Nissan's Dynamic Duo

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.'s 350Z may be the most highly anticipated new car of the '03 model run, but its sibling, the Infiniti G35 sport coupe, is no slouch. In some ways, it will prove more desirable to many buyers.

The G35 coupe is the smaller sibling to the G35 sport sedan, which arrived in March to universal raves with its segment-dominating power (260 hp), compelling style and world-class ride and handling (see WAW — May '02, p.48).

The rear-drive coupe, which goes on sale in November, one-ups the sedan with even more power (280 hp), better handling and sexy good looks.

The G35 coupe will have a base price of under $30,000. The sedan also starts in the same price range ($27,100), but its average transaction price has hovered around $32,000, suggesting G35 sedan buyers are more interested in luxury and appearance than in all-out, white-knuckled joy riding.

G35 sedan buyers also have had to settle for an automatic gearbox with Infiniti's capable Range Select manual-mode shifting. G35 coupe buyers, however, are treated to the same 6-speed manual transmission that spins the wheels of the new Z car.

If they prefer an automatic gearbox, G35 coupe buyers get a much more entertaining Gear Select auto-shift transmission that allows spirited dashes for the red line. For the record, G35 sedan buyers can opt for the 6-speed manual beginning in December.

The G35 sedan and coupe and 350Z hail from Nissan's all-new rear-drive FM (Front Midship) platform. The engine is positioned slightly behind the front axle, and the gas tank is placed under the back seat, for better weight distribution. The standard powertrain for all three vehicles is the excellent 3.5L DOHC V-6 from the heralded VQ engine family.

For the coupe, Infiniti engineers say a reduction in exhaust back pressure made for improved air flow — accounting for the additional 20 hp over the sedan.

The sedan and coupe may be siblings, but the resemblance lies deep under the skin. For instance, the sedan and coupe share not a single piece of exterior sheet metal. They have different grilles, headlamps, taillamps and exhaust systems. The coupe is lower, wider and shorter than the sedan. Likewise, the coupe is wider and slightly longer than the 350Z. The coupe and sedan have the same engine, exhaust system, gearbox and suspension components.

The G35 coupe handles as well as it looks. Whatever you've read about the handling of the 350Z probably stands true for the G35 coupe. Steering is precise, without being darty. It stays flat during hard cornering. It feels completely at home in the high-rev heaven of California's Infineon Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point, although some journalists complained that the G35's stability control system is activated too easily. Infiniti engineers note that the test vehicles were pre-production, and that the system may be less intrusive on production models.

The coupe has something the Z car lacks: a back seat. Any male adult of medium height will feel cramped in the 2+2 configuration, but children will fit comfortably, and the extra space is useful for long weekends.

Infiniti officials are unconcerned that the G35 might swipe sales from the 350Z. G35 buyers should be slightly older and more affluent, they say, while Z car buyers will be seeking pure performance. Infiniti plans to sell 12,000 G35 coupes in the first year.