The Infiniti G35 Coupe (V35) with the 3.5-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission represents a pivotal entry for Nissan’s luxury brand into the competitive American sports coupe market. Produced from 2002 through 2007, this generation (V35) established the G35 as a driver-focused alternative to established European and domestic rivals. The 3.5-liter automatic variant occupied a sweet spot in the lineup, offering a balance of performance and convenience, appealing to buyers who desired the V6 power without the involvement of a manual gearbox. It was positioned as the mainstream offering, bridging the gap between the base models and any potential higher-performance trims that might be offered.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Infiniti |
| Model | G |
| Generation | G35 Coupe (V35) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 i V6 24V (283 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2007 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 283 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 366 Nm @ 4800 rpm (269.95 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | VQ35DE |
| Engine displacement | 3498 cm3 (213.46 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.4 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8.7 l (9.19 US qt | 7.65 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1978 kg (4360.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 378 kg (833.35 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 211 l (7.45 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l (20.08 US gal | 16.72 UK gal) |
| Length | 4628 mm (182.2 in.) |
| Width | 1816 mm (71.5 in.) |
| Height | 1392 mm (54.8 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm (112.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Rear track | 1534 mm (60.39 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the G35 Coupe Automatic is the VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine, a member of Nissan’s highly regarded VQ family, is a 60-degree V-engine featuring an aluminum block and cylinder heads. It utilizes a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with four valves per cylinder, contributing to its strong volumetric efficiency. The VQ35DE employs multi-port fuel injection, delivering fuel directly into each intake port. The engine’s output of 283 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 274 lb-ft of torque at 4800 rpm was substantial for its time, providing brisk acceleration. The automatic transmission is a five-speed unit, designed to provide smooth shifts and reliable operation. While not offering the direct control of a manual, it was tuned to complement the engine’s powerband, providing adequate response for everyday driving and spirited acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The G35 Coupe Automatic delivers a comfortable yet engaging driving experience. The automatic transmission, while not as sporty as a manual, provides smooth and predictable shifts. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is achieved in around 5.6 seconds, making it a genuinely quick coupe. The torque converter in the automatic transmission does slightly dampen the engine’s responsiveness compared to a manual transmission, but the VQ35DE’s broad torque curve ensures ample power is available across a wide range of engine speeds. The rear-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a balanced feel, and the suspension provides a good compromise between ride comfort and handling precision. Compared to the six-speed manual version, the automatic sacrifices some driver involvement, but gains in ease of use, particularly in urban traffic.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The G35 Coupe Automatic typically came standard with features such as leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a premium sound system, automatic climate control, and alloy wheels. Optional extras included a sunroof, navigation system, and upgraded audio options. The interior design was modern and driver-focused, with a well-laid-out dashboard and comfortable seating. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the year, but generally, the automatic version was available in a single, well-equipped configuration. The focus was on providing a luxurious and refined experience without the added cost of performance-oriented upgrades.
Chassis & Braking
The G35 Coupe utilizes a front independent multi-link suspension and a rear independent multi-link suspension, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The chassis is relatively stiff, contributing to the car’s overall stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, enhancing safety and control during hard braking. The suspension tuning was geared towards a balance between comfort and handling, making it suitable for both daily commuting and spirited driving.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Infiniti G35 Coupe was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, comfortable interior, and engaging driving dynamics. The automatic transmission was considered a good match for the engine, providing smooth shifts and ease of use. Compared to rivals like the BMW 3 Series Coupe and the Audi TT, the G35 offered a compelling value proposition, providing similar performance and features at a lower price point. Fuel economy was reasonable for a sports coupe, averaging around 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the cooling system and sensors.
Legacy
The Infiniti G35 Coupe (V35) with the 3.5-liter V6 and automatic transmission has proven to be a durable and reliable vehicle. The VQ35DE engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, can easily exceed 200,000 miles. Today, the G35 Coupe remains a popular choice in the used car market, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate its performance, style, and value. While not as sought after as the manual transmission versions, the automatic variant offers a more accessible entry point into G35 ownership, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for a wide range of drivers. Its impact on establishing Infiniti as a legitimate player in the luxury sports coupe segment should not be understated.
