Just got back from a test drive of a tech package, premium sport AT. First off I'm currently in an '04 coupe 6mt with Z springs, stillen sways, d-specs, 5/16 spacer and have driven about a dozen sedans (04-06 RW & x's) as loaners while my car has been serviced.

In person the vehicle looks more curvy from the last generation. You can see it's lower, wider and kind of more muscular looking especially in the rear. The flushness of glass, lights and hood really stand out.

The new sedan has really improved structural rigidity which was evident as soon as I started driving through the lot. NVH is improved and the driving experience feels more refined, less noise overall including from the road although the tires noise is still evident but reduced from previous generation.

Inside the fit and finish is excellent other than the mating of the washi trim between the door and dash. As Intg8r said there is a yellowish hue to the trim. I found it changed depending on light conditions with some parts looking silver and other parts looking yellowish. It's a toss up for me compared to regular aluminum. The dash and lights affect are excellent and a big improvement. Very high tech, modern and classy. The nav graphics with TS and is amazing and the back up camera operation was very well done. Sound was great. Didn't test the voice command but undoubtably that will be a great feature. Technology wise this thing must be top of the heap.The overall sensation is that of a more expensive car.

The seat was very comfortable and offered excellent adjustments. It seemed to me to have a lower seat height which might be a result from a bit higher beltline. Headroom certainly didn't seem to be more however. As others have said the seat bottom and thigh supports are skewed to the mid size frame and under. Overall bolstering on the thighs and seatback was just slightly less than my coupe but a wide step up on the previous sedan. Comfort and adjustability are incredible. It also look and feels a bit more spacious inside.

The new sedan has really improved structural rigidity which was evident as soon as I started driving through the lot. NVH is improved and the driving experience feels more refined, less noise overall including from the road although the tires noise is still evident but reduced from previous generation.

There is some engine noise under acceleration but it is far more muted than my coupe. I found there was some exhaust droning on the highway at certain throttle openings and speeds around 110km/hour. Not offensive but noticable compared to my car. The overall sound is maybe halfway between the previous sedan and coupe. Idle was smoother and quieter.

This car has more power. My butt dyno noticed it at all speeds and rpms. It just feels more torquey and builds even more as the rpms increase. The difference is the engine doesn't sound as strained at mid & higher rpms since it is smoother and less vibration. Throttle response is excellent although I find initial tip almost a bit too much. The paddle shift worked well and would okay in everyday driving but not likely on the track with the fixed paddles. The reve match works well. Shift speed seems the same to me but a bit smoother than before certainly on downshifts.

I did not have a chance to explore the higher limits of handling. It's safe to say it's a nice improvement although I found the steering on a clover leaf seemed almost too firm as it adjusted to my acceleration and higher speeds. The ride is smoother, more compliant but also more sporty. Way softer than my coupe but still nice road grip. Seems a great balance between firmness and comfort.

Braking felt good and pedal was okay to modulate. There did seem to be more pedal travel than my car but plenty lot of brake power.

Nice. For the money I would have to think Infiniti will sell a lot of these.

 

Awesome review Deane. Thank you for taking the time to post it.

 

Excellent review Deane, as you know I was also very impressed .

 

You're welcome guys. Even though I'm not in the market for one I wanted to see how they compare.

Good to hear you like it too Wayne.

 

LOL.... I see just how impressed you were
Congratz.... When do you & K pick her up?

 

It's on its way , it was one the dealer had on order but it is held up by the strike on the west coast. So it's a guessing game, our car could be keeping Shane's red beauty company right now.

 

Excellent.... can't wait to see it;
Maybe the next MM?

 

Thanks Deane.

 

^anytime Mike. It will be interesting to hear your comments versus your '03.

 

[QUOTE=RBull] ...It's safe to say it's a nice improvement although I found the steering on a clover leaf seemed almost too firm as it adjusted to my acceleration and higher speeds. QUOTE]

Nice write-up. Not sure what you mean that the steering was too firm on the clover leaf.. Not enough power assist?

 

[QUOTE=BAlex]No, it seemed to stiffen up a fair bit as I was accelerating around the clover leaf. Wasn't really bad, more something I wasn't used to as the steering took more effort than my coupe.

 

[QUOTE=RBull]Say hello to the "active steering" clone

 

[QUOTE=max2k1]Assuming it had AS

 

I thought all Infinitis had something similar to the Active Steering as std eqpt.
(this is not the same as the 4 wheel active steer - which turns the rear wheels)

This is the one where your steering wheel has a variable ratio - to allow for quick movements when you are slow and tightens up as your speed increases.

 

No..."4-Wheel Active Steer" is a package.
- it's an option that will *not* be checked off on my list