As Infiniti ramps itself up again, it will aim for the luxury performance marketplace, creating a performance-oriented luxury car with an emphasis on rear-wheel-drive, front engine cars. With this new category will come two exciting, largely attractive vehicles: G35 Sport Sedan and G35 Sport Coupe. Two very different, yet similar vehicles, the G’s are getting Infiniti off to a great start. Ahead of schedule, Infiniti’s operating profit was at $3.92 billion in fiscal year 2001, reducing debt $1.41 billion. Moving right along, Infiniti plans to introduce four new products in the next 12 months alone: G35 Sport Sedan, G35 Sport Coupe, M45, FX45 (early ’03). Also on the way is a full-size SUV.

Along with the new performance-oriented vehicles, Infiniti will be upgrading their dealership showrooms. Now 12 years old, Infiniti will give them a new look, taking out the contemplation area so innovative before. The rehab effort will be a 3-year project. Infiniti will also grow the size of its dealers, not the number of dealers.

We drove the Sedan first last spring before it hit showrooms and liked it right away. Having spent more time in it, we feel even more positive about what Infiniti has done with this new entry. The car that will "move Infiniti into new territory," according to Mark McNabb, V.P. and General Manager of Infiniti Division, may be hard to find. They’re going out of the showroom just as fast as they come in. This writer can speak from personal experience having been in a local showroom recently and watching them disappear before my eyes.

This new sedan is a pleasure to drive, as well as look at. Fast taking its place among the sporty sedans out there today, this new beauty offers it all. We especially liked the rear reclining seats, a very comfortable feature for rear passengers. The Sedan’ interior is spacious, with plenty of leg and headroom, particularly noticeable in the rear seating. The FM platform allows for a wider track and long wheelbase, bringing interior room up to a 98.0 cubic feet. Trunk size is also ample and accommodates all manner of luggage.

The G35 Sedan has gotten nothing short of rave reviews, from the press and public alike. I haven’t talked with one potential customer who hasn’t commented on its sharp exterior, luxurious, yet sporty interior and downright class. It’s also appealing across the generations, from the age group it was designed for (35+) to those in their 70s and 80s.

A rear-wheel-drive sedan, the G35 Sedan will lead Infiniti’s new image in the marketplace, from "just" a luxury brand, to a performance luxury nameplate. Competing with BMW’s 3-Series, Infiniti knew its competition and has poised itself well. They’ve included such niceties as remote keyless entry, a first aid kit, emergency wallet key, Infiniti Vehicle Immobilizer System, and electronic master key.

And the spoiling goes on. When a buyer takes home a G, he/she continues to receive goodies in the mail, from a matching Infiniti keychain, to a gift-wrapped insurance card holder for the glove compartment. This, of course, appeals to many-a buyer, particularly those in that generation (70s and 80s) that are used to being waiting on and catered to. Women especially, eat it up.

The Sport Sedan is currently available in two models: G35 Sedan and G35 Leather. Several packages are available, including the G35 Sedan Leather Model, Premium Package, Winter non-Sport Package, Winter Sport Package, Wood Package, Sunroof Package, and Sport-Tuned Package. A third, the G35 Sedan Sport 6M/T will be available beginning in ’03 model year. The Premium Package includes a sunroof, reclining rear seats, etc), Bose audio system, Sport-tuned Suspension (17-inch wheels, 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, and Aero (rear spoiler). Other options include navigation, Bose audio system, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, sunroof and wood trim. The Sport Sedan is available in seven exterior colors, and all are equipped with Vehicle Dynamic Control for stability in all weather conditions.

Changes for August ’02 production include xenon headlights added to the Leather Luxury model, and sunroof added to the Premium model. Also available is Satellite radio with a choice of XM or Sirius service.

The G35’s V6 engine is located behind the front axle, allowing for the use of a low hoodline. This flows into the angled windshield contributing to the G’s sporty silhouette, as well as improved aerodynamics. An optional rear spoiler is available adding to the car’s coefficient of drag measurement (0.26). Aluminum is used for the hood to reduce weight and provide better fuel economy. The roof panel and side panels re laser-welded to enhance body rigidity and reduce vibrations. The increased stiffness and rigidity improve driving stability, ride comfort, noise levels and harshness.

