Vehicle: 2007 Infiniti G35S with 4-Wheel Active Steer Package and Technology Package
Price as tested: CDN$51240

Performance: As its name indicates, G35 is powered by Nissan’s renowed VQ35 engine series. Its latest iteration has been renamed VQ35HR as latter means High Response. That means it got improved exhaust and intake manifold for better breathing at high rpm, which isn’t a very strong point in outgoing VQ engine series. This revised engine is good for 306 horses and 268 lb/ft of torque. Both performance and smoothness are certainly not an issue with the new G. As with all VQ35DE has gone before, this latest motor has to be the best V6 engine in the business. Even though its maximum low-end torque arrives at 4800rpm, it certainly feels more peppy than its numbers suggested. However, I am still not fond of this powerplant’s engine note. Its far from being entertaining and solid as we expected from a sports sedan, it sounds like some aftermarket exhaust with a piece broken. Unfortunately, Nissan’s power boost has sacificed some of VQ’s legendary refinement and quietness while pushed. Combined with that exhaust note, it just add insult to the injury. That’s a big pity! The Sport model can be ordered with a 6-speed stick or 5-speed manumatic transmission. We chose the manumatic model simply because it will be a more popular choice. The downshift rev matching programming in this G has tried to duplicate the sequential gearbox, however, it feels awkward and far from the standard set by VW and Audi’s DSG gearbox. However, the gear ratios are good enough for highway cruising, as well as matching the sporty character that Nissan always wants it to be.

Handling: While the base G35 and AWD G35X come standard with 17″ wheels, our Sport tester comes with 18″ wheels along with sports suspension. This sports suspension rides surprisingly well although it still lacks the supple firmness one expected from legendary German rivals. While it doesn’t have as much underdamping as its predecessor, it certainly doesn’t have the best riding characteristics in its class. In terms of dynamics, it rates as good as anything else with its sports suspension. With its stiff new 2nd generation FM chassis that will underpin the upcoming new Z and GT-R, along with sharp steering that provide decent feedback and precision. G35 is a very capable car in the twisties. Nissan also addressed some of its predecessor’s darty and featherweight steering in return of a more sure-footnness driving qualities. Our tester comes with Active Steer which is a system that makes this rear-driver easier to handle when driver encounters oversteer. We think its a good step since its outgoing car’s tail isn’t controllable when going over 7/10th, that’s even with the standard Vehicle Dynamic Control. With the new model, it remains an uninstrusive system. That’s an added benefit that works hand-in-hand with Active Steer.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs, ABS and Brake Assist. The new G’s braking performance rates as one of the better ones in its class. The stopping distance is short and linear while pedal feels solid to the touch.

Interior: Slip behind the wheel of the new G, you would find a better fit than its predecessor although the finish still lacking. The plastic and leather materials have improved over its horrible previous car. However, its finishing touch remains lacking compares to any of its peers. There are less panel gaps behind door panels and center console. Even the center armrest’s cracky operation has gone for good. Unfortunately, the plastic surface still feels low-rent. Its almost ridiculous to find some screw holes in a supposedly premium car costing 50 grand plus. The outgoing car’s leather feels more plasticky than any of its competitor’s leatherette, while fade out under the sunlight. At least the new one’s leather has leather quality feel and touch. But just don’t expect Connolly leather inside the G as its a premium car built down to costs. The Washi-finish aluminum trim standard in all new G feels cheesy. It does look like real aluminum from 50 feet away. But everyone can feel its a painted aluminum on plastic piece. Optional Rosewood trim is a better alternative.

Its not without good points. The steering’s height adjusted with the instrument panel is a neat touch. Nissan finally put the power seat buttons beside the front seats instead of on the bolster, also some ergonomics have been improved inside. The automatic climate control is efficient and user-friendly.

It isn’t easy to load into the trunk of G either. The lack of split fold-down rear seats, swallow side cut-off and high liftover don’t help neither. Only ski pass through is unacceptable for a car of this caliber.

Conclusion: Even though its base model offers lots of performance for money, $40k for 306hp. This Sport model which costs $51k+ certainly doesn’t. The new G’s lack of refinement, fair interior quality and controversial styling don’t help neither. Its definitely not the contender as many publications would like you to believe, however, it won’t hurt when you are shopping for a premium sports sedan.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 INFINITI G35S
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 3/5