well since the upcoming G35 coupe will compete with the rx-8, i thought i post this here.

coming home from the gym, i was in my neighborhood and saw what i thought was a regular g35 sedan then when i drove by it i realized it was THE coupe!!! so i busted a nut then busted a U-eeee and got some pics.

http://members.roadfly.com/tribal_azn2/g35c 1.JPG
http://members.roadfly.com/tribal_azn2/g35c 2.JPG
http://members.roadfly.com/tribal_azn2/g35c 3.JPG
http://members.roadfly.com/tribal_azn2/g35c 4.JPG
http://members.roadfly.com/tribal_azn2/g35c 5.JPG

its got distributor plates, so the lucky ass that owns it prolly works for the dealer

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.

Originally posted by Rich
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...

the spoiler looks nice. its gotta be an option

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. :rolleyes:
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

Originally posted by Toadman
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.

Originally posted by Hercules

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.

wtf are u talking about? thats the same with every car company. car companies have different brands use the same chasis for different cars. that doesnt make them any less crapy. heres a little example

toyota owns lexus. the lx470 has the same chasis as the land crusier. the es300 is the same as the camry. the toyota matrix is also the same chasis as the pontiac vibe

nissan owns infinite. 350z the same as g35. maxima same as I35. the Qx4 is the same as the pathfinder.

thats just a VERY small example of a few japanese companies. american car companies have MASSIVE amounts of interchanging chasis inbetween there owned brands.

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)

Originally posted by rxtreme

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?
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.

Originally posted by natev
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.

Originally posted by natev
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.
I merely mentioned, that the RX-7 (Spirit R, from Japan) will destroy the G35 in a straight line, and around curves at a track.

That being said, the Mazda engineers developed a stiffer platform for the RX-8 than the RX-7. Add to the fact that the RX-8 is already throwing .90gs on the skidpad, it's an easy assumption that the upcoming RX-8 will handle very, very well. It won't be as fast as the RX-7 (due to no turbos), but it will handle well.

Now consider the fact that they UPGRADED the interior build quality from the Millenia (which was already good). The G35 sedan's interior is cheap. I don't expect the coupe to be much different.

I am making all my statements on inferences. I infer that since the G35 sedan interior sucks, the coupe will as well. I infer that the build quality of Nissan's G35 and my Maxima sucks... so will the G35 coupe's. I infer that since the RX-7 (Spirit R) will destroy the G35 Sedan in a straight line and also around curves, that similar statements could be made for the RX-8, though not straight line performance as much.

And what can we infer about the G35. It's a good car. Nobody disputes that. But making a decision between the two, I would not touch the G35. In a year or two, everybody on the road will have one, just as the 3 series BMW has been over-done. The RX-8 will remain a gem in the rough, and I'll be glad to own one.

Put it this way, my opinion may not mean anything to YOU, but it means everything to me. And if I like the RX-8 over the G35, there's not much that can be said to talk me out of it. That's what you're trying to do. I believe you liked the RX-8 but went for the G35, but not everybody here will wake up to YOUR realization and get the G35 as well.

We are rotary lovers, and until you understand rotary.. you don't understand the passion on these boards.

i agree with you herc except that gem in the rough statement. the rx-8 should be a fully cut and polished gem before i buy one. for $30,000 u.s. i want the rough edges smoothed out.

I understand your points very well....but the RX-8 is not even close to the RX-7....

And unless you are covered under Ford/Mazda's X/S Plan (I am) and you think you are going to get a loaded Rx-8 for $30k...you are in for a ruuuuuuuude awakening.......if I don't like the Coupe interior THAT much....I'll drop by Mazda and use my "S -plan" Ford/Mazda employee incentive to grab the RX-8 under invoice.

I am not trying to sway anyone from one car to the next (what the hell do I care what you or anyone else drives?!?!?!?!)

When you sit in each car, (production models), only then will I give your posts an ounce of credit....until then, it's all pure speculation.

Originally posted by natev
I understand your points very well....but the RX-8 is not even close to the RX-7....

And unless you are covered under Ford/Mazda's X/S Plan (I am) and you think you are going to get a loaded Rx-8 for $30k...you are in for a ruuuuuuuude awakening.......if I don't like the Coupe interior THAT much....I'll drop by Mazda and use my "S -plan" Ford/Mazda employee incentive to grab the RX-8 under invoice.

I am not trying to sway anyone from one car to the next (what the hell do I care what you or anyone else drives?!?!?!?!)

When you sit in each car, (production models), only then will I give your posts an ounce of credit....until then, it's all pure speculation.
I'll get it for no more than MSRP, and that's all that matters to me.

Originally posted by zoom44
i agree with you herc except that gem in the rough statement. the rx-8 should be a fully cut and polished gem before i buy one. for $30,000 u.s. i want the rough edges smoothed out.
I meant a gem in the rough, since the RX-8 is clearly the best car that Mazda will offer :)

Not that it has any rough edges.

Originally posted by natev
I'll drop by Mazda and use my "S -plan" Ford/Mazda employee incentive to grab the RX-8 under invoice.


I would be absolutely shocked if the RX-8 qualified for S-Plan pricing. The only way I can see it qualifying is if it completely bombs and they can't move them off the lots.

But, I'm often wrong. I certainly wouldn't expect it to be included.

natev,

Good luck trying to get the rx-8 on any plan! Have you tried getting the new Thunderbird on that S plan? My understanding is that you cannot!

