That looks way better than the Z. Why did they have to put that hideous spoiler on it, though? Is that an option, or manditory?

I don't think I've ever seen a spoiler that looked good...

 

he probably doesn't even own it. a friend's dad works for honda here in columbus ohio, and she was driving around a test model of the RSX-S a weeks before they were released to the dealers.

 

Looks nice. The only things that I don't like about it are the overly large rear bumper (too much empty space there) and the spoiler that doesn't seem to flow with the rest of the car.

The "562" plate is the standard Nissan plate that all the press cars have. All of the 350Z's that were floating around prior to release had this plate. The car is probably being driven by the media.

Nice car, but I think I'll pass. Somehow, they managed to make the coupe heavier than the sedan! Coupe weighs in at 3400 lb, about 100 lb more than the sedan and 200 lb more than the Z.

 

I drove the G35 sedan.

Cheapest interior I've seen, but it had tons of power. Thanks, but I'd rather get my cake and eat it too, and stick with the RX-8.

 

The "562" plate is a distributor plate for company cars. Me thinks Nissan just shot themselves in the foot for offering the G35 with the same powertrain as the 350Z.
Good catch, Tribal.

Have to admit, that is one pretty damn sharp coupe.

 

Sitting inside, I took my opinion of the car and put it in the toilet.

Cheap cheap cheap. I want the whole package, not just the power.

 

All motor, no rotor, eh? :D

 

Somethin like that

Just too cheap to be a luxury car, or even close to one. The Infiniti brand in generaly is crap... all based off the Nissan counterparts (except for the Q45). Many of the chassises don't change a bit, hell.. the I35 is the SAME car as the Maxima, except a rear sunshade and different exterior accents. Interior is carbon copy.

 

Yup.. Up in Canada we have the small Acura EL.. based on the Civic chassis.. The Acura TL is was based on the old Accord chassis. This is how car companies save development costs.. This is also why the 350Z is relatively cheap..
I like the G35 coupe styling better than the 350Z..
I also disagree that this car is the competition for the RX-8, the 350z is in the same market imo. Or at least I hope the RX-8 will be edgy and sporty enough to classify as a sports car and not a luxury gt cruiser.

 

Interior still sucks

 

In response to tribal azn post on multiple car platforms:

I think it depends totally on how much better the G35 coupe is than the 350z. If there isn't enough seperation between the two, why would anyone justify paying thousands more for an Infinity badge? True, the G35 looks a little better from the front, but the rest of the car, to me, looks too much like the 350z. It's heavier with the same engine, probably softer suspension, so it probably doesn't perform as well. And if the interior is as cheap as everyone says, I'd have a tough time justifying the extra thousands for the G35. A similiar example would be to compare a base Acura RSX with a new Civic Si. Same engine, the Si might even be a little faster, typical Honda build/styling in both, but the Si is way cheaper. Why bother with a base RSX? So you can just have an Acura? All I'm saying is if a company is going to build cars off the same chassis/platform, there had better be a big enough difference between them to make it worth everybody's time (both manufacturer and consumer).

This brings me back to thinking about the RX-8's platform. I know that it is supposedly going to be used for future Mazda's, but this is the FIRST car built with this platform. Totally new, along with the engine. Its' design seems built first and foremost for the uniqueness of the RX-8. Also given the level of speculated performance and refinement of the RX-8, its makes me wonder how Mazda is offsetting the production costs for the RX-8 while still offering the car nicely equipped for under 30k. I'm hoping they can do it, because I won't be purchasing one unless I can get one with the options I want for under 29k. It just makes me wonder...

 

Rich I believe that spoiler comes with the aero package, which also comes along if you're getting a manual in Canada.

As to why anyone would take G35 Coupe over 350ZX..

1. Different looks, Personally I like the Coupe better
2. Offers seating for 4
3. More luxury feel... it feels like inside an Audi(I meant the sedan one since I haven't sat in a Coupe before)

 

That's not really a good example. Acura TL and Honda Accord would be a better choice. The Civic is a hatchback while the RSX is a coupe. The interlor is completely different in both as is styling as is the handling. Plus from everything I hear about Honda dealers, for service you WANT to have an Acura, trust me on that. Honda dealers are quickly getting a very bad reputation, and deservedly so.
This feeback comes from every Honda owner.. No matter if it's a civic, accord, Prelude or an S2000. This is also why I'm most likely NOT considering a Honda in the future. That and the lack of rwd/awd vehicles in their line up.

 

...but you get my point. I was basing more of my comparison on performance, but overall, the TL and Accord is a better example.

