This sketch, released by Infiniti on January 10th, depicts what the ’08 G35 Coupe will look like (above left illustration). Compared with the previously released G35 Concept (above right photograph), the most striking aspect is the front fascia. The nose has been rounded and softened, compared with the almost angular face of the Concept G35. Whether the result of production or safety requirements (or perhaps aero development), this styling iteration lessens the initial visual impact of the car. To combat this, the grille becomes a more prominent feature, using the same Japanese katana (sword) chrome slats that were employed so effectively in the G35 sedan. Looking just beneath this, the twin lower air intakes on the concept car have morphed into a more conventional rectangular radiator opening flanked by two other intakes. These intakes appear ideally placed (and large enough) to feed cool air directly to the VQ35HR (if that is indeed the engine) for maximum effect.

The catamaran styling of the hood and front fenders separate the Infiniti from its Nissan corporate brethren. The hood features curves and sharp creases which blend smoothly into a sweeping roofline. The L-shaped headlights appear to contain dual High Intensity Discharge (HID) arrays and side reflector strip. The sides are equally fascinating, with upper and lower accent lines which emphasize the sensuous curves and sweep of the bulged fender flares. The upper line sweeps slightly downward and across the conventional door handle of the car, making the wedge styling more apparent. Rocker panels are equally fascinating, with a sweep to emphasize the ‘coke-bottle’ styling from the powerful fender flares. The greenhouse of both the sketch and the concept G35C promise a sweeping, airy view from the cockpit, but it remains to be seen whether the B-pillar has been eliminated to make way for a frameless door. As expected, the twin camera “mirrors” of the concept car have been replaced with more conventional side mounted mirrors. Likewise, the 20” wheels on the concept car look to be replaced with more conventional 18 or 19” wheels to fill the wheel wells. Current G35 drivers will note the styling of the ten-spoke wheel in the sketch is a development of the unique Infiniti wheel theme.

In summary, this 3/4 sketch of the ’08 G35 Coupe promises a dynamic, stunning experience. And this before the engine is even fired! Unique styling features are used to separate this Infiniti model from the upcoming Z car and indeed, from anything else in the world. Nissan Sport looks forward to viewing and driving the newest version of this high-end sport coupe and giving you the inside scoop!

--David Muramoto, Senior Editor - Nissan Sport Magazine

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Second Takes

The sketch of the new G doesn’t wow me, but then again most sketches don’t wow. While I fell in love with the initial Coupe Concept, I can see why Infiniti backed off on some of the aggressive styling features. First, Infiniti designers clearly felt the need to keep the synergy between the G Sedan and the G coupe, hence the similar front fascias. Second, Infiniti’s target market for the Coupe isn’t the 25-year-old male seeking an aggressive sports car--it’s an older, more conservative buyer who is looking for both performance and comfort in a car that doesn't scream "look at me." Infiniti wanted to be sure to appeal to both sexes--women will buy this car in higher percentages than either the Z or GT-R. I’ll hold off final judgment on the design until I can see the Coupe in person. Of course the entire Nissan Sport staff can’t wait to lift the hood to see what’s hiding underneath. I’d love to be able to call this the 2008 G38 Coupe.
--Dave Bexfield, Managing Editor



I saw the Coupe in person January 7. And I can’t say one word about it (and no, they wouldn’t even let me open the hood).

--Yuichi Kurosawa, Writer

Unfortunately the latest sketch is just that, a single view of what the new 2008 Infiniti Coupe is supposed to look like... and Yuichi isn't talking. That said, I like it--at least from this angle. In fact, overall I like it better than the original concept car, which had too much Acura going on with its pointy front end. The front fascia, headlights, grill, fenders and hood work for me. Hopefully the new design addresses the earlier coupe’s "heavy" back end. Of course looks matter little to me if there’s no substance under the beautiful skin. All of us at Nissan Sport are looking forward seeing and driving the actual production coupe complete with truly impressive specs that deliver stunning real world performance.

--Dave Ochenreider, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Infiniti, the luxury brand of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., said today that it will introduce the next generation of its G coupe at the New York auto show and released a sketch of the car. Infiniti said it also will unveil a small crossover at the show.

Press days for the New York auto show are April 4-5.

The arrival of the Infiniti coupe follows the introduction in October of the redesigned G35 sedan. The G coupe will go on sale this year.

Infiniti G37, EX Concept headed for New York

Nissan today confirmed the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe will debut at the New York Auto Show in early April. Until now, the final name of the 2008 G Coupe was not known. A trademark for the G37 name was first uncovered by Leftlane over a year ago.

As the designation implies, the G37 will feature a 3.7 liter powerplant — slightly lager than the one featured in the G35 sedan. More importantly, it's worth noting that the engine is in fact a less powerful version of the high-output V6 that will propel the GT-R supercar. While the GT-R will feature twin turbos, the G37 will probably be naturally aspirated, although a small turbo setup is also plausible.

A new teaser image (pictured) shows the production car's headlight design. It appears to match the official G coupe sketch released by Nissan in January almost exactly.

Nissan also announced the name of its new CUV concept, also headed for the New York Show. The "Infiniti EX" will be a type of crossover-coupe — along the same lines as the BMW X6 and X4, Volkswagen Concept A, and possibly a Land Rover model. Nissan released a very basic teaser sketch in January.