dseag2

SexySC-

Since you have a G35 coupe on order, you obviously like the car. I certainly don't want to turn this into a debate over brands, but I'm curious to hear your impressions. I think the G35C is a beautiful car and I've been interested in one myself. I haven't actually driven one (I drove the sedan when it was first introduced and wasn't that impressed). I realize the SC430 and the G35C are two totally different cars with a $25k differential, but can you draw a few comparisons? This would be very helpful coming from an SC430 driver. Thanks.

Gojirra99

These are two very different cars, one tuned for sporty handling and one for comfort.

I ordered a G35 coupe with the 6 speed manual transmission, but is unable to test drive one yet since they're all pre-sold and in short supply. I did test drove the auto and noticed that it feels just as quick as the SC430, with good torque at a wide range of rev., despite the V6, but is obviously helped by its 500 lb weight advantage. With a skilled driver, the G35c with the MT should be faster than the SC430.

The steering is quick and precise, & lacks the numbness of the SC430, and the car can tackle corners with minimal body roll, with crisp turn-in response.

The ride is firm and controlled, not harsh (the MT will have a slightly stiffer suspension), and it's actually quite comparable with the SC430 with the runflats, which I still have. The seats have considerably more side bolster than the SC430, it suits me fine but a wide-bodied driver may find it too confining.

The exhaust note is a joy to listen to (forget about the stereo, I'll take the SC430 for music and a relaxing cruise), but it actually becomes quite muted at cruising speed on the highway.

I find both the SC430 and the G35 coupe attractive looking in its own way, but let's say the G35's exterior styling is less polarizing. The G35 does look more expensive from the exterior than it really is, but few cars at any price is comparable to the SC430 in build quality and fit & finish. As for the interior, of course it's no comparison, and is in fact the weakest part of the G35 in terms of the materials and finish, and one feels like you're in a Nissan rather than an Infiniti. I would gladly pay a couple thousands more if they would upgrade the interior quality to the level of, say the FX35, but obviously it's Infiniti strategy to keep the price low and more affordable. It's a compromise that I'm willing to make, given my overall favourable impression of the coupe.

Obviously, I cannot give you a more comprehesive impression until I take possession of the car and have it broken it, when I can push it further

Go test drive one, I think it's a good value, not only compared with the European competitors, but also the 350Z.

dseag2

Thanks for the feedback. I'm fairly familiar with the "Nissan feel" since I have an '03 QX4 as my daily driver. I'm with you... if they had put a little more money into the interior I would have paid more and given the G35 more consideration from the beginning.

One last question... I know nothing compares to the Mark Levinson system in the SC430, but what were your impressions of the BOSE system in the G35? The BOSE in my QX4 has lots of bass, but clarity is lacking.

Gojirra99

The Bose sound system in the G35 is a POS compared to the ML in the Lexus.

Seriously I didn't spend too much time listening to the system and played around with it during my 2 test drives to give you a detailed comparison. I was paying more attention to the exhaust note and other things since the stereo is not my focus when looking at this car and I never expect it will be comparable to the Lexus anyway.. My general impression is that it should be decent for a car stereo,not too much different from the one I have in my Acura CL-S now.

Larry

In addition to my SC430, I also have a G35 sedan that my wife drives. I have to say I really love the G. The stereo though not as good as the Lexus is very good. Also, the G feels light and nimble while the Lex feels like a lumbering beast. I would imagine that the coupe with it's extra 20 hp, less weight, stiffer suspension will be a blast to drive!

Keep us posted.

flatfoot

Hi Larry, How do you rate the navigation system of the Infinity against the Lexus?

Bill

Larry

The Lex is much, MUCH better. The G35 has a toggle switch in lieu of a touch screen. Also, the Lex system has a much faster reaction time when re-routing. If you're used to the Lexus system, the Infiniti takes a bit of getting used to patience wise.

LS4fun

The G35 is definately a sweet looking car. SexySC...nice choice..

dseag2

Hey Larry and SexySC,

Thanks for the feedback. At the risk of being censored for turning this forum into "Fresh Alloy", I wanted to let you know my impressions after test driving a G35 Coupe today. No question, it is absolutely beautiful and is one of tightest handling cars I've driven in ages. It also has instant pickup. The quality of the interior is fine (seats are GREAT) and the BOSE system has decent sound.

There were only two negatives that I just couldn't seem to get beyond. The first was the orange instrument lighting which, aside from the aesthetics, I really couldn't see very well with sunglasses on. I kept wishing there was no plastic casing in front of the guages so I could read them more clearly. The second was the exhaust note. It sounded GREAT at idle, but it never seemed to go away and it actually became droning after a while. I kept thinking about hearing it constantly in stop and go traffic and it kinda scared me. If I felt I could get beyond these two issues this would be a no-brainer. I know I'll probably get flamed for not being a true "enthusiast", but I'm either completely spoiled from driving the SC or I'm just getting old!

Aside from these two minor annoyances, it is a wonderful car and is actually worth more than the asking price. It left me thinking that Lexus could actually learn a thing or two in the handling department!

Gojirra99

When you get sick of it, just turn the stereo up to full blast, and you'll forget about it.

Larry

As far as the exhaust sound, you'll get used to it. Two of my last cars had Borla systems on them. After a week or so of driving, you don't even know it's there.

I love my G35 Sedan. It handles great. I can imagine the Coupe is way better in that department. Good luck and keep us posted !

Gojirra99

I can't wait to get my G35 coupe Larry. It'll be September production & I won't get it until late October the earliest.

The coupe don't share any body panels with the sedan and is actually about 34 pounds heavier in curb weight & their performance #'s are quite similar. Yours is a first year production car, I hope you don't have pesky little issues with it so far ?

Larry

No pesky issues at all in 10,000 miles. Not one iota of trouble.