Car Auto Magazine

Extensive upgrades improve a true sports sedan.

Walk around

Stylistically, the new, 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan doesn't venture far outside the shadow of its predecessor (the 2003-2006 models). By the tape, its wheelbase (distance between the tires front to rear) is identical to the '06, its overall length adds half an inch, it's less than in inch wider and it actually loses a half-inch in height. To the eye, it retains the styling cues and overall proportions of the '06, but slicked up a little, for a sleeker, yet more dramatic look.

The grille doesn't change shape, but its crossbars flatten at their extremes, an expression the car's stylists liken to sword blades. Compound, multi-element, L-shaped headlight housings wrap around the fenders. A one-piece fascia with large air intakes across its lower reaches embraces the front end. The tops of the front fenders flow over into the hood, emphasizing the G35's width and enhancing its planted look.

The side view presents a relatively long hood, steeply raked windshield, fast backlight and brief rear deck, giving the 2007 G35 the look of a sporty coupe over that of a four-door sedan. Recessed door handles sit almost flush with the sheetmetal. Tires snugly fill slightly flared, circular wheelwells. A rocker panel accented by a deep indent along the bottom of the doors pulls the sides of the G35 closer to the road.

Large, LED taillights repeat the L-shape of the headlights, crossing over from the fenders into the trunk lid. The trunk opening dips several inches into the rear fascia, compensating somewhat for the restricted opening imposed by the short rear deck. Proper dual exhaust tips exit beneath each side of the fully integrated rear bumper.