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Infiniti G35, the latest addition to its performance luxury sedan lineup, at a press conference at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The G35 is scheduled to go on sale at more than 150 Infiniti retailers nationwide in March 2002 as a 2003 model. The rear-wheel drive G35 is powered by an advanced, 260-horsepower V6 engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The G35's performance is enhanced by a new 4-wheel independent suspension with lightweight aluminum components and highly aerodynamic styling including a coefficient of drag of just 0.27 and zero degrees of front lift. The G35 is positioned to compete against current popular sport sedans such as the BMW 3-series, Lexus IS300 and Audi A4 2.8. 'There are two distinct categories within the near-to-mid luxury sedan segment "luxury-performance, where our Infiniti I35 is a leading competitor, and performance-luxury, where the new 2003 G35 is going to become an instant contender against some of the top sport sedans in the world," said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "The combination of I35 and G35 gives Infiniti a tremendous one-two punch in attracting luxury and performance buyers." The boldly styled G35 adopts a new generation platform specifically designed for mounting a V6 engine behind the front axle in the so-called "front mid-ship" position. "The positioning of the engine is a key to the G35's high level of driving performance, providing an optimized front-to-rear- weight balance and also allowing the designers to push the wheels out to the car's corners for better interior space utilization," adds McNabb. "This design pays big dividends in driving feel, passenger space and ride comfort." Aerodynamic Exterior Design, Innovative Platform The 2003 G35's styling takes full advantage of the vehicle's all-new FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which features a long wheelbase (112.2 inches) and short front and rear overhangs providing a large interior for its highly manageable overall length (186.2 inches). A wide front and rear track adds to the G35's overall handling stability and further enhances interior and trunk volume. Mounting of the large 20-gallon fuel tank under the rear seat (forward of the rear wheels) also helps maximize cargo capacity. The location of the G35's compact V6 behind the front axle allows the use of a low, aggressive hoodline, which flows into the sharply angled windshield and contributes to the G35's sporty, powerful silhouette. The front fascia features an Infiniti-style, fine-quality horizontal crosspiece grille, low-postured front bumper and bold, vertically stacked headlight assembly with integrated fog lights and turn signals. The smooth visual line flowing from the front fenders through the side profile cuts off at the rear, expressing a balance between sportiness and function. The C-pillar and rear fenders accentuate the spaciousness of the cabin, while the large greenhouse provides good visibility from all seating positions. The rear fascia is highlighted by large rear combination lamps with LED taillights. The LED lights provide maintenance-free operation and bright visual recognition for following drivers during braking. The FM platform design, derived from racing technology, also places a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body. The extensive use of diffusers and deflectors helps the G35 achieve zero degrees of front lift (0.0 clf), reducing drag and noise at high speeds and contributing to vehicle stability. With the optional rear spoiler, zero degrees of rear lift is also achieved. The G35 has an exceptional coefficient of drag measurement of just 0.27 (0.26 with optional rear spoiler) for reduced wind noise and increased fuel economy. The new G35 also utilizes aluminum for the hood for reduced weight and further enhancement of fuel economy. Attention to body and structural stiffness includes adoption of a dual bulkhead engine compartment construction that functions as a body stabilizer for damping vibrations (in addition to isolating noise and heat). The G35's roof panel and body side panels are laser-welded to enhance body rigidity and to enable the entire body to damp vibrations. The increased stiffness and solidity improve driving stability and ride comfort while reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The new G35 is offered in seven exterior colors: Desert Platinum, Emerald Mist, Ivory Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Black Obsidian, Garnet Fire and Twilight Blue. Dynamic Performance and Innovative Technology Systems A new 260-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque, derived from the VQ engine series, which has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for seven consecutive years, comes standard on every G35, along with an advanced 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The engine includes a long list of advanced systems, including a continuously variable valve timing control system, a "noiseless" timing chain for silent operation, a structurally reinforced aluminum engine block and an electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system. It also features a modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons. All G35's come with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), enhancing vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions similar to that offered in the 2002 Infiniti Q45 and I35. The G35's advanced braking system utilizes power-assisted 4-wheel vented disc brakes, 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which distributes brake force depending on load condition (passengers and cargo) and Brake Assist, which senses hard or panic pedal application and helps provide maximum braking capacity. A high level of sporty handling is provided by a new 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension. The G35's front suspension design minimizes alignment changes through use of two separate lower links and a long upper link. The rear design separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber inline with the wheel center to help reduce suspension friction and reduce the wind-up motion of the axle on acceleration. Both front and rear suspension designs utilize aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight and incorporate "ripple control" shock absorbers with damping control lips for suppressing high-frequency, micro-amplitude vibrations. As a result, tiny ripples in the road surface are absorbed to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride. A Spacious, Comfortable Interior In creating the new G35's interior, the designers and engineers set three goals: premium space, premium comfort and premium utility. Taking full advantage of the FM platform's long wheelbase and wide track, the G35 offers 101.4 cubic feet of interior space and 14.5 cubic feet of trunk space. More than just total volume, innovative packaging provides ample space where it is needed most for driver and passenger comfort head, leg, shoulder and hip room. For example, use of a newly developed center positioned air conditioning design increased front passenger foot space. For rear passengers, use of a hidden front seat rail widens the available foot room. Special attention to comfort required a rethinking of the seat design from "one seat fits all" to unique front driver's and passenger's seats. The driver's seat uses a special center mound shape with high damping urethane foam and special spring design to support the driver during sporty driving. The front passenger's seat has a flatter-shaped lower cushion and the seat is shaped to provide a relaxed posture, even when folding or stretching his or her legs. In the rear, the G35 offers a choice of standard wide bucket-shaped seats or optional rear reclining seats, both with ample knee room and a large, pass-through center armrest. A newly developed three-spoke steering wheel provides a firm grip and sporty feel and the instrument panel features Infiniti's fine vision illumination system and signature analog clock. The optional DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System includes a 6.5-inch retractable screen. The interior's T-shaped structure, with its flowing design theme from the center instrument cluster to the floor console, emphasizes ergonomics and convenient storage. There are numerous pockets, holders and straps located throughout for easy access and use. Audio systems include a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and an optional 200-watt 7-speaker Bose Premium audio system with an AM/FM/cassette in-dash 6-disc CD changer with RDS, speed-sensitive volume control and steering wheel audio controls. The G35 is offered in two interior colors Willow and Graphite and is available with leather-appointed seating and genuine maple wood-tone trim. The G35's trunk space is enhanced by the use of items such as a four-link hinge design, thin LED rear combination lights and underfloor storage compartments near the spare tire. From a safety standpoint, every G35 comes with standard dual-stage supplemental air bags, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupant head protection. Also standard are seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system. The new FM platform also provides a number of innovative safety performance features, including a mechanism for releasing the engine downward (rather than straight back toward the passenger compartment) in a collision, brake pedal construction that prevents rearward pedal movement and a breakaway propeller shaft construction. G35 Availability and Equipment The 2003 Infiniti G35 will be available in two models "Luxury and Leather" both fully equipped models complete with V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission. A number of optional packages allow the buyer to custom-equip the G35 to further reflect his or her exact driving style and tastes. Packages include the Premium Package, with Bose audio system, adjustable rear seats, sunroof and more; Sport-Tuned Suspension Package, which adds 17-inch alloy wheels with W-rated performance tires and upgraded suspension; and the Aero Package, which includes the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package and adds rear spoiler with rear underbody rear side fairing. |
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