by
Jeff Voth
Surprisingly the
Infiniti G35 Coupe weighs in at just over 3,400 lbs. This makes it over 600 lbs
heavier than the aforementioned Acura RSX and 200 lbs. more than the Audi TT Quattro.
In most cases, a somewhat portly physique would have a negative impact
on performance and handling. But in the case of the G35 Coupe, the extra padding
translates into a positive feeling of solidity and quiet, without sacrificing
drivability.
Inside, the simplicity of the design carries through. Infiniti
chooses words such as modern, refined and ingenious to describe the interior.
While all of these apply, my description would be businesslike.
At the
risk of sounding logical, a car is first and foremost meant for driving. So why
then do so many vehicles try and woe us with the latest gadgets and gizmos and
forget the obvious? I'm not sure.
The interior of the Infiniti G35 Coupe
provides all the creature comforts we have come expect from the automobiles of
today, but then takes the next critical step of getting out of the way to allow
the driving experience to take center stage.
A
3-spoke brushed aluminum and black leather steering wheel houses stereo and cruise
control switches. Tilt the wheel and the gauge pod adjusts with it, a commonsense
but often missed feature.
The center console is also personalized with
brushed aluminum and houses the heating and cooling controls, along with the standard
160-Watt, 6-speaker AM/FM cassette with stackable CD stereo system. Upgrade to
the Premium package and Infiniti adds in a 222-Watt Bose® 8-speaker AM/FM 6-disc
CD changer, dual-climate controls and a tinted glass power sunroof.
In
a further nod to common sense, the G35 Coupe offers seating for four. In front,
deep bolstered seats offer excellent hip and thigh support, while proper length
seat cushions mean your legs won't fall asleep on a lengthy road trip. The driver's
seat also provides a center bolster for added pedal feel, as well as power adjustments.
In the back, rear passengers are treated to comfortable, tight seats,
with a reasonable amount of head and leg room. Releasing the front passenger seat
from behind causes it to glide forward, allowing for easy entrance and exit.
Of course power windows, mirrors, doors, etc., all come standard. Leather is available
and highly recommended as it adds a refining touch to this well thought out interior
package. Trunk space is very good for a two-door coupe.
Given an unlimited
pocket book, I would probably choose to own something from the likes of Porsche
or Ferrari. However, if my choice had its price limitations, and believe me it
does, the Infiniti G35 Coupe is definitely on the "A" list. It's attractive, fast,
and incredibly comfortable, plus it's built by a company with a lengthy record
for reliability.
Is this as good as it gets for a sport coupe? No probably
not. But it sure is close enough to keep the Infiniti G35 Coupe at the top of
the heap for quite some time.
Now if I could just find that highly intelligent
alien visitor I referred to before; I have a few ideas for a new pickup truck.
JUST
THE FACTS | 2004
INFINITI G35 COUPE | | Description: |
Sport Coupe | | Model
options: |
Sport Coupe Leather
Sport Coupe Leather 6MT | | Wheelbase: |
112.2 inches | | Overall
length: |
182.2 inches | | Engine
size: |
3.5 liter V6 | | Transmission: |
6MT, Automatic/5 | | Drive: |
rear drive | | Braking: |
Power 4-disc, ABS/EBD | | Air
bags: |
2 (front) 2 (side) | | Fuel
mileage city/hwy: | Manual-
18/26
Automatic- 20/27 | | MSRP: |
GS Sport Coupe Leather- $ 31,800
GS Sport Coupe Leather 6MT- $ 32,700
|
Click
here
for more information on the Infiniti G35 Coupe.
For the Infiniti 2004 Model Guide : Click
Here (...BACK)
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