radio (your choice of XM or Sirius) and a new exterior color—Liquid Platinum. Be still my beating heart.

The G35’s engine is a powerful 280hp V6 mated to rear-wheel drive with a choice of five-speed automatic transmission and with manual shift mode, or six-speed with a manual transmission. Mated with a manual transmission, the engine delivers 298 horsepower. Its four-wheel independent suspension with lightweight aluminum components sports a coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero degrees of front lift. I liked the hefty V6 engine. It knew how to get out of those tight traffic situations.

The engine design is complemented by a long list of advanced systems, including a continuously variable valve timing control system, a “noiseless” timing chain for quiet operation, a structurally reinforced aluminum engine block and an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system.

The all-wheel-drive system (AWD) smooth, stable acceleration. For snow-covered or dirt-road situations there is a Snow-Mode switch. It sets the torque distribution ratio evenly to reduce throttle sensitivity at low speeds. Also, this “intelligent” AWD model features Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system. It is also utilized on the several other models. More about that later.

The G35’s braking system utilizes power-assisted four-wheel vented disc brakes. The system also includes four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which distributes brake force depending on load condition (passengers and cargo) and Brake Assist (BA), which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity and Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), which uses the ABS sensors to detect wheel spin and applies braking to the spinning wheel. All 2006 G35s, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), helping to keep the vehicle stable under a variety of driving conditions.

As for the exterior, I felt its wide grille and stretched headlights made it look like the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland. Meanwhile, the rest of the car had a basic design you might expect from any Japanese four-door sedan on the market. Not that it issn’t executed well. It just isn’t exciting. The new rear fascia was appealing until I noticed the LED lights were shaped awkwardly with what looks like a cowlick sticking up. The lights do provide maintenance-free operation and are noticeably bright.

As for the interior, well, I felt at home as soon as I slipped into the driver’s seat. The design was sleek, simple and organized. The buttons on the console were arranged with common sense and all the surfaces had a quality look and feel, as did the driver-oriented instrument panel and console area. The interior materials and textures included real aluminum and wood-tone trim. Available wood accents (Wood Trim Package) consist of a straight-grained Rosewood. You have a choice of three interior colors, including Stone (gray), Wheat (beige) and Graphite (black). And every 2006 G35 comes with standard leather-appointed seating.

Examples of the G35’s sportiness and comfort can be found throughout the spacious (98.0 cubic feet) interior. The driver’s seat uses a special center mound shape with high damping urethane foam and special spring design to support the driver during sporty driving, while the front passenger’s seat has a flatter-shaped lower cushion and the seat is shaped to provide a relaxed posture. In the rear, the G35 offers a choice of wide bucket-shaped seats or optional rear reclining seats, both with ample knee room, and a pass-through armrest. The G35 trunk measures a full 14.8 cubic feet of trunk space.

The instrument panel features Infiniti’s Fine Vision electro-fluorescent illumination system and signature analog clock. The optional DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System includes a seven-inch retractable screen. Audio systems include a standard six-speaker AM/FM with in-dash six-disc CD changer with mp3 playback capability and an optional Bose premium audio system with an AM/FM/ in-dash six-disc CD changer with RDS, seven speakers, speed-sensitive volume control and steering wheel audio controls.

The 2006 G35 features standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires on automatic transmission models and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and P235/45R18 tires on the six-speed manual transmission model. The 18-inch wheels and tires and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential are optional on rear-wheel drive models with automatic transmission as part of the Sport-Tuned Suspension package. A Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) is standard on all G35s.

All G35s also come equipped with the Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and right-front occupant classification sensor, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupant head protection. Also standard are three-point seat belts, and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors and front seat Active Head Restraints. It is also equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

The G35’s platform provides a number of safety performance features, including a mechanism for releasing the engine downward in certain collisions, and a breakaway driveshaft. The new brake pedal construction helps prevent rearward pedal movement and, therefore, helping to prevent lower leg injuries.

Several available optional packages allow the buyer to custom-equip the 2006 G35 to further reflect his or her exact driving style and tastes. Packages include the Premium Package A (available with the G35 6MT), with Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System, dual sliding glass sunroof with one-touch open/close feature, dual-zone air conditioning, driver’s seat memory, automatic auto on/off headlights, HomeLink Universal Transceiver, Bose audio system with seven speakers, satellite radio, adjustable reclining rear seats, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and more.

The Premium Package B (available only with the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package) adds all of the Premium Package A contents plus an automatic entry/exit driver’s seat system, Intelligent Key and rear air conditioning vents. The Premium Package C (available on G35 and G35x AWD, not available with Sport-Tuned Suspension Package) includes the Premium Package B contents plus a full-size spare tire.

The Sport-Tuned Suspension Package adds unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with W-rated P235/45R18 high-performance tires, sport-tuned springs and shock absorbers and viscous limited-slip differential.

The Aero Package, which is available with the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package or G35 6MT model, adds a rear spoiler with rear underbody rear side fairings. Other available options include a navigation system, genuine rosewood trim and sunroof.

The base price of the G35 is $31,300. Ours have all the latest features and totaled $38,200 and that did not include the AWD powertrain which would be $1,800 more! But if you’re in a colder climate you know how important that is. The EPA estimates the G35 mpg ratings as 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway. The AWD model commands an $1,800 premium over the price of the standard G35 sedan.

Sometimes automobiles, like wine, get better with age. I’ve always suggested that people wait until the year after an automobile debuts. It’s like software; wait for the x.1 version. Same with this year’s G35. If you are pondering whether to buy or not to buy, then this is the year to do it. And summer is a wonderful time to buy a new car. So, get thee to a car dealership post haste! R&D