The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe marked a significant moment for the luxury automotive brand, capturing the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year award and solidifying its position in the competitive mid-size sports performance segment. Launched in November 2002 across 162 INFINITI dealerships, this two-door marvel joined the acclaimed four-door G35 Sport Sedan, creating a powerful duo that resonated with enthusiasts and critics alike. The G35 Coupe, built upon racing-inspired technology, elevated the performance benchmarks while embodying a captivating and sensual design.
Mark McNabb, then Vice President and General Manager of INFINITI Division, emphasized the G35 Sport Coupe’s role in pushing INFINITI into new frontiers. He highlighted its fusion of high performance, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and luxurious amenities, reminiscent of the flagship Q45 and G35 sedans, but amplified with the emotional appeal and exhilarating essence of a true sports car.
Racing DNA: The Foundation of the G35 Sport Coupe
At the heart of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe lies the innovative FM (Front Mid-ship) platform. This engineering marvel strategically positions the engine behind the front axle, achieving an optimized 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution. This meticulous balance accounts for weight transfer during critical handling maneuvers, particularly when entering and exiting corners, resulting in enhanced agility and responsiveness. The FM platform further enhances stability by placing the large diameter wheels and tires closer to the vehicle’s corners, maximizing the footprint and contributing to confident handling.
The genesis of this platform can be traced back to 1995, under the guidance of Kazutoshi Mizuno, the G35 Sport Coupe’s Chief Vehicle Engineer, who previously spearheaded Nissan’s LeMans and Group C racing programs. McNabb noted that this unique blend of racing expertise and extensive development culminated in an exceptionally refined vehicle right from its inception, benefiting both the G35 sedan and coupe models.
Dynamic Performance: Unleashing the Power
Mirroring its sedan counterpart, the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe boasts a standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. Constructed with a lightweight aluminum-alloy block and heads, and featuring an electronically-controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system, this engine is a testament to Nissan’s engineering prowess. However, the Sport Coupe variant received enhanced engine performance and exhaust tuning, resulting in a robust 280 horsepower, surpassing the sedan’s 260 horsepower. Torque output also saw an increase, reaching 270 lb-ft compared to the sedan’s 260 lb-ft, ensuring exhilarating acceleration and responsiveness across the rev range.
Drivers could choose between a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode for versatile driving or a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission for purists seeking maximum engagement. INFINITI’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system was standard across all G35 Sport Coupe models, providing an added layer of safety and stability by helping to mitigate wheel slip and maintain control in challenging driving conditions.
Agile Handling and Refined Suspension
The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe was engineered for more than just straight-line speed. It featured an advanced 4-wheel multi-link suspension system, incorporating substantial aluminum-alloy components to minimize unsprung weight. This reduction in unsprung mass contributes to quicker suspension response and improved handling precision. The suspension also employed special “ripple control” shock absorber technology, striking a balance between responsive handling and a comfortable ride. Notably, the Sport Coupe’s suspension tuning was more aggressively calibrated compared to the sedan, emphasizing its sporting intentions.
The G35 Sport Coupe came standard with 17-inch wheels, fitted with wide P225/50VR17 tires at the front and P235/50VR17 tires at the rear, providing ample grip. Optional 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires were also available for those seeking even sharper handling. The braking system was equally impressive, featuring 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Brake Assist (BA), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) as standard. Models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission were further enhanced with front and rear Brembo brakes, renowned for their superior stopping power and fade resistance.
Sporty Elegance: Inside and Out
The exterior design of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe exuded a blend of sporty aggression and refined elegance. Features like xenon headlights and LED tail lamps added a touch of modern sophistication, while an available rear aero wing hinted at its performance capabilities. While sharing the sedan’s generous 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Sport Coupe boasted a more compact silhouette, being several inches shorter in overall length (182.2 inches versus 186.5) and height (54.8 inches versus 57.7). The performance-oriented chassis, coupled with wider wheel openings and fenders, also contributed to a slightly wider stance compared to the sedan (71.5 inches versus 69.0), enhancing its athletic appearance.
McNabb confidently asserted that the G35 Sport Coupe embodied pure INFINITI styling, characterized by its clean and progressive lines. He proclaimed it as one of the most visually appealing vehicles on the road, regardless of category.
The 4-passenger interior of the G35 Sport Coupe seamlessly blended a driver-focused cockpit with INFINITI’s signature luxury and meticulous design detail. Standard sport-contoured front bucket seats offered 10-way (6-way power) adjustability for the driver and 4-way (2-way power) adjustability for the passenger. These seats featured convenient side panel control switches and were available with exceptionally soft leather, crafted exclusively for the INFINITI G35.
An in-dash 6-disc CD changer was standard, while audiophiles could opt for a digital Bose® premium audio system with eight speakers. For navigation needs, a DVD-based INFINITI Navigation System with a 6.5-inch wide retractable monitor was also available. The sculpted fold-down rear seat provided seating for two passengers or could be expanded to increase cargo capacity. Other interior highlights included an INFINITI signature analog clock, Fine Vision electrofluorescent gauge illumination, and driver and passenger one-touch up/down power windows and door locks.
Comprehensive Safety Features
Safety was paramount in the design of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe. Every model came equipped 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. Additional standard safety features included seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat anchors and tether system.
The FM platform, shared with the G35 Sport Sedan, was engineered to prioritize occupant protection in collisions. It was designed to effectively absorb crash energy, mitigating impacts and minimizing cabin deformation. In frontal collisions, the crushable body structure was designed to reduce deceleration forces, while in offset impacts, the robust body construction aimed to limit cabin intrusion. Features like the breakaway propeller shaft and the double-wall bulkhead further contributed to enhanced occupant safety.
Models and Packages: Tailoring the G35 Experience
The 2003 INFINITI G35 Sport Coupe was offered in three well-equipped models: the G35 Coupe 5A/T Model, G35 5A/T Coupe w/Leather Model, and G35 6M/T Coupe. Further customization was available through optional packages, including a Premium Package, Aero Package, and a Performance Tire & Wheel Package. Standalone options such as a navigation system, sunroof, and Bose® audio system allowed buyers to personalize their G35 Sport Coupe to their preferences.
The base G35 5A/T Coupe Model already included a generous list of standard features, such as the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, CVTCS (Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System), dual outlet exhaust, five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, drive-by-wire throttle, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), vented front and rear disc brakes with ABS, a 120-watt AM/FM in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic temperature control, power windows/door locks and mirrors, xenon headlights, and comprehensive airbag systems.
The G35 5A/T Coupe w/Leather Model elevated the luxury quotient with soft-type leather-appointed seating surfaces featuring embroidered INFINITI logos, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, and heated seats. For driving enthusiasts, the G35 6M/T Coupe Model delivered the ultimate in engagement with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission and high-performance Brembo® brakes.
McNabb concluded by emphasizing the success of the G35 Sport Sedan and the expectation that the G35 Sport Coupe would build upon that momentum, propelling INFINITI to a leadership position within the sport coupe segment, thanks to its segment-leading performance, design, and overall package.
