2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan - Just Driven

Grille blades purposely fashioned after Japanese swords, an aluminum-alloy trimwith 'Washi' finish, inspired by the traditional art of Japanese stationery making: there's no mistaking this car's country of origin.

The new Inifiniti G35 sedan looks more athletic than its predecessor, though the differences are subtle. Key design elements include familiar (but evolved) headlights and a muscular shoulder line. The hood is long while the A-pillars are pushed back, for a more sporting feel. The new G is wider and the greenhouse is shorter. An integrated trunklid spoiler is a nice touch, though we'd prefer a body-colored one over a chrome finish. But it's no big thing.

The interior is refined and warm. The white-and-violet 'Fine Vision' gauges are clean and functional, the hand-stitched leather steering wheel feels great (it should, it takes an hour to stitch each one), and the leather sport seats are supportive and comfortable. The G35 also comes with Intelligent Key push-button start and a seven-inch color monitor as standard.

Luxury cars are the playgrounds for emerging automotive technologies and the G35 sedan is no exception. Available technologies include XM NavTraffic real-time traffic monitoring, Bluetooth, intelligent cruise control with Preview Braking (a system that can anticipate your braking), and the high-quality Studio on Wheels system by Bose with an integrated 9.5GB hard drive for MP3s. Also available is the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which moves the headlights in tandem with steering input.

Thankfully, it's not just the toys that impress. The G35 features a four-wheel independent suspension and improved body stiffness. Drivetrain options include intelligent all-wheel drive on the G35x and an all-wheel Active Steer System on the Sport model.

The tried, tested and trusted VQ-series 3.5-liter DOHC V6 stays under the hood, now putting out 306bhp and 268 lb-ft of torque. Symmetrically designed with dual intakes and exhausts, and with variable valve timing. Infiniti states the increased airflow and 'ram-air' effect is good for an additional 3bhp at speed. Transmission choices include a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode or a close-ratio six-speed manual. The automatic G35 Sport model comes with wheel-mounted F1-style magnesium paddle shifters.

Infiniti's 'Acceleration Swell' strategy of delivering thrust like a building wave (as opposed to a linear rush) provides a truly invigorating drive and the Sport model's suspension is dialed in to a fine degree. The G35 sedan comes in five flavors: G35, Journey, G35x AWD, Sport and Sport 6MT. The much-anticipated G35 Coupe will debut at the New York Auto Show in the spring. For tuners and drivers, that's when the trouble will start.