http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...259170815/1065

2008 INIFINITI G35X AWD
IN FLEET: March 4-18
AS-TESTED PRICE: $40,365
DRIVETRAIN: 3.5-liter V6; awd, five-speed automatic
OUTPUT: 306 hp @ 6800 rpm, 268 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 3704 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): 19/20.2 mpg


EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JONATHAN WONG: I still appreciate Nissan’s workhorse V6, which is both smooth and powerful. The transmission is also a slick unit with a respectable manual-shift mode that matches revs on downshifts.

The suspension is definitely on the firmer side for a sportier ride that keeps the car well behaved through corners while still providing enough dampening when the going gets rough.

Looks are clean and crisp, both inside and out. The textured-aluminum trim of the interior gives the cabin some style and is surrounded by nice-looking materials. For some reason, I did have a tough time getting my seat adjusted to the right position during this encounter.

Bottom line: The G35 is another very strong entry in this class. I’ve noticed more and more of them on the road, which leads me to believe that people are starting to catch on. I hope a high-performance version of this car is in the works. Lexus is stepping up the IS with the IS-F; maybe Infiniti will follow.

SENIOR EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: Either I haven’t driven a G35 in a while, or I’ve forgotten what a great car it is, or it is dramatically improved since I was last in one. All of the above are likely, but suffice it to say I’d recommend this car to anyone looking for a sporty, year-round-capable sedan in this price range. It’s like a Nissan 350Z with two more doors and all of the luxury trimmings.

It drives like a Z, too, with plenty of zip from the 3.5-liter engine--surprisingly quick for the displacement--and the handling and steering response are equally razor-sharp. I didn’t play with the shift paddles too much, but when I needed quick downshifts, it was nice to have the handles at hand. Top it off with all-wheel drive, and the car feels completely attached to the road, regardless of conditions.

I’m not sure if there is an equal to the G35x’s combination of luxury, performance and price in the marketplace today. You’d pay more for this in an awd Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Audi, most assuredly.

ASSITANT ART DIRECTOR CHERYL BLAHNIK: This car was rock-solid, and it looked good, too. Indeed, it drove like a Z, fun and sporty, and this was with an automatic transmission. If you want to have more fun, you can play with the paddle shifts on the steering wheel. It had great road manners and wanted to be driven like a sports car.

The G35 looks sporty, even with the two extra doors on it. I personally prefer the four-door body style, mostly because it is easier to get people and items in and out. And this would be ideal if you have kids. There is actually legroom in the back, so it wouldn’t be too cramped.

The interior is pleasant and seems to have been crafted out of expensive materials. Nice chrome accents help give it a luxurious look.

ART DIRECTOR KEN ROSS: The G35 continues to be one of my favorite vehicles, in both coupe and sedan styles. The styling is far from flashy but has more of a subtle, clean beauty, similar to BMWs of the past. The suspension is tighter than you would expect from a vehicle made not in Europe but in Japan. The stiffer ride doesn’t sacrifice comfort, and the interior is on par with some of the best in the industry.

 

Yes!!!!! they ALL seem to like the car alot!!