Infiniti's G35 premium sports sedans measure to mid-size dimensions from a stiff RWD platform outfitted with a sport-tuned suspension and strong muscle developed through a 3.5-liter V6. For 2005 the engine gets a power boost to 277 hp for all trims. Also, exterior styling is fresh with revamped hood, grille, bumpers, side sills and tail lamps. A five-place cabin brings form-fitting seats and electronic gizmos governing navigation, communications, safety, stereo sound and the interior climate.

The plan for the cabin shows two sport buckets separated by a center console in front of a bench scooped for two but broad enough for three and rigged with seatbacks that adjust the recline angle for extra comfort. Infiniti casts G35 with either RWD traction or a sophisticated electronic AWD device. The latter is labeled G35x with that letter 'x' signifying the AWD action. The AWD equipment normally operates in RWD mode, although if rear treads begin to slip the computer-smart system can divert as much as half of the engine's muscle to turn the front wheels. An optional sport-tuned suspension package has new 18-inch cast aluminum wheels with 235/45R18 tires and drilled aluminum pedals.

A spirited GT sports coupe variation of the G35 sedan is keen in shape and as slick as glass, with two doors on flanks of a snug 2+2 cockpit and a high-powered engine below the stubby prow pushing all kinds of torque to big back wheels. Both coupe and sedan share a RWD chassis and the juicy six-pack engine borrowed from Nissan's 350Z sports coupe. The 3.5-liter V6 in this installation produces 280 hp and connects to a smooth electronic automatic five-speed with manual shift mode or a six-speed close-ratio manual. However, a new Sport model emerges in the 2005 lineup with a power boost of 15 points.

The G35 as a sports coupe carries electronic controls for safety, including VDC and TCS. The base issue, labeled Coupe 5A/T, gets the five-speed automatic and cockpit seats upholstered in cloth fabric. Cover the seats in soft leather hides to reach the next edition, Coupe 5A/T Leather. Top trim retains the leather and adds the six-speed gearbox as the Coupe 6M/T. And the Premium Package brings a sunroof, twin zones for climate controls, driver's seat memory and a Bose 225-watt audio system.

Stretching long and decorated with a raked face and curvaceous fender blisters, Infiniti's FX series of crossover wagons function like SUVs but handle like sporty cars. They're available with either RWD or AWD organization and a pair of powertrains that tie each model to nomenclature describing the displacement of the engine. FX35 gets a 3.5-liter 280 hp V6 used by the spirited G35 coupe, with RWD or AWD traction choices. FX45 goes further with the 4.5-liter 315 hp V8 from Infiniti's Q45 flagship and it stocks AWD equipment exclusively plus super-scale wheels and tires of 20-inch diameter.

The five-seat cabin of each FX wagon is a luxurious space fitted with sport-style leather seats and comfortable perks but also high-tech equipment for passenger safety, communication and navigation. And beneath all of that expressive sheet metal, each FX totes the kind of mechanical hardware that forges dynamic vehicle handling characteristics. A 300-watt Bose premium audio kit with 11 speakers is optional. (...BACK)