Used 2007 INFINITI G

Most observers agree that BMW is the industry benchmark for truly sporting sedans, and that BMW’s 3 Series is the best of the best among the semi-affordable. But not everyone with sport sedan aspirations wants or can find the budget for such a pricey German car. Many buyers would prefer a domestic or Japanese equivalent, if such an alternative were available, and many manufacturers targeting BMW have come tantalizingly close to delivering that alternative. This new Infiniti G35 may be the closest yet to hitting that elusive target.

While the previous-generation Infiniti G35 sedan was good, and the G35 coupe was essentially an upscale four-seat Nissan 350Z, this new one is a major step forward. Drive it normally and it coddles, comforts and entertains. Drive it more enthusiastically and it satisfies like few competitors can. The lusty V6 surges strongly on demand, the tightly-tuned suspension delivers a near-perfect balance of ride and handling and the powerful brakes absorb velocity with authority. The available four-wheel active steer tightens the already excellent steering, enhances response and subtly improves stability during cornering. Enthusiasts choosing the Sport Package are offered the difficult choice of a smooth, precise six-speed manual or a set of long, slender “bat-ear” manual shift paddles on the steering column (behind the wheel) to directly control the five-speed automatic transmission.

The G35’s finely crafted cabin is more distinctive in design than its exterior. The large primary gauges (speedometer and tachometer) are deeply recessed within a hooded enclosure, flanked by arc-shaped fuel and temperature dials and bathed at night by crisp white and violet light. In the center stack, an oval analog clock divides the radio controls. Below them are the automatic climate controls; above them – arranged near-horizontally for ease of operation in front of the standard seven-inch color monitor – is a central dial and an array of buttons for the trip computer, optional navigation system and other functions. Perhaps the only controversial element is the textured aluminum trim styled to resemble Japanese “Washi” paper.

The G35’s exterior style, refined and enhanced but not that much different from the previous generation’s, is clean, simple and athletic. It pulls off the difficult trick of being different from nearly everything else yet not overly expressive or polarizing. Its most distinctive features are the four sculpted grille bars that twist from center to edge like traditional Japanese sword blades, its flush L-shaped headlamps and taillights that flow around the fenders front and rear, and its aluminum hood, which rolls like wave forms from side to side. There’s hardly a straight line on its body.

Available Studio on Wheels by Bose Audio System
This audiophile system delivers truly impressive sound through a total of 10 speakers, including the industry’s first three-way front door speaker array with 10-inch woofers. The digital amplifier offers 374 watts of total power and eight channels of equalization.

Available Four-Wheel Active Steer
Infiniti’s Rear Active Steer, which enables the rear wheels to toe inward up to one degree during aggressive cornering, is teamed with variable-ratio front active steering. The result is impressive steering response in normal driving and added stability at higher speeds.

The G35 sedan comes with a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, leather-covered power seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, six-speaker audio with in-dash CD changer, Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary input jack and MP3 playback capability, automatic climate control with micro filtration, bi-xenon HID headlamps, fog lights, driver information center and five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift paddles and adaptive shift control. Standard safety features include six air bags – dual-stage front, front-seat side and roof-mounted side-curtains–front-seat active head restraints, stability control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

The G35 offers three option packages and several stand-alone options. A Premium Package includes sunroof, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats and mirrors, power lumbar support (driver’s seat), memory system, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose audio system. A Sport Package brings sport steering wheel, seats, front fascia and side sills, 18-inch wheels and tires, limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, aluminum pedals, magnesium paddle shifters (with automatic) and a hand parking brake with the available six-speed manual transmission. A Technology Package adds intelligent cruise control with preview braking, rearview monitor and adaptive front lighting. Also available are touch-screen navigation with voice recognition and XM NavTraffic, four-wheel active steer (sport models), African Rosewood interior trim, 18-inch performance wheels and tires, sunroof, rear spoiler and a choice of XM or SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Infiniti’s 306-horsepower 3.5-liter dual variable-valve-timing V6 is as smooth at low engine speeds as it is muscular when you light its fire. Its engineers have tuned it to deliver acceleration in a building wave, which they call a “swell,” instead of a straight linear rush. It does this through a standard five-speed automatic transmission or (available with the Sport Package) a six-speed manual.

3.5-liter V6
306 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
268 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/27 (manual), 19/26 (automatic)