2008 Infiniti G Sedan

G-Force to be Reckoned With

The Infiniti G Sedan's sporty demeanor and classy interior are available for thousands less than competing models from European manufacturers.

Like Rodney Dangerfield, the Infiniti G Sedan has always craved respect. Until recently, it was overshadowed by compact sedans from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but a host of recent performance and trim updates make the G a worthy rival at a price that’s especially appealing.

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The Infiniti G Sedan rides on a recently improved platform with a revised appearance, a more powerful V6 engine and added features. The recent styling tweaks, more evolutionary than revolutionary, make the car look fresh and elegant.

The sedan is available in five versions — there’s the base rear-wheel-drive G35, the luxurious G35 Journey, the all-wheel-drive G35x and the agile G35 Sport and Sport A/T models, the latter of which has an automatic transmission.

The G Sedan features exterior styling highlighted by L-shaped headlamps and taillights, a wedge-shaped roofline, an integrated spoiler on the trunk lid and a grille with sculpted horizontal bars, the design of which is said to be inspired by traditional Japanese swords.

The G35 Sport gets a unique front fascia and side sills and rides on larger wheels and tires, with an optional full rear spoiler.

The interior features upscale styling touches like white and violet backlighting for the instrument gauges and textured aluminum alloy trim envokes handmade Japanese paper. Wood trim is also offered.

Optional features include a touch-screen navigation system with a hard drive for storing music files. The system can also receive real-time traffic updates. Option packages include a high-end stereo system and a rear-view back-up video monitor to aid in parallel parking.

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The G35’s 3.5-liter V6 engine just cracks the 300-horsepower mark. It is paired with either a five-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capabilities or a six-speed manual gearbox. The automatic has been revised to produce quicker and smoother shifts. The Sport A/T model has magnesium steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The original G35, introduced in 2002 as a 2003 model, was the first step in Infiniti’s strategy to convert all of its cars to rear-wheel-drive platforms. The current version rides on the latest generation of the automaker’s so-called FM (Front Midship) platform, which also provides the basis for the Infiniti M sedan and the Infiniti FX SUV.

Enthusiasts tend to favor rear-wheel drive for its superior balance, which aids handling, improves steering feel and allows the engine to deliver power to the wheels more directly. Luxury-car bluebloods like BMW and Mercedes have used it consistently for decades.

• Infiniti G Sedan Vehicle Summary

When the G Sedan first launched, it was intended as a serious rival to the reigning sport-sedan king, the BMW 3 Series Sedan. The 3 Series is known for delivering sports-car-like handling in a four-door package. The G offers similar performance.

Key to the G35’s superior handling is its nearly ideal weight distribution and lightweight aluminum four-wheel independent suspension. The sedan’s ride strikes an excellent balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Infiniti’s version of stability control, called Vehicle Dynamic Control, is standard across the line for added handling prowess over a wide range of conditions and driving situations. A limited-slip rear differential, which transfers power between the driving wheels, is included on the G35 Sport sedans for added foul-weather traction.

The Infiniti G35x has an advanced all-wheel-drive system that automatically adjusts the amount of power sent to the front and rear wheels, even while cornering. The power ratio varies from an even 50/50 split to 100 percent going through the rear wheels.

The benefits of this setup include smoother launches, better fuel economy and improved traction and maneuverability on slick roads while the car retains much of its sporty driving character, Infiniti says. A Snow Mode helps curtail wheel spin on snowy roads.

The Infiniti G35 Sedan comes with a high level of standard equipment, including side airbags for front passengers and head-curtain airbags for all occupants.

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