|
|
|---|
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The G35’s ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system (this mother of all acronyms stands for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) is shared with other Nissan products—the Infiniti FX SUV and M35x sedan and the Nissan GT-R supercar, due next summer.
Like other systems, it automatically varies the front-to-rear power split, in this case via an electronically controlled center clutch. Unlike some other systems, though, the G35’s power apportionment is totally transparent. It delivers the thrust of the 3.5-liter V-6—306 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque—as needed, primarily to the rear wheels, shifting to the fronts when grip gets marginal aft.
Another impressive powertrain element is the G’s five-speed automatic, which features adaptive logic that alters shifts to fit whatever the driver may be doing with the throttle over a particular stretch of road.
More significant, when the driver selects Sport mode, the transmission will hold the selected gear until told to do otherwise by a nudge of the shift lever—forward for upshifts, rearward for down. The system would be even more impressive if it included paddle shifters on the steering column, but that’s not part of the deal.
Like other G35 sedans’, the G35x’s suspension is firm, keeping body roll to a minimum, a formula that delivers exceptionally crisp responses at the expense of ride quality that can be less than civilized on bumpy surfaces. BMW still leads the pack in this respect—blending supple ride with athletic moves—and the Infiniti chassis engineers still have work to do.
Like other systems, it automatically varies the front-to-rear power split, in this case via an electronically controlled center clutch. Unlike some other systems, though, the G35’s power apportionment is totally transparent. It delivers the thrust of the 3.5-liter V-6—306 horsepower, 268 pound-feet of torque—as needed, primarily to the rear wheels, shifting to the fronts when grip gets marginal aft.
Another impressive powertrain element is the G’s five-speed automatic, which features adaptive logic that alters shifts to fit whatever the driver may be doing with the throttle over a particular stretch of road.
More significant, when the driver selects Sport mode, the transmission will hold the selected gear until told to do otherwise by a nudge of the shift lever—forward for upshifts, rearward for down. The system would be even more impressive if it included paddle shifters on the steering column, but that’s not part of the deal.
Like other G35 sedans’, the G35x’s suspension is firm, keeping body roll to a minimum, a formula that delivers exceptionally crisp responses at the expense of ride quality that can be less than civilized on bumpy surfaces. BMW still leads the pack in this respect—blending supple ride with athletic moves—and the Infiniti chassis engineers still have work to do.
Labels: Automobiles Reviews
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment