2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe

Raves were in order, and rightly so, when Infiniti launched the first model in its G-series, a hot 4-door sedan that blended great features, great performance and a great price. Now the division has come back with an even more stunning rejoinder—the new G35 Coupe. Sharing all key mechanicals with its sporty sedan sibling, this rakish romper puts a proper exclamation point on the program thanks to a 1-2 punch that opens with a more expansive dynamic envelope and follows through with an MSRP that still starts below $30K.

While its sheetmetal retains strong family ties with the sedan, the two-door boasts a decidedly racier profile.

The new G35 Coupe comes in three basic incarnations: Autoshifted versions with either cloth or leather interior appointments and a manually shifted model we drove that comes hidebound only. While its sheetmetal retains strong family ties with the sedan, the two-door boasts a decidedly racier profile. Should an owner care to make an even more aggressive visual statement, an Aero Package that includes a tasteful—and functional—rear spoiler as well as underbody, side and rear fairings also is available. That kind of "plus one" philosophy is in evidence throughout the rest of the package, as well.


Pop the G35's purposefully power-bulged hood and you find the award winning VQ35DE V-6 engine. This all-aluminum 3.5-liter DOHC wonder is fortified with all sorts of performance-enhancing tweaks, including a variable intake system, continuously variable valve timing and electronic throttling. Thanks to freer-flowing manifolding, it cranks out a stout 280 hp in this application, 20 more than in the 4-door G35. Torque also gets bumped, rising from 260 to 270 lb.-ft. The figures are the same for both the 5-speed automatic transmission and the close-ratio 6-speed in our test car. We found the shifting effort to be slightly heavish, but positive action, short throws and a progressive clutch helped the hardest-core G35 streak from 0-60 mph in a hair over six seconds. The engine will pull smartly to its 6,600 rpm redline. While it needs just under half of that rev count to get seriously interested in the program, there's enough in hand down low to cruise in top gear 6th gear on level ground from about 1,200 rpm.

The G35 Coupe's all-aluminum 3.5-liter DOHC wonder is fortified with all sorts of performance-enhancing tweaks.

Like its 4-door kin, this new Infiniti coupe is anchored on Nissan's new bi-divisional FM (front mid-ship) rear-wheel drive platform. Also underpinning the spectacular new 350Z, this modular design incorporates a deep engine setback to ensure exceptional balance and marries a strong steel central unibody with aluminum-intensive suspension. Both G35s share the same 112.2-inch wheelbase, although the coupe is 4.3 inches shorter. Lightweight multilink hardware is found at each corner. Here too, the coil springs are again complemented by special ripple-control shocks that help smooth out smaller road imperfections and stabilizer bars at each end that further limit unwanted body roll. To reinforce its more overtly sporting nature, the entire package is more tautly tuned. While the more delicately constituted may deem it borderline harsh, harder-core pilots will welcome the tradeoff in return for the added precision.


Opting for the 6-speed gearbox also brings the Performance Wheel and Tire Package, a well-focused collection of hardware that further elevates the G35's handling game. As the name implies, the key change comes in the footwear department, where the baseline 225/50VR17 front and 235/56VR17 rear on 6-spoke cast alloys are replaced by 225/45WR18 and 245/45WR18 Michelin Pilot sport alternatives on lightweight 7-spoke rims. Also in the package is a limited slip differential that works in concert with the standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) stability package and traction control systems. Effectively stopping this 3,400+ pound charger are healthy 12.8-inch/12.7-inch vented disc brakes. While all G35 Coupes feature 4-channel ABS that incorporates both Brake Assist and Electronic Brake force Distribution circuitry, only those fitted with a do-it-yourself shifter also get premium Brembo binders with four-pot front calipers and larger-diameter discs all around.