2001 INFINITI G35 Sedan 3.5L V6 6MT RWD (260 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The third generation of the G35 Sedan was a big evolution over its predecessor, which looked more like a Nissan Primera than a premium vehicle.

Nissan already had a very good RWD platform used for the 350Z, and it was cheaper to develop a vehicle based on that than to make a new one from the ground up. By 2001, Infiniti already had won some respect in the premium car market, which helped the G35 with the sales.

In 2001, the BMW 3-Series was the benchmark in the compact-sedan premium-segment. While it seemed difficult, Nissan’s premium brand, Infiniti, challenged it with a design and a new platform. With an exterior drawn by Hiroshi Hasegawa, the G35 featured a longer hood, wide grille, and vertically mounted headlights. These details made the car look different in its class. From the sides, the coupe-like rear end of the cabin and the short decklid inspired sportiness.

Inside, Infiniti didn’t want to play it light and installed a sport-inspired interior, with an instrument cluster that featured big dials for the tachometer and speedometer. The plastic center stack fascia mimicked an aluminum panel, and it was a pity. Thanks to a pair of front seats with high bolsters on the sides, the front occupants held their place while cornering. In the back, it was enough room for two and minimal for three passengers.

Like in many other situations, Infiniti disappointed the customers with the engine choice because it offered the G35 with only one option: a 3.5-liter V6 paired as standard to a 6-speed manual. A 5-speed auto was available as an option.