All G35’s are equipped with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) for better stability on wet pavement. The braking system utilizes power-assisted 4-wheel vented disc brakes, 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS, and Electronic Brake force Distribution. This all contributes to a distribution of braking that matches load condition. Brake Assist is available for panic braking.

We especially like the seat design in the G35. Rather than "one seat fits all," notes Infiniti, they have designed a unique front driver and passenger seat. The driver’s seat features a special center mound shape (damping urethane foam) to support the driver, while the passenger seat has a flatter-shaped lower cushion. The rear seats are bucket and in the Leather model, recline. This is a real plus.

The new Sport Coupe has lots of consumer appeal, something Infiniti aimed at on purpose. According to Sonny Osawa, Chief Product Specialist, the G35 effort was an "active push toward avant-garde styling. Infiniti hopes to attract a younger, more affluent buyer to the G. Consumers who have "luxury attitudes," and appreciate premium amenities in their cars. Demographics expected for the Coupe include 70 percent male, 40 percent married, with an average age of 37 years. College grads who are confident and trend-setting and who see a luxury car as a reward. For them the car experience is very personal, and having the latest technology is important.

We had the opportunity to test-drive the G35 Sport Coupe in and around San Francisco, including on a test track. This Coupe really performs, and with its rear-wheel-drive and front mid-ship platform (FM), offers great handling and stability. Infiniti’s front mid-ship configuration optimizes front-to-rear weight balance, ideally transferring weight during handling maneuvers. Going into and coming out of corners is what it does best. The FM platform, according to Infiniti, also positions the wheels out near the corners of the vehicle, making for a wider more capable stance.

One doesn’t have to be told that the new G35 Sport Coupe is "racing inspired." It’s obvious by its looks. With a higher level of engine performance (280 horse vs. 260 in the Sedan), teamed with the all-new six-speed manual transmission, the G35 Coupe offers a smooth, yet, aggressive and responsive package. Tire/wheel size is a standard 17-inch, and optional 18-inch (with Brembo brakes). Along with the six-speed manual transmission are Brembo brakes, front and rear, and 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes.

Slightly wider than the Sedan, the Sport Coupe features xenon headlights, LED tail lamps and an available aero wing (spoiler) on the rear. The Coupe will accommodate four people rather comfortably, provided your rear passengers aren’t over six feet tall. The slanting roof angle does cut off some headroom in back. The standard bucket seats are very comfortable and conforming; not only luxurious but also sporty. Standard sport seats are 10-way power adjustable for the driver and four-way for front passenger. The controls are located on the side of the seat, just as with the Sport Sedan.

Also standard is an in-dash six-disc CD changer, digital Bose audio system with eight speakers, and a DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System with a 6.5-inch wide retractable screen, as optional. This is a feature we especially liked. The monitor for the navigation system retracts into the center dash, hiding it out of site. Infiniti’s signature analog clock is also a standard feature, along with electrofluorescent gauge illumination.

Safety equipment on the Sport Coupe includes such things as dual front airbags, front seat side impact supplemental airbags and front/rear side curtain airbags.

The IP is sporty and race-inspired, as well, providing a cockpit feel to the interior. The driver seat is different from the passenger seat: the foam is less dense under the leg area, allowing for better entry. Seating in the Coupe is more aggressive and supportive than in the sedan. What one would expect when climbing into a sport vehicle.

The Sport Coupe is available in three models: G35 5A/T (5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, ABS, 120-watt AM/FM/6-CD changer, power windows/doors/locks, xenon lights); G35 5A/T with leather (all of the above including dual illuminated vanity mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, heated seats); and G35 6MT (adding 6-speed manual transmission and Brembo brakes). There are several different packages, including a Performance Tire and Wheel package, Aero package and Premium package. Other options include Bose audio, Navigation system and sunroof. The Coupe starts at just below $30,000, making it highly competitive in pricing. Infiniti expects to sell about 12,000 units/year.

Competition for the Sport Coupe include BMW 330Ci and 325Ci, Acura CL, Volvo C70 and Mercedes-Benz CLK 320. The Coupe will be in dealer showrooms in November.