Another 2005 6MT sedan driving impression...

[dholly]

Hey there,

I have been conversing with the local dealer about an extended test drive of the new M45 Sport Sedan. Somewhere in that conversation I must have expressed an interest in taking an '05 G35 6MT sedan for a drive to see if, indeed, those extra ponies make themselves known vs. the '04 model or not. They had just prepped a new DG w/ roof, splash guards and trunk mat only - optioned exactly like mine - so I took the sales guy for a quick ride (and I do mean quick!).

Now, please, this is not intended as any kind of in-depth or scientific review. I really didn't have enough time for that. But I did walk away from my casual drive with some distinct impressions, some that I hadn't entirely expected, so I thought I'd share them. These are a few of the things that stood out to me...

Interior - Of course, the telescope steering column is the snitz, but a bunch of subtle little things - like the center dash display being better 'hooded' to prevent nighttime glare on the inside windshield, black dash buttons vs. aluminum to contrast better against the brushed aluminum panel, etc. - all add up to a better looking and more user-friendly cockpit IMO. On the downside, the new tach dial markings made it difficult to see the redline indicator, and what the heck is up with that dumbazz REV light?! Gad, how annoying, that would be gone in a heartbeat if it was my car! Overall though, still very comfortable and it looks better in person than pics IMO. Seems a bit more 'high-end refined', and I do like it better than my '04.

Clutch - Waaay different feel than either my '03.5 or '04, which I found very similar. Not only is the leg pressure to depress the '05 clutch notably less, the takeup is totally different. Engages much closer to the floor and the full pedal travel seems to be reduced as well. Wasn't real keen on this point but I may prefer the older models just because I am used to them. I can tell you it is still strong and crisp enough to light up the 'Slip' indicator in 1st, 2nd and 3rd with little problem. Was going for 4th when the salesman coughed and reminded me the car was already sold.

Shifter - The shifter also felt less 'notchy', with a smoothness going into and out of each gear that my '04 does not exhibit. 5th gear seemed to be a bit further up and over than I am used to, and it sure seems the engineers have done something to the shifter or linkage components. My '04 shifter is smoother than my '03.5, but this '05 is the smoothest of them all.

Suspension - Probably not going to be able to be much help here, comparing to my modded suspension isn't apples to apples, but I did notice a fair amount of body roll in quick and hard low-speed corners even with the sport suspension. Same in a skid pad type test where I could not get the front end to push appreciably before I started some serious scuffing on the front tires. Tactile feedback thru the steering wheel wasn't as sharp either, but I suspect that's a result of the oem Turanzas more than anything (I took 'em off my car quite a while back). The back end will come out with a little help of your throttle foot and, here's something VERY different from either of my sedans, the VDC was MUCH less intrusive. In fact, there were several instances during lower speed manuevers that I know without a shadow of a doubt my VDC would have engaged and SLIP indicator lit up, but the '05 did not. I REALLY liked this, as I always felt the G35 VDC is set too damn tight. If you ever put your foot down to pull into fast oncoming traffic only to have your engine turn into cottage cheese, you know what I mean. Oh, and on a personal taste note, the wheels are HOT!

Engine - Gotta tell you, the '05 VQ is smooooth as ever. Problem is, maybe TOO smooth IMO. Perhaps my engine mods have spoiled me, perhaps the quiet smoothness deceived me. It just didn't have the added kick I expected from such a large increase of HP. I can only describe and attribute it to a more even delivery of power thru the rpm band. Unlike my car, which jumps and snarls more brusquely out of the gate, the power seems to come on in a more linear manner, building a bit slower in the '05 perhaps. There certainly isn't any disappointment, as it continues to increase strongly all the way to redline as you row thru the lower gears. Again, like the interior, cluth, shifter and suspension, power delivery seems to have been refined smoother, no longer as visceral or primal feeling. Overall, it's as if the car has lost some of it's bad boy 'edginess', IMHO.

Some very nice improvements to be sure, but not earth shattering. I would note the magazine performance tests show very little 1/4 mi and 60ft time improvement in spite of the HP increase, and I'll be darned if I could find those extra ponies with my butt dyno either. In that regard I was terribly disappointed, and I quickly and forever banished all thoughts about trading my '04 6MT sedan for an '05 to gain the added HP. I really wish I could test an '05 with the mods I have on my '04, oh well.

Of course, my impressions are entirely subjective and can be taken either as good or bad news. Personally, my desires lean towards a little more sport in my luxury sedan rather than luxury in my sport sedan. That said, the new M45 Sport sedan certainly has caught my eye. Nothin' like a healthy dose of V-8... :P

[Edge]

Thanks dholly. That's a very informative review.

I am a little disappointed at the clutch and shifter effort change though. I've seen the internals of these shift linkages. Spare the details (since you don't have time), I think it's a simple adjustment for them to do, and they did it to address some complaints about the "notchiness" from the public. I personally felt my 04 carries the perfect weight in this area.

But the smoother shifting should make it easier when you go full out. I do feel the 04 a bit too raw at full out racing mode, and less enjoyable than when it's driven at 90%. Partly also because the engine isn't as smooth (at least not consistently) near redline. If the 05 engine is smoother, like you said, that should be a big plus even if you can't feel the speed difference.