I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for the rx-8 to qualify on any of your plans.

That will all depend on whether it is at the discretion of the dealer or not...my friend is the Sales manager at a Mazda dealership here in Boston. I'll probably end up with the G Coupe anyways though.....b/c it will be here in about a month and a half (del date is Oct 28th) and the RX won't be around for another year....by then, if I'm sick of the G Coupe, I'll sell it and try out the RX. Either way I'm looking forward to the "Sports car" improvements over my ever-lagging '00 Millenia S.

Thanks for snapping these picks, it's nice that it was sitting still for you. I've seen the new BMW Z4 driving around here for the past few months in various disguise configurations, but never sitting still so I could take pictures.

I agree that the G35 coupe is more attractive than the 350Z. I think there is a market for both of them in the Infinity/Nissan line up. I would never consider the 350Z since it is only a two seater.

I have spent over an hour test driving the G35 sedan in various configurations. I am considering trading my wife's BMW 328i for one. I say trading, but I would have a G35 right now if the dealer didn't try to stick it to me on the trade. So now I'm selling it on my own. --Hey, anyone want a 1996 BMW 328i, 4-door, auto, Oriental Blue, sunroof, power everything, CD-changer, 90k miles, great condition, blah blah blah-- $13,999 Shameless plug there.

My thoughts on the G35 sedan are that it's is two totally different cars with or without the sport package. I couldn't believe how big of a difference this relitivly inexpensive option made. Plus you need to get the sport package to be able to get the aero package. They've got some wierd option packages (winter pkg w/ sunroof, etc) IMHO, the sedan kind of needs the aero pkg with rear spoiler for the butt to look good. On the contrary, the coupe's rear end looks much cleaner without the spoiler and it should be left off. Overall, I don't have a problem with the interior, it's just different. It has a very modern feel to it. I hate the seats though; worst thing about the car. They don't lower far enough-my head touches the headliner, the rake adjustment doesn't tilt far enough back-I feel like I'm sliding out of it, and the side bolsters are weak-not holding you in enough on tight corners. I won't bore everyone with my complete evaluation, this is a RX-8 forum after all. Overall the G35 is a great sports sedan, with more of an emphasis on sport than luxury. It's a great drivers car, but you'll always hear people complain about interior trim, etc; pick what is important to you. That we will be buying one when the BMW sells should tell you something though.

I'm still planning on getting an RX-8 for myself. A smaller, lighter car is much more in line with what makes me happy behind the wheel. I love the idea of the rotary engine and great handling combined into a beautiful and practical package. Of course I haven't driven one yet, but I fully expect to like the RX-8 better. Just beg Mazda to keep the weight down. The G35 coupe and sedan are world class sports sedans and GT cruisers respectivly, but in no what are they competition for the RX-8. For the enthusiasts, there is no competition.

I will admit, I have sat in many G35 coupes and their interiors are pretty good to me, but I have also sat in many Audi interiors (A4 and A6) and I will tell you that the two don't compare. The Audi's interiors are the one's that all other car maker's interiors should be judged by. Sitting inside an Audi is like sitting inside a quality bubble, if you can imagine anything like that existing.:D

i heard somewhere that the nissan g35 is supposed to be the watered down NA version of the skyline? is this true?


much like the is300 is to the altezza.

uh, somebody linked a magazine "sneak peak" article which said that ya, basically there will be a GT-R in a future Infiniti line-up, i don't know under what label (can't remember), and the pic of the concept was horrendous... :P
but this one?? i think the platform (FM series or something) it shares with the 350 Z is from the R34 GT-R, but the bodies of both the 350Z and G35 are completely different from the GT-R... check dimentions, i don't think they're the same. (i haven't, however, and could be extreemely wrong)

Originally posted by rxtreme
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. [snip] 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).

Wow! Thanks to tribal azn for taking and posting those pics! I love it. I've been drooling all over it since I first heard about it. Anyway, I'm going to address a couple of points and arguements brought up (no, I'm not bashing Mazda or the RX-8, so lets not go there).

Infiniti (Nissan?) has promised the G35 coupe to start at under $30k like they promised with the 350Z. So figure a fully loaded one to be around the same price as a fully loaded 350Z at around $37k (WAG, but probably not far off).

There are pictures of the coupe on Infiniti's site with and without the spoiler. That leads me to believe this is an "Aero Kit" similar to that offered on the 350Z. (I love the spoiler. Very in your face without being too ricey.)

Weight is approx 200 lbs more than the 350Z. But there are two extra seats and lots more interior room and trunk space. It only loses 7 hp (reported by Infiniti/Nissan, subject to change;)) to the Z, but that's still up 20hp over the sedan. And all of the options are approximately the same.

The interior is very different from the 350Z. If I had to guess, I'd say it would be almost exactly like the sedan, if not totally interchangable.

I personally like the rear of the coupe hundreds more than the rear of the Z. And the front isn't too appealing, but it's not ugly.

tribal azn: I hope you don't mind, I've downloaded your pics, and will be circulating them among some of the Z crowd. There's been quite a debate about the 350Z and G35 coupe competing for the same spot. And lots feel the coupe is a 350Z with back seats. :rolleyes:

Also, platform sharing is the only way for manufacturers to keep production costs down. If there were a different framework, motor, etc for every model, production costs would go through the roof. That's one of the major contributors to the demise of the 300ZX, Supra, and RX7. They were great cars, but they were priced into extinction partially because they cost a lot to make.