In my only experience on a snowy road, which turned out to be Mount Seymour's parking lot, I tried a full-throttle start with snow-mode engaged. I felt not the slightest bit of rear-only wheel spin as I slithered ahead. Apparently all the corrections necessary were made without me. I just steered.
In utterly dry conditions, the G35x invites the driver to play. The rear bias delivers just the tiniest bit of tail-happy oversteer in hard corners. But you cannot get very silly with this car. If you do, a combination of vehicle dynamic control and the AWD system takes control to keep you on line.
Infiniti engineers, in fact, say the AWD system is designed to detect traction needs all through a turn, and then adjust torque distribution to provide for the best grip and overall performance. Torque shifts front and back quickly for the best handling possible.
And the rest of the package is quite good, too. Smart suspension geometry and loads of lightweight aluminum all around deliver sharp handling and tight steering. The dry desert roads outside Phoenix showed off how nicely the car provides feedback about whatever is happening at any one moment.
This car is so precise, it takes some getting used to -- things can happen too fast if you are not paying attention. A stiff chassis is the secret behind most of that excellent feedback, but the downside is a rough ride in everyday city driving.
Yes, you feel bumps and road lumps and they can get tiresome if the pavement is really in tough shape. One huge plus is a brake pedal that provides proportional feedback based on how hard the driver pushes.
Engine power, of course, is not a problem. The 3.5-litre V-6 has 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Computer-controlled variable valve timing makes sure the engine is breathing properly at all times, and that translates into smooth and constant oomph. Premium is the recommended fuel.
Cromb, for her part, is disappointed Infiniti does not offer a proper manual transmission with the G35. It comes only with a five-speed automatic transmission, although clutchless manual shifts are possible. Manumatics like this, she says, "are a weenie thing." Still, the automatic shifts with snappy and smooth precision.
The car's styling is also a source of debate. Cromb likes it from the outside quite a lot. The lines to many are voluptuous. Others are less sure, saying the sheet metal is curved like a jelly bean.
The cabin is handsome and unfortunately somewhat plasticky and small. Leather seats are a snug and comfortable fit, although the power controls are oddly located and tough to use. You will find them on the inboard edges of the seats, right there under your right thigh.
The leather and metal-look steering wheel is very sporty and in standard trim manually tilts and telescopes. Orange-hued instruments are tucked under a binnacle in front of the driver.
The optional navigation system can only be purchased with a package of options for either $6,200 or $6,500. It has a pop-up rectilinear screen that emerges from the top of the dashboard. The navi is easy to program and use, with a clear readout of the map.
I'd argue this car's greatest drawback is its tight cabin. The front seats are fine enough for adults, but the rears are a squeeze if you are past puberty. Dimensionally, this Infiniti is shorter and narrower than a Honda Accord.
I'd also like the standard rear seat to split and fold 60/40, to maximize cargo hauling. To get a reclining rear seat, you must order one of the option packages.
Still, this is a very safe vehicle. The U.S. government hasn't crash tested it yet, but the insurance industry's research arm has and it gave the G35 its "Best Pick" rating. You have a good chance of walking away from a smashup in this car.
Cromb's main complaint is that to get a power sunroof, she must order the whole $2,800 Premium package, which also adds dual-zone climate control, a 40/20/40 reclining rear seat, rear air-conditioning ducts, power tilt and telescoping steering column and several other things she doesn't really need.
But this packaging is not a deal-breaker. The rest of the car, particularly the AWD system, is that good.
Specifications
2005 Infiniti G35x
Price: $42,800
Engine: 3.5-litre V-6 (DOHC)
Output: 280 hp/270 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 13.5 city/9.1 highway
Alternatives (AWD available only): BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C- and E-class, Audi A4 and A6
Like: Useful AWD system; brilliant engine; excellent driving dynamics
Don't like: Tight cabin; option packaging makes it tough to pick and choose what you want; a lot of plastic, inside and out
