2008 INFINITI G35 Trims and Specs

Essentially a carryover from the previous year, the 2008 Infiniti G35 Base trim sports a curvy, rounded shape that projects a sporty yet elegant appearance. Under the hood resides a hunky 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter double-overhead-cam V6 engine that delivers its power in a wave rather than a burst, resulting in what Infiniti calls "acceleration swell." The engine links to either a five-speed automatic with a manual shift feature or a six-speed manual transmission.

Inside the G35 Base's spacious cabin, key features include violet-colored instrument gauges and knobs, an eight-way heated, power-adjustable driver's seat, leather-appointed seats all around, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, Washi-finish aluminum interior trim that emulates Japanese paper, an Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, automatic temperature control, and a leather-appointed shift knob.

Other features include high-intensity bi-xenon headlights, power windows and door locks, steering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, speed-sensing windshield wipers, traction control, antilock brakes, a tire-pressure monitoring system, and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

The rear-wheel-drive G35 Base rides on a rigid chassis that has been designed for reduced vibration, and overall the G35 Base delivers responsive handling. However, some have noted that the ride quality suffers just a bit when compared to the competition. But the G35 Base gets good marks for its styling, interior comfort, and powertrain.

Although the 2008 Infiniti G35 Journey comes with essentially the same list of standard features as the entry-level G35 Base, the Journey can be upgraded with a number of options that aren't available on the Base trim. Those options include heated front seats, sport seats, a sport steering wheel, African rosewood interior trim, aluminum pedals, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Most of those optional features are part of the Sport Package, a new options package for 2008. The package also includes a viscous limited-slip rear differential (which provides additional traction under acceleration), solid-magnesium paddle shifters on the steering column, and larger brakes. Other options packages available for the Journey include the Premium Package, with a premium Bose audio system and six-disc CD autochanger, among other features, and a Navigation Package, which adds a navigation system with a touchscreen.

Reviewers and drivers note that the G35 Journey represents a good option for car buyers, thanks to its extensive list of standard features as well as the numerous options available for the trim. Overall, drivers note that the G35 Journey is a quick, responsive vehicle, with good balance and handling. And although some find the ride a bit stiff, they note that the brakes are exceptional, and that the interior is spacious and well-appointed.

Designed for driving enthusiasts (as Infiniti calls them), the 2008 Infiniti G35 Sport 6MT trim adds a number of features that make the vehicle more agile and responsive and give it a sportier appearance as well. A limited-slip differential, for instance, provides better traction under acceleration. The Sport 6MT trim also comes with larger brakes and sport-bolstered front seats, as well as sport steering-wheel stitching, aluminum pedals with rubber studs, lower exterior side sills for a more aerodynamic appearance, and seven-spoke 18-inch wheels. And an add-on 4-Wheel Active Steer package provides sharper steering as well as unique suspension tuning.

The engine has not been upgraded for this specific trim, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's the same 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter double-overhead-cam V6 engine found throughout the G35 lineup for 2008, and it delivers plenty of power in a wave rather than a burst, resulting in what Infiniti calls "acceleration swell." The engine links to a six-speed manual transmission.

With its larger brakes and improved traction, the G35 6MT compares favorably with its competitors, including cars from BMW, according to drivers and reviewers. Some note an odd feel with the limited-slip differential, which takes some getting used to, while others think the suspension feels a bit stiff. But overall, drivers and reviewers note, the Sport 6MT achieves its goal of giving the G35 a sportier, visceral feel, and some believe it comes close to the top of its class.

To make the Sport 6MT even better, drivers can add a number of option packages, including the Premium Package, which adds a premium Bose audio system and six-disc CD autochanger, among other features, and a Navigation Package, which includes a navigation system with a touchscreen.

Drivers seeking a luxury sedan with the added benefit of good traction and stability can opt for the 2008 Infiniti G35 xAWD, which comes equipped with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system that switches automatically from rear-wheel-drive to all-wheel-drive on slick roads or when driving conditions demand it. The G35 xAWD also comes equipped with heated leather front seats as well as an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, Washi-finish aluminum interior trim that emulates Japanese paper, an Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, automatic temperature control, and a leather-appointed shift knob.

In addition, the G35 x can be upgraded with a wide range of options, including sport seats, a sport steering wheel, African rosewood interior trim, aluminum pedals, and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Most of those optional features are part of the Sport Package, a new options package for 2008. That package also includes solid-magnesium paddle shifters on the steering column and larger brakes. Other options packages available for the G35 x include the Premium Package, which adds a premium Bose audio system and six-disc CD autochanger, among other features, and the Navigation Package, which includes a navigation system with a touchscreen.

Drivers and reviewers note that while the all-wheel-drive system adds weight to the vehicle, the G35 xAWD still retains its powerful punch, thanks to its 306-horsepower V6 engine, and still offers responsive handling and good overall balance. Some note that the G35 x lacks when it comes to fuel economy and that the ride can be a bit stiff at times. But the brakes provide great grip, drivers note, and the interior has a spacious, well-appointed feel.