Hey guys, I been viewing this forum for a while, and my G35x is finally coming in next week. I chose the x because Northeast winters can get pretty rough. Anyway, I was wondering how the G35x compares to the G35 with the sport package in terms of dry weather handling.

G35x finally here! Black on graphite, premium, spoiler

 

The X was brought out knowing it would not have a sport suspension option. But, my jury is out as to how they set the suspension up. If it uses the same setup as a non sport sedan (one test drive and I could decern that) it would be at a disadvantage since the non sport use's softer shocks and springs. The overriding trait is you run out of suspension when pushed, ie underdampned, undersprung, and a high rate of weight transfer. But that is "IF" it use's the non sport suspension. One thing I noticed is that it's shock's on the X are not painted red like the sport suspension shocks, they are black like the non sport, but then again the X use's the front suspension out of the FX sport ute, using the shock's off the FX would explain that and more.

"All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”
Edmund Burke

G35 6mt

 

I wounder how the G35X would handle with the rear sways of the sport or even the rear of the 350Z.

 

All oem sway bars used on the 350z and G35 coupe/sedan are all the same parts. The front sway bar on the X is not the same, it's totally different, since the X use's the front suspension of the FX, but that's not to say it's not the same diameter. I did not have my dial caliper with me when I went to the dealer to look at the front suspension on the X or I would have measured it. What I do not know, is if the rear bar on the X is different as well.

"All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”
Edmund Burke

G35 6mt

 

Well put it this way, which car would you rather be driving in the twisties?

G35x finally here! Black on graphite, premium, spoiler

 

Oh okay never realized that I was told the 350Z has tighter rear sways and so does the G35 with sport package.

 

There was a recent head-to-head test with fwd vs awd (audi) and rwd vs awd (Infiniti) in Automobile Magazine, I think.
The G35x pulled .02g better than the rwd version in the dry.
I think the #'s were .88g-rwd and .90g awd....someone chime in if these numbers aren't accurate!!

'04 G35X Graphite/graphite, NAV, wood, premium

 

Drove all 3 when I was shopping for mine, 5AT Standard, 6MT (w/sport, of course), and G35x (AWD) - it was a pretty cold and frosty but bright and clear early morning in January, pavement still frozen and some icy spots. Drove them back to back on the exact same 7 mile course from the dealership, a variety of road conditions, foothills, 2 mile freeway jaunt, etc. - gotta say the G35x was the most rock solid and felt it could be driven very fast with confidence by almost anyone, and the Sport was the most "squirelly", tending to get loose easier but being much tighter and more responsive (also harder riding) than the standard 5AT suspension (the 6MT/LSD combo & my heavy right foot could be part of my "squirrelliness" in the Sport, though).

I'd say the G35x is in-between the standard and Sport suspension packages in terms of it's overall "tightness" and ride, and I wonder how much of that is due to the different front suspension, and maybe the better "feel" you have for the road with the front tires pulling/gripping as well ? Also, much less interference by the "nanny" (VDC) during fast or sudden manuevers, again probably due to the higher limits of slip of AWD system !

Anyway, I came away impressed with the overall driveability of the G35x - I just don't have a need for it (AWD), and had to have the 6MT to maintain my illusion of complete control (personal fun factor). The G35x just seemed to inspire more "instant" confidence, at first drive. For example, since I'm a good but not great driver, I could probably beat me around a road race course with a G35x over my 6MT initially, unless/until I had a few laps to get shift and braking points, etc. down in my 6MT.

Sport Sedan Fan
2004 6MT Sedan/Sport/Navigation/Premium/Aero

 

dbarnes is right on. Because of the extra weight, Infiniti adjusted the spring and shock settings as well as the sway bars (of cause the front suspension is much different). The the first day we got the "x" the suspension, from a tigtness and ride standpoint, felt right between the std. auto and the 6 speed. The feel of the handling is terrific; especially with Michelin Pilot A/Ss, rather than the crummy RSAs. Its interesting hearing about people complaining about the VDC coming on, on acceleration, etc., because we've never had it come on at 3100 miles.

 

I spent most of my winter going to Lake Tahoe for snowboarding trips and the X ate up twisties, hugging them tight w/ little roll during clear conditions. I'm not so sure if the X's vaunted "100% transfer" of power to the rear wheels when conditions permit was really in effect, but i felt that I was powering thru hills with ease. Also, im happy to report that the car handled IMPECCABLY during slippery conditions!

Diamond Graphite / Willow / X

 

My route to work includes a nice S curve and a few hard turns. I love testing the limit of this car. It handles great with the tighter springs. Nothing I really want to mod on the suspension at this point. I'm very happy. Excellent traction in snow.


2K4 G35x/Brilliant Silver/Graphite/Premium/Wood
Stillen Hi-Flow/ Z tube/ Ground Kit
Coming soon...Crawford v5

 

You have the stock springs?

G35x finally here! Black on graphite, premium, spoiler