[Edge]

Forgot to ask. Is there a M45 review coming?

[dholly]

Originally Posted by Edge

Forgot to ask. Is there a M45 review coming?

Edge - Believe me, I'm trying. Having a hard time convincing them to let me take the only M45 Sport on their lot for 24 hrs. Apparently the Ms have been flying out the door, and they received a small allotment of 45's (only 2 M45 Sports so far) and they can't keep up with demand. Stacked a dozen deep on the order form, supposedly. Yeah, yeah, I already took Marketing 101, wanna sell a car or not? Big problem is I do not have a good working relationship with this dealer's sales dept. (they have a 'take it or leave it' [inflated price] mentality). So, after I gave them multiple opportunities to sell me two cars before, I did just that and bought both out-of-state due to their indifference. Unfortunately, they are the only Infiniti dealer around these parts and still hold that against me!? Also, not sure if my 'spirited' G35 test drive helped my chances much either....

RE: the driving impressions - I suspect the new lower intake manifold collector and variable timing push much of the added HP up into the high rpm range, so it is difficult to appreciate. Me, I like HP and TQ best in the low-mid rpm curve where you can "feel" it. I've been to 145mph in my car a couple of times, but have no intention of using the high end hp necessary to do so on a regular basis. At the opposite, I regularly smash the pedal thru the floor in the 0-70mph range. I love driving this car hard... hard, fast starts and hard, fast stops, hard, fast corners (just made my first brake appt. @ 18k, hehe). Wonder how an '05 woulld respond to the old style lower collector and an APS upper? I see guys trying the spacers on '05s are just not getting the same dyno results as '03-'04s. I know you are familiar with VDC systems, and this is the one area wherein the '05 improvements really shine IMO. I would love to transplant it into my '04.

[dond]

Dholly,

Thank you very much for the informative "test drive" it was very helpful in my purchase of a 05' G35 6MT..I currently have a 02' BMW 330I that I was looking to get out of..I was shopping around and went to the Infiniti dealer last..which I am glad I did!! I felt that the other competitor vehicles were missing on(or multiple things) that I wanted or felt that I should receive for a $35-40k price range..The G35 loaded was roughly $35,000 which I felt was a great value!! The car has great options and the engine/tranny was a pleasure to drive. I looked at the 06' 330I which I do like and think is a wonderful car but for the money I don't think it is the best value -- One test drive with the G35 and I signed on the dotted line..I take delivery in 2 weeks -- Again, thank you for your info is was really helpful!!

I also enjoy this site(just signed up!) It is very helpful and great for a new G35 owner as myself -- EVERYONE keep up the good work all the topics are great! Thanks again to everyone..

[dholly]

Originally Posted by dond

-- One test drive with the G35 and I signed on the dotted line..I take delivery in 2 weeks --

Congrats on your decision dond, that's great news. Enjoy your new 6MT! Let us know what you bought, and feel free to add your thoughts here as well! Now, how are you going to pass the time for the next two weeks, eh?!

[adsbanker1]

I am seriously happy with how in-depth your reporting on these cars are. I have learned a lot just by reading. Thank you for all of the information posted here.

[Edge]

Originally Posted by dholly

Big problem is I do not have a good working relationship with this dealer's sales dept ... bought both out-of-state

LOL. "Big problem" is an understatement there. I hear you. Some dealers are pretty stubborn. I got lucky. After walking out the door, I just dropped an email to their internet consultant, saying I'm gonna drive out 5 hours for another dealer. They brought me back in the next day. Hope they learn, and treat you better on the M. But that 24hour test drive may have to wait.

I regularly smash the pedal thru the floor in the 0-70mph range. I love driving this car hard... hard, fast starts and hard, fast stops, hard, fast corners

Did you feel the power increase near the red line during this type of driving? Has it become smoother too? Or does the smoothness take away the feel of power. (You kind of mentioned that, but was more referring to the mid range.)

[adsbanker1]

One of the things that I love about the G35 is that when you "smash" the pedal to the floor it actually responds. When it responds it does it through every range of rpms and doesn't back down or feel like it's straining whatsoever. It responds the same whether upshifting or downshifting as well. You can really hammer this car and it doesn't seem to care. Like it was built to be pushed. What a great value for the price. I'm very happy with my purchase as well as with the dealership here in Miami. From the guy who sold me the car all the way through the service manager down through the mechanics. These people love what they do.

[dholly]

Originally Posted by Edge

Did you feel the power increase near the red line during this type of driving? Has it become smoother too? Or does the smoothness take away the feel of power. (You kind of mentioned that, but was more referring to the mid range.)

I would answer that question yes... pretty much... I think so. It's so darn smooth it's hard to tell, plus the '05 gets a higher cut out. But it did seem to pull a bit longer and harder as it topped out. I never actually bounced off the limiter but if comparing stock dynos I'm betting the '04 HP curve tails off sooner. Would be interesting to search out, surely somebody has posted baseline pulls for the stock '05 by now.