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Infinity G3 Coupe M6
By Peter Bleakney
 I've always been a sucker for a pretty face, so the 2004 Infinity G35 Coupe M6 had me over a barrel from the get-go. There's no getting around it - this is gorgeous car. The designers hit all the right notes here, penning a sensual coupe with a muscular yet graceful stance and a come-hither visage accented with stacked xenon headlamps. The G35 sedan is handsome, but this coupe, which is marginally shorter, lower, and wider, takes that design theme to another level. The press release states the G35 Coupe to be "one of the best looking vehicles on the road - coupe, sports car, any category." No arguments here.
Not to say this rear-wheel-drive, $48,000 coupe is just another pretty face. Based on Nissan's FM (front mid-engine) platform, it shares the same 3.5 litre 24-valve all aluminum V6 that powers the 350Z sports car, Maxima, and a host of other Nissan products. In this application, it churns out 280 horses at 6200 rpm and 270 ft-lb of torque at 4800 rpm.
 Check the M6 box when you order, and you get a close ratio six-speed transmission, rear spoiler, 18 inch wheels (225/45 front and 245/45 rear), viscous limited slip differential, Brembo brakes, underbody aerodynamic fairings and a hand-operated parking brake (the G35 sedan has a foot operated unit).
As would be expected, the G35 Coupe has all the mod-cons and luxury trappings associated with the Infinity name. Notable goodies include 225 watt 8-speaker Bose sound system with in-dash six CD changer, dual zone climate control, a slew of airbags and heated leather seats. A satellite navigation system will set you back $3400.
While some Nissan interiors have looked a little cheap and gaudy of late, this Infinity surpasses its lesser corporate cousins with high quality plastic surfaces, soft leathers and stellar assembly. The back-lit gauges are very cool and the instrument pod tilts with the chunky steering wheel. A mail-slot like read-out above the "titanium look" centre stack displays the outside temperature, climate control settings and compass direction. And of course, the classic Infinity oval analogue clock spruces up the proceedings. My tester was all done in black, which made it a bit austere for my tastes, but a pleasant place to be nonetheless.
The 10-way adjustable perforated leather driver's chair is supremely comfortable and supportive, but could prove a little snug for those broader-of-beam. And why must we lose our rake adjustment when it is flipped forward for rear seat access? Driven a VW lately?
Getting into said rear seats requires a bit of contortion, but once situated, there is a surprising amount of legroom and the seats are well contoured. At nearly six feet tall, I had no problem "sitting behind myself", although my head was brushing the rear window. A couple of adults could easily spend time here without complaint.
The rear seat backs fold down, providing considerable load space which is accessible through the shallow trunk.
 If you are looking for a luxury sport coupe that doubles as an isolation chamber, this is not the car for you. The G35 Coupe may look like a lithe dancer on the outside, but its 350Z roots come through loud and clear once behind the steering wheel. The clutch is firm and take-up is quick, the stubby shifter requires a firm hand, and the 3.5 litre V6 emits a throaty baritone howl with every prod of the go-pedal. Which will be quite often. This car is quick, and it's hard to resist the insistent urge and accompanying sound track.
My wife was quite surprised at how vocal this car was, and although I didn't tire of it, some might.
Down the road, the G35 Coupe settles in as a comfortable and serene cruiser. Ride quality is firm but never harsh, and it certainly won't beat you up like the 350Z. The Brembo brakes are awesome, hauling the car down from ultra legal speeds with cornea-popping ferocity. If you were to take this car to the track, these brakes would serve you well.
Which brings us to the handling. If you don't push too hard, the G35 Coupe M6 acts like the civilized, refined sports tourer it purports to be. Steering is accurate and nicely weighted, and the car turns in crisply. There's plenty of grip and the balance is quite good.
Go beyond that and Mr. Hyde pokes his head up and yells "Surprise!" A certain nervousness in the rear emerges as those big 18 inchers try to step out. Then it becomes a cat and mouse game between grip and Infinity's electronic stability control system dubbed VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control). The electronic nanny steps in early and aggressively, cutting power when it senses trouble. Heck, even if you chirp the tires in second gear, VDC will wag its finger at you, halting your progress with an unpleasant jerk.
The car never felt truly settled when attacking the twisties. Was that because the VDC kept interfering, or did the VDC have to work overtime to compensate for a twitchy chassis? I guessed the latter.
Switching off the VDC confirmed my suspicion. Wow. This car is an object lesson in power-on oversteer. Give the G35 Coupe some throttle in a tight second gear turn, and the back end will kick out faster than you can say, "Wow. I need to wash my side windows." If you like driving sideways, this car will keep you entertained 'till the cows come home.
For most drivers, this will be a non-issue, but we thought you should know.
 By the end of my week with the G35 Coupe M6, I was scratching my head. Don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful car and I grew to like it. At just under 50 grand, it's also very well priced. But figuring out just what it was proved challenging. The G35 Coupe M6 has all the right bits - a powerful and rorty engine, killer brakes, a short throw six-speed, cool wheels and generous helpings of luxury - but it doesn't come together with quite the mechanical fluidity of some of its German rivals. A classic beauty for sure - but one who cusses. It's kinda like finding out Catherine Deneuve is a kick boxer.
Which for some, could be a dream come true.
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