The INFINITI G35 sedan, already a celebrated model for its sales records, pushed its class boundaries further in 2004 with the introduction of the all-wheel-drive G35x AWD. The 2005 Infiniti G35 marked another significant leap forward, showcasing a redesigned exterior, a more sophisticated interior with a new instrument panel and console, and boosted horsepower and torque for its standard 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine.
Models of the Infiniti 2005 G35 equipped with automatic transmission gained an impressive 20 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque. The 6-speed manual transmission version experienced an even greater surge, adding 38 horsepower (torque remained at 260 lb-ft). Further performance enhancements for the 2005 Infiniti G35 included larger standard brake rotors and the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package now featured 18-inch wheels and tires along with a viscous limited-slip differential.
Mark Igo, vice president and general manager of INFINITI Division, stated, “For 2005, our engineers and designers chose to ignore the old adage of ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’ and greatly enhanced the desirability and driveability of the G35 sedan.” He further emphasized, “When we introduced the G35 two-and-a-half years ago we intended it to be the leading sport sedan in its class. As the changes for Infiniti 2005 demonstrate, we’re serious about maintaining that position again this year.”
A Fresh, Dynamic Exterior for the 2005 Infiniti G35
The most immediately noticeable updates to the Infiniti 2005 G35 are in its exterior design. The vehicle received a comprehensive refresh, including a redesigned hood and trunk, new front and rear bumpers, body-colored side sills, updated headlight lenses, and distinctive new dual circle taillights. Complementing these changes were new 7-spoke 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
The restyled exterior of the 2005 Infiniti G35 maintained a strong sense of sporty elegance and practicality. The low, aggressive hoodline, crafted from restyled lightweight aluminum, seamlessly transitioned into the sharply angled windshield, contributing to the G35’s athletic and powerful stance. The front fascia was updated with a revised grille, a new front bumper design, and fresh headlight lenses that incorporated integrated fog lights and turn signals.
A smooth, continuous line flowed from the new front end and fenders along the side profile. The C-pillar and rear fenders were designed to highlight the spacious cabin. The large window area ensured excellent visibility from all seats. At the rear, the 2005 Infiniti G35 featured redesigned combination lamps with LED taillights. These LED lights offered maintenance-free operation and provided bright, clear signals for drivers behind, especially during braking.
Foundation of Performance: The FM Platform in the 2005 Infiniti G35
The 2005 Infiniti G35 continued to utilize the racing-inspired FM (Front Mid-ship) platform. This design strategically positions the engine behind the front axle, in a “front mid-ship” configuration. This engine placement is crucial to the G35’s exceptional driving dynamics, achieving a near-optimal weight balance of 54:46 (55:45 for the G35x) front-to-rear.
This platform also features a long wheelbase (112.2 inches) and short front and rear overhangs. This combination maximizes interior space within a manageable overall vehicle length (186.5 inches). The wide front and rear track enhances the 2005 Infiniti G35‘s handling stability and contributes to a more spacious interior and trunk.
Aerodynamics were a key consideration in the FM platform design. The 2005 Infiniti G35 boasts a drag coefficient of just 0.27 (0.26 with the optional rear spoiler). This reduces wind noise and improves fuel efficiency. The underbody airflow is also carefully managed with extensive use of diffusers and deflectors. This results in zero front lift (0.0 clf), further reducing drag and noise while enhancing vehicle stability. With the optional rear spoiler, zero rear lift is also achieved.
The 2005 Infiniti G35 was available in eight exterior colors, including two new additions: Serengeti Sand and Lakeshore Slate. The existing color palette included Ivory Pearl, Brilliant Silver, Black Obsidian, Garnet Fire, Diamond Graphite, and Twilight Blue.
Upgraded Interior: Authenticity and Refinement in the Infiniti 2005 G35
For Infiniti 2005, the G35’s interior received significant attention, aiming for a higher level of quality and feel. The instrument panel and console area were redesigned. Materials and textures were refined to create a richer, more premium ambiance. The use of real aluminum trim and a new wood-tone trim added a touch of authenticity to the cabin. The available wood accents (Wood Trim Package) were updated from Bird’s Eye maple to straight-grained Rosewood, with expanded wood trim application throughout the interior.
A new Stone (gray) and Wheat (beige) interior color options joined the existing Graphite (black), providing customers with more personalization choices for their 2005 Infiniti G35. Leather-appointed seating became standard across all 2005 Infiniti G35 models.
According to Mr. Igo, “While still retaining the sporty character and solid ergonomics of the G35’s interior, the refinements for Infiniti 2005 clearly take the tactile elements of the design to the next level. It’s a significant upgrade that owners are sure to appreciate.”
