2004 INFINITI G Coupe Press Kit: Overview
The 2004 INFINITI G35 Sport Coupe has much in common with its INFINITI stable mate, the 2004 G35 Sport Sedan. Both share the same racing-inspired rear-wheel drive, driver-oriented platform and powerful 3.5-liter DOHC V6 powerplant – giving INFINITI a potent one-two punch in the growing mid-size sports performance segment. But while the two G35s are built to the same advanced design and technology standards, the G35 Sport Coupe turns up the performance levels even higher and drapes it under a sensuous, eye-catching two-door body.
“The G35 Sport Coupe adds that extra measure of emotion and excitement that comes with sports car styling and packaging,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, INFINITI Division. “It has the same outstanding combination of high performance, rear-wheel drive and luxury amenities of our flagship Q45 and G35 sedans, but with an undeniable visual appeal that just can’t be ignored.”
For 2004, the INFINITI G35 Sport Coupe receives a number of enhancements, including a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System, faster operation of the standard 6-disc CD changer, and newly available exterior color (Twilight Blue) and Coupe Leather 6MT models receive a new front center console with a center armrest and additional front cupholder.
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 a nearly 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 Igo. “This combination of racing experience and extensive development work has created an exceptionally refined package right out of the box for both the G35 Sport Coupe and G35 Sport Sedan.”
Dynamic Performance
The 2004 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 G35 Sport 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). Beginning with October 2003 production, the G35 Sport Coupe engine is expected to meet LEV2 standards for emission control.
The 2004 G35 Sport Coupe is offered with a choice of 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode or a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. INFINITI’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system is standard on every G35 Sport Coupe.
The G35 Sport Coupe suspension features an advanced 4-wheel multi-link design 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.
For 2004, all G35 Sport Coupe models also receive a standard Tire Pressure Monitor System.
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 the G35 Coupe Leather 6MT model.
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). A new exterior color is offered for 2004 – Twilight Blue.
“The G35 Sport Coupe is pure INFINITI in terms of its clean, progressive styling, much like the new FX45 premium crossover SUV,” said Igo. “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 (with faster operation for 2004), 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.
The G35 Coupe Leather 6MT receives a new front center console for 2004. 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 seat roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags. Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors. It is also equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Like the G35 Sport Sedan, the G35 Sport Coupe’s FM platform Zone Body construction is designed to help protect occupants in a collision by efficiently absorbing crash energy through use of front and rear crushable zones.
In a high-speed frontal collision, for example, the crushable zone crumples while the engine is designed to move under the occupant compartment. This has the effect of expanding the crushable zone, thereby helping to reduce the deceleration g-force and simultaneously helping to 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 2004 INFINITI G35 Sport Coupe is offered in three fully equipped models, the G35 Sport Coupe, G35 Sport Coupe Leather and G35 Sport Coupe Leather 6MT. 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 Sport Coupe model includes standard features such as a 3.5-liter DOHC V6, dual outlet exhaust, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, drive-by-wire throttle, 17-inch aluminum wheels, 4-wheel vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), 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 and front-seat side-impact airbags.
The G35 Sport Coupe Leather model includes all of the standard features, plus soft-type leather-appointed seating surfaces with embroidered INFINITI logo, heated driver and front passenger seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and dual illuminated vanity mirrors.
For the ultra-enthusiast, the G35 Sport Coupe Leather 6MT model adds a 6-speed, close-ratio manual transmission and Brembo® brakes.
“The G35 Sport Coupe is stunningly seductive in design and performance,” said Igo. “It’s the complete package – everything the true driving enthusiast would ever desire in a sport coupe, with the quality, luxury, attention to detail and ownership experience that have become the hallmarks of INFINITI.”
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