If you're reading this page it's likely that you're looking for a new sedan or coupe. If you're looking for something in the $30-40,000 price range, it's hard to go past Infiniti's stellar new G35. Here are some reasons why you might choose the G35 over competitors...

• Power & Speed
  The Infiniti G35 is the most powerful, fastest car in its segment, with a 3.5 litre V6 delivering 260 horsepower (sedan) / 280 horsepower (coupe) and 260 lb-ft (sedan) / 270 lb-ft (coupe) of torque. Sprint times are 5.5 seconds (Coupe, 6-speed), 5.9 seconds (Sedan, 6-speed) and 6.2 seconds (Sedan, 5-speed auto)
  
  
• Handling
  The Infiniti G35 is built on Nissan's FM platform, a high performance Front-Midship design that places the engine aft of the front axle for optimal weight distribution, and drives the rear wheels. This platform was originally designed for the G35/Skyline, and was adapted for the Nissan 350Z and FX35/45 Crossover wagon. A purebred sports car platform, the G35 exhibits stable cornering, taut ride (especially with the optional sport suspension package), BMW-beating steering and feedback. Nissan is known for placing a high priority on road feel, excellent handling and performance, and the G35 is a product of this.
  
  
• Size
  The G35 is a similar size to the BMW 5-series, but is priced in the 3-series market, alongside a number of compact cars. Back seat legroom is especially abundant in the sedan, and two people can fit comfortably in the back seat of the Coupe as long as they're not much taller than 5'9".
  
  
• Features
  The G35's equipment list is lengthy. Standard and available features include all the usual power amenities, in-dash 6-CD changer with steering wheel controls and available Bose speakers, dual zone air conditioning with vents for rear seat passengers (5-speed auto sedan only), airplane style reclining rear seats (sedan only), available Infiniti DVD Navigation System with onboard trip and fuel economy computers, auto dimming rearview mirror, integrated HomeLink system, heated seats and mirrors, 17 or 18" (Coupe only) alloy wheels, and so on.
  
  
• Reliability
  It's a Nissan. Nissans are bulletproof.
  
  
• Service
  4 years/50,000 miles warranty coverage with free loaner cars for warranty service, roadside assistance, an upscale dealer atmosphere and (generally) a no-pressure buying experience.
  
  
• Prestige
  Well, this one is kind of subjective. Infiniti is still building a reputation in the United States, but you can smile and know you own the latest generation Nissan Skyline, one of the most prestigious nameplates in all of Japanese motoring ;-)
  
  
• Styling
  The sedan looks great and the coupe is one of the most beautiful cars ever built. 'Nuff said.
  
  
• Traction
  6-speed sedans and coupes and coupes with the Wheel & Tire Package receive a viscous LSD. An ATTESA-ETS Part Time 4WD system will be available from November 2003.
  
  
• Value
  Dollar for Dollar, the G35 is hard to beat. Given all that I've just described, a well equipped G35 stickers at around $31,000 and is simply unbeatable in its class. Deals are abundant on the sedan models (both 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual), and while the coupes are generally not far from MSRP, they're still a good buy.
  
  

My Research

I used to own a 2001 Nissan Silvia, and knowing that the G35 was a Nissan Skyline in upmarket badges, I placed an order on my coupe before having driven the 6-speed model. It was a leap of faith, but in the interim I drove pretty much all of the competition, and found nothing that would sway me from my decision. My test drive experiences are available.