 

Considering that NO ONE here has even sat in a G35 Coupe (which has had numerous interior bits changed, ie. better leather, different gauges, different center console) - the interior comments from Hercules, etc are unfounded (except for the Sedan) and inaccurate. The RX-8's interior has also yet to be seen. How many people have sat in a RX??...very very few. Do you think people will have gripes about some interior bits in the RX - you bet. Don't fool yourself Hercules....the RX-8 is not the "end all be all" sports car you seem to imagine for (LOL) undr $29k......please. You'll be lucky to even get the chance to purchase one for like $35-36k.

 

I like the looks of the G35 coupe alot. Thanks for the pics. I like those candid photos sometimes better than the professional shots you see from mags and marketing depts.

Depending on final pricing, the G35 would be a competitor of the RX-8. Both promise good handling, seating for 4 and decent power in a coupe body style. Styling and interior layout can be highly subjective, and I'll reserve judgement until I can experience them both in person, preferably side-by-side.

I am just very excited about all of the sporty offerings being made available from different manufacturers. I hope the deluge of SUV's we have seen over the last decade will subside. I am not anti-SUV (I own one myself), but I like to see exciting, and affordable cars making a resurgence.

 

I was able to sit in this car and found the interior to be inferior to the RX-8 by a lot.

 

boowanna have you sat in the rx-8 in order to make that comparo?

 

My thoughts exactly.. I highly doubt you are referencing ANYTHING besides pictures of the RX-8 (WTF?!?!)....

and one more thing: The pic of that car is pre-production as the initial production run started yesterday....there is supposed to be some major differences.......good try though, but until you actually drive an RX - you won't have a clue.

 

Given the track record of Nissan, and the track record of Mazda for interior materials, I'd give that vote to Mazda without a hesitation.

I OWN a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE. I know how shitty the car is inside. I OWN a 98 Millenia. I know how NICE the interior is (comparitively speaking). Granted, Mazda isn't making German car interiors, but they are damn nice.

Next, the RX-8 may not be the end-all-be-all of sports cars. But the G35 is a long shot as well. The performance is there, but personally... I need the WHOLE package. This is why I was originally considering a BMW instead of either car, but lately I've turned back to the RX-8 because I'd rather stick some extra money in my pocket.

Given the fact that Mazda has had quality interiors in other cars, and the fact that they have already announced that their new models (the mazda6 and RX-8) will have interior quality higher than any prior car, leads me to believe that their quality (inside and out) will be higher than Nissan's. Besides, the RX-8 is a nicer looking car, and Mazda has already long been known for the handling and precision with which they have continually released the RX-7. A stock RX-7 (the Spirit R version) will destroy the G35 coupe in straight sprints, and at the track. And the RX-8 is stiffer than the RX-7 so I have no doubt that the handling will merely improve.

And if it doesn't? I still have a nice, quick little car that handles plenty well and looks a helluva lot better than a G35.

You're trying to convert the people WANT the RX-8 because they are rotary enthusiasts. The G35 has a 63% bigger displacement engine, a non-linear torque curve, and to a lot of people... it's ugly. So go buy it, nobody's stopping you. But we want the RX-8, and that decision will be entirely made for ME when a review is done. I can always get my deposit back.

 

You are absolutely hilarious. Everything you just stated is an OPINION....do you understand what that means??...LOL.

You are comparing apples and oranges....I too own a Millenia S, but a 2000 Millenium Edition...I agree the interior is of better build quality (but SOOOO outdated!!)... than the G35 SEDAN, but we cannot judge the PRODUCTION model Coupe until someone (like me) takes delivery of it.

Another fact Mr Judgement, how can you say which will handle better if neither car has been produced yet??...like I said, hilarious.

As I have said before I was on the RX-8 bandwagon until I actually got a feel for the front end (don't like it anymore). BUT, that is my opinion only......which doesn't mean *&^^$...as does your's.

 

hey nate i didn't mean to imply that i was on your side here. i just wanted to know if boo had sat in one. one can draw inferences on interior quality by comparing current models. and in that case mazda definetly has the edge. i don't own a car from either company but have sat in and test drove several from both. nissan's interiors have a very cheap feel to them that completly turned me away from cars they build. especially the altima and g35. now i agree that looks are a matter of opinion(and mine is not considered expert by any means, i mean i still think the aztec looks cool)but the 350z is not a good looking car from several angles and the g35 coupe is only slightly better. but i give nissan credit for going with a bold fresh new look instead of the same old thing. mazda deserves the same cudos for what i think is a better looking car.maybe the will grow on me who knows.