2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe

2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe Set For Late Fall Debut,
Features Racing-Inspired Technology, Dramatically Styled Body

Information Based On Preliminary Internal Test Data

The new 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, first introduced at the 2002 New York International Auto Show, will go on sale this November at 158 Infiniti dealers nationwide. It joins the class-leading four-door G35 Sport Sedan as a potent one-two punch in the growing mid-size sports performance segment. Created with racing-inspired technology, both G35 models utilize the same rear-wheel drive, driver-oriented platform, with the new G35 Sport Coupe turning up the performance levels even higher and draping it under a sensuous new two-door body.

“The G35 Sport Coupe is a car that moves Infiniti forward into new territory,” said Mark McNabb, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. “It has the same combination of high performance, rear-wheel drive and luxury amenities of our flagship Q45 and G35 sedans and adds that extra measure of emotion and excitement that comes with sports car styling and packaging.”

Racing-Inspired Foundation

The G35 Sport Coupe features the innovative FM (for front mid-ship) platform, which positions the engine behind the front axle. This results in an optimized front-to-rear weight balance of 53:47, which factors in weight transfer during key handling maneuvers, such as entering and exiting corners. The FM platform also positions its large diameter wheels and tires out near the corners of the vehicle, providing an extra measure of handling stability.

“Kazutoshi Mizuno, the G35 Sport Coupe’s Chief Vehicle Engineer, began development of the basic platform concept in 1995, after heading Nissan’s LeMans and Group C racing programs,” said McNabb. “This combination of racing experience and extensive development work has created an exceptionally refined package right out of the box for both the G35 sedan and coupe.”

Dynamic Performance

Like the G35 Sport Sedan, the G35 Sport Coupe features a standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine with aluminum-alloy block and heads and electronically-controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system. The G35 Sport Coupe receives a higher level of engine performance and exhaust tuning than the sedan, resulting in a horsepower rating of 280, versus the sedan’s 260 horsepower. Torque is rated at 270 lb-ft (versus the sedan’s 260 lb-ft). The G35 Sport Coupe will be offered with a choice of 5-speed automatic trans-mission with manual shift mode or an all-new 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Infiniti’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard on every G35 Sport Coupe.

The G35 Sport Coupe also features an advanced 4-wheel multi-link suspension with extensive use of aluminum-alloy components to reduce unsprung weight and incorporate special “ripple control” shock absorber technology for responsive yet comfortable ride and handling. The suspension tuning of the G35 Sport Coupe is more aggressive than the sedan. The G35 Sport Coupe offers standard 17-inch wheel capability including ultra wide P225/50VR17 tires up front with P235/50VR17 tires in the rear. Also offered are 18-inch wheels and high-performance tires. Standard braking system components include 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), with front and rear Brembo brakes offered on models with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Sporty and Sleek Inside and Out

The exterior of the G35 Sport Coupe offers styling that is both sporty and elegant. It features xenon headlights, LED tail lamps and an available rear aero wing. The G35 Sport Coupe shares the sedan’s long 112.2-inch wheelbase but is several inches shorter in overall length (182.2 inches versus 186.5) and height (54.8 inches versus 57.7). With its performance-oriented chassis, wider wheel openings and fenders, the G35 Sport Coupe is also slightly wider than the sedan (71.5 inches versus 69.0).

“The G35 Sport Coupe is pure Infiniti in terms of its clean, progressive styling,” said McNabb. “We also believe it’s one of the best looking vehicles on the road – sport coupe, sports car, any category.”

The 4-passenger interior of the G35 Sport Coupe is equally attractive, combining a driver-oriented cockpit with an Infiniti level of luxury and design detail. The standard sport-contoured front bucket seats are 10-way (6-way power) adjustable for the driver and 4-way (2-way power) adjustable for the passenger. The seats offer side panel control switches and are available with ultra-soft leather, manufactured exclusively for Infiniti G35.

An in-dash 6-disc CD changer is standard, while a digital Bose® premium audio system with eight speakers and a DVD-based Infiniti Navigation System with 6.5-inch wide retractable monitor are optionally available. The sculpted fold-down rear seat offers seating for two passengers or an expanded cargo area. Other interior amenities include an Infiniti signature analog clock, Fine Vision electrofluorescent gauge illumination and driver and passenger one-touch up/down power windows and door locks, to name just a few.

High-Level of Safety

From a safety standpoint, every G35 Sport Coupe comes with standard dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags and front and rear seat curtain side-impact supplemental air bags. Also standard are seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system.

Like the G35 Sport Sedan, the new G35 Sport Coupe’s FM platform is designed to help protect occupants from strong impacts and large vehicle body deformation in a collision by efficiently absorbing crash energy. Front-end collisions include full frontal impacts, in which a crushable body construction is needed to reduce the deceleration g-force of the cabin.

In a high-speed frontal collision, for example, the crushable zone crumples while the engine moves as if to drop under the floor. This has the effect of expanding the crushable zone, thereby reducing deceleration g-force and simultaneously helping minimize cabin deformation, especially in the leg area.

In offset impacts, a strong body construction is needed to decrease the amount of cabin deformation. Other features also contribute to improved occupant safety, including the breakaway construction of the propeller shaft (connected with the engine-drop function) and the double-wall construction of the bulkhead.

Models and Packages

The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe will be offered in three fully equipped models, the G35 Coupe 5A/T Model, G35 Coupe Leather 5A/T Model and G35 Coupe Leather 6M/T Model. The G35 Sport Coupe also offers a Premium Package, Aero Package and a Performance Tire & Wheel Package. Other available options include navigation system, sunroof and Bose® audio system.

The G35 Coupe 5A/T Model includes standard features such as a 3.5-liter DOHC V6, CVTCS, dual outlet exhaust, five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, drive-by-wire throttle, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, 120-watt AM/FM in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic temperature control, power windows/door locks and mirrors, xenon headlights, front-passenger side-impact curtain airbag, front seat side-impact airbags.

The G35 Coupe Leather 5A/T Model includes all of the standard features plus soft-type leather appointed seating surfaces with embroidered Infiniti logo, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, heated seats.

And for the ultra-enthusiast, the G35 Coupe Leather 6M/T Model adds a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission and Brembo® brakes.

“The G35 Sport Sedan has launched to outstanding reviews and strong sales, worthy of its segment leading performance, packaging and style,” said McNabb. “The new G35 Sport Coupe is going to build on that momentum, powering Infiniti to the same leadership position in the sport coupe class.”