The spacious interior (98.0 cubic feet) of the 2005 Infiniti G35 balanced sportiness and comfort. The driver’s seat featured a special center mound shape with high damping urethane foam and a unique spring design to provide support during spirited driving. The front passenger seat was designed with a flatter lower cushion and shape for a relaxed posture. Rear passengers in the 2005 Infiniti G35 could enjoy wide bucket-shaped seats or optional reclining rear seats, both offering ample knee room, and a convenient pass-through armrest. The trunk offered a generous 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
A three-spoke steering wheel provided a firm grip and sporty feel. The instrument panel featured INFINITI’s signature Fine Vision electro-fluorescent illumination system and an analog clock. The optional DVD-based INFINITI Navigation System featured a 7.0-inch retractable screen. Audio options included a standard 6-speaker AM/FM system with an in-dash 6-disc CD changer with mp3 playback, and an optional Bose® premium audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-disc CD changer with RDS, 7 speakers, speed-sensitive volume control, and steering wheel audio controls.
Enhanced Performance and Drivetrain Choices for the 2005 Infiniti G35
Since its debut, the G35 has been recognized for its exceptional balance of acceleration and handling. The core of the 2005 Infiniti G35 performance is its standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine, part of the VQ engine series, consistently recognized as one of “Ward’s 10 Best Engines”.
For Infiniti 2005, several engine modifications were implemented. These included new electronic exhaust valve timing, improved cooling and airflow, and strengthened components. These enhancements resulted in increased horsepower and torque for models equipped with the 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with manual shift mode. Power was boosted to 280 horsepower (from 260 hp) and torque to 270 lb-ft (from 260 lb-ft).
The 2005 Infiniti G35 6MT model, with its close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, received an even larger horsepower increase, reaching 298 horsepower (torque remained at 260 lb-ft).
Mr. Igo commented, “Already one of the top performers in class and the recipient of numerous top rankings in enthusiast magazine head-to-head comparison tests, the 2005 Infiniti G35’s performance enhancements make a powerful statement about INFINITI’s intention to not rest on our laurels.”
The VQ engine design incorporates numerous advanced systems, including a continuously variable valve timing control system, a “noiseless” timing chain for quiet operation, a structurally reinforced aluminum engine block, and an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system. It also features a modular engine design, microfinished crank journals and cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons.
Beyond the engine enhancements, the 2005 Infiniti G35 offered a choice of rear-wheel drive or the advanced “intelligent” all-wheel drive system. The G35x AWD model featured INFINITI’s ATTESA E-TS™ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, also utilized in the INFINITI FX45 and FX35 AWD SUVs.
The ATTESA E-TS™ system uses an active torque distribution management system with an active center differential. This system is designed for smooth starts, improved fuel economy, and enhanced traction and maneuverability in snowy conditions compared to conventional all-wheel drive systems. It also minimizes any compromise to rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.
The system’s sophisticated torque split control automatically distributes optimal torque to the wheels based on road and driving conditions. It provides sports car-like cornering thanks to optimized torque distribution between the front and rear wheels (from 50:50 up to 0:100). The system also delivers strong starting traction and smooth, stable acceleration, particularly in snowy or off-road situations. The driver-selectable Snow-Mode switch allows the driver to fix the torque distribution ratio at 50:50 and reduces throttle sensitivity for improved low-speed performance on slippery surfaces.
Mr. Igo summarized, “The ATTESA system provides the best of both worlds – the handling feel and quiet operation of a rear-wheel drive vehicle, with the sure-footed traction of all-wheel drive.”
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) was standard on all 2005 Infiniti G35 models, both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, enhancing vehicle stability in various driving conditions.
The 2005 Infiniti G35‘s braking system utilized power-assisted 4-wheel vented disc brakes with larger rotors for improved stopping power. The system included a 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), which optimizes brake force based on passenger and cargo load, Brake Assist (BA) to maximize braking in hard or panic stops, and Active Brake Limited Slip (ABLS), which uses ABS sensors to detect and brake spinning wheels.
The sporty handling of the 2005 Infiniti G35 is further supported by a standard 4-wheel independent multi-link suspension design. The front suspension minimizes alignment changes using two separate lower links and a long upper link. The rear suspension design separates the shock absorbers and springs, positioning the shock absorber inline with the wheel center to reduce suspension friction and axle wind-up during acceleration.
Both front and rear suspension systems used aluminum components to reduce unsprung weight and incorporated “ripple control” shock absorbers with damping control lips to suppress high-frequency vibrations. This design effectively absorbs minor road surface imperfections, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride.
The 2005 Infiniti G35 featured standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires on automatic transmission models, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P235/45R18 tires on the 6-speed manual transmission model. The 18-inch wheels and tires, along with