2005 Infiniti G35 Test Drive

Couper Duper

The Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe is faster and handles better than the Audi TT or BMW 330Ci--and it costs about $5,000 to $10,000 less.

Options And $$

If you want to get the six-speed manual with leather seats, it will run you a pricier $32,050. Upgrades we'd certainly consider are the performance wheel/tire package for a cheaper-than-aftermarket $600 (stock includes 225/50R 17-inch front, 235/50R 17-inch rear; upgrade is 225/45WR 18-inch front, 245/45R 18-inch rear), complete with a limited-slip differential that alone would cost you $600 with installation.

We'd also think about the $1,000 sunroof, the $900 eight-speaker Bose audio system and $400 satellite radio (either XM or Sirius). Even if you went for all of this, you'd still only be staring at $35K; by comparison, the Audi TT Roadster with its hotter 225-hp engine is $40K without a single option.

Other add-ons include a $550 aero package (should you desire a spoiler) and a $2,000 navigation unit. We've always managed to live without these features. Not driving 100 mph constantly makes the absence of a spoiler a nonissue, though we can imagine people who sell real estate or make a lot of calls wanting a nav system.

As for the actual on-sale date, that's Nov. 4, though we're confident your local Infiniti dealer will take an order right this second if you pick up the phone.

Competitors

• Audi TT