Infiniti I35, 2009

Infiniti I35, 2009

 

The I30 and I35 were front wheel drive luxury cars from Nissan's Infiniti marque.
The I30 was redesigned for 2000 along with the Maxima. E

In late 2001 the model got its most significant host of upgrades, including minor revisions to the interior, new optional equipment, larger brakes, a re-tuned suspension system, and standard stability control. The car was renamed I35 to reflect an engine-displacement increase from 3.0 to 3.5 L. Nissan's VQ35DE V6 produced 255 hp. Styling was also updated.

Infiniti wanted to convince buyers that the new suspension tuning, enlarged brakes, stability control and 255 horsepower engine had transformed the I into more of a sports sedan and less of sedate entry-level model, but was largely unsuccessful. The model was only available with a 4-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive, meaning that the ES300 and the base version Acura's then-new TL remained its closest competitors, and models like the 5-Series remained out of its league, as was Acura's Type-S version of the TL.

In September 2004, Nissan announced that I35 production would cease and that model year 2004 would be the last for this vehicle. Infiniti discontinued the I after a short run of 2004 models. The I was succeeded by the new Infiniti G35 (introduced for 2003).

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, 2003

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, 2003

 

 

The Infiniti G35 is a sport luxury car introduced to North America in the 2003 model year. It is known as the 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline in Japan, and other names elsewhere in the world. It is available in sedan and coupe. A 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2003 as a 2003.5 model on the sedan (the coupe always had the option). For the 2003-04 model years, the V6 produced 260 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque in the sedan, 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf in the coupe. In the 2005 and 2006 model years, those with automatic transmissions (both sedan and coupe) produced 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf of torque, while those with manual transmissions produced 298 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque (again, both in sedan and coupe form). The G35 is assembled in Tochigi, Japan, and the first G35 was built on March 12, 2002 as a 2003 model.

The G35 was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 2003 and has been well-received by both the media and customers as a viable alternative to more expensive luxury cars. The G35 was also nominated for the North American Car of the Year award that year and was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003 and 2004.

Sporting the ubiquitous (and esteemed) VQ35DE engine, the Infiniti G35 uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the G35x sedan) to achieve a 52/48 weight distribution (52% front/48% rear) . Both body styles are available with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, although the automatic is the only transmission available for the AWD sedan. The all-wheel drive model is designated the G35x and uses an Aisin-Warner intelligent AWD system that shifts power to the wheels with the most grip.

There are not many differences between the 2003 & 2004 G35 coupes. Both 03 & 04 6MT come standard with Brembo Brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package.  For the 2005 models, there were sportier gauges and better interior trim and knobs. Genuine Aluminum trim replaces "tinted" interior trim. Also, rosewood trim is available as a package on the 2005 models. The Brembo Brakes were removed for the 05 & 06 models. Instead, Sport-Tuned Suspension Package was standard on all 6MT models. The 2006 models received minor updates. On the exterior there were new headlights, taillights, spoiler, and front bumper. Bluetooth capability was added to the interior, for hands-free phone use. Rear active steering was also an option for the '06 5AT.