Car Reviews: 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe

It is said that for everyone, there is one perfect vehicle which seems to be a great fit, and answers all of the driver's needs. However, actually finding that car, and being able to afford it, can be an incredibly tricky thing indeed. Even more important is asking the question of what that perfect car needs to embody. Sometimes we simply want things that seem to be opposites of each other. For those that are seeking a luxury vehicle, that still combines exhilarating performance, powerful styling and an affordable price though, there is an answer, and that answer is known as the Infiniti G35.

As soon as one looks at the G35, it becomes easy to see why the car is considered to be the line between luxury and performance. Everything about the outside of the vehicle speaks to the overall excellent style and interesting design of the car. The two-tiered headlights that set off the front end are both a unique style choice and complement the design of the car quite well. The front end looks aggressive without managing to look angry. The subtle curved lines that begin at the hood and travel all the way to the back end only reinforce the point that this is a car which was designed to be noticed. The doors of the vehicle are elegantly swept back, and give the car a look of perfect balance. The large stock wheels add an interesting appearance, and although one might make the argument that the optional chrome wheels don't really match with the rest of the vehicle, overall, the large wheels add an excellent design touch, and they really point out the other interesting features of the body. The optional rear spoiler simply looks great, the design of which is something rarely seen, and definitely reminds the viewer that the G35 is something different, and something worth noticing. The Infiniti also incorporate back seats, and although there may not be a massive amount of room in the car, there is plenty to fit four adults comfortably (assuming the two in the back are not that much taller than five feet).

However, as nice as the outside is, this effect is only increased as soon as one looks at the interior of the vehicle. The seats of the car are covered in luxurious and comfortable leather, and the center console is swooped, incorporating a lot of brushed aluminum. Although it may be hard to describe, the interior gives the car appearance of a sports car, and although it may not be as luxury oriented as some would prefer, it is definitely nice enough to justify the price tag. For those who have seen the inside of a Nissan 350Z, note that since the Infiniti is basically the luxury version of the Z, many of the interior design cues remain largely the same, which is perhaps the reason for the sporty interior appearance. The steering wheel (which is leather wrapped) shares the same basic design, as do the shift knob, and much of the center console. However, the Infiniti is a tad bit more refined, and an analog clock set above the dashboard is just one of the small touches that works to set the models apart.

While the 350Z and the Infiniti G35 may be geared toward different audiences, when one demands it, the G35 shows that it is just as much a sports car as the Z. Both cars share the same 3.5 liter continuously variable V6 engines, and both put out a respectable 287 horse power. However, the G35 is a heavier vehicle, and the engine is tuned to be more reasonable and less "jumpy" than in the Z. When one pushes the car though, there is no mistaking the signature engine growl and the rush of power. The six speed, short shift, manual transmission does the job excellently, and tearing through the gears of the G35 is really a great experience. The car handles like a dream around corners, and on the highway the ride is incredibly smooth. Engine noise, unless one is pushing the car, is always acceptable, and even though the slight hint of a growl may always be present, the overall ride is quiet and smooth. The automatic transmission is also comfortable to drive, and it shifts smoothly and quickly, although a decent amount of power is lost from the automatic, the car is still not slow by any means. The G35 is simply a great car to own and drive, and it may very well be the best luxury car on the market for it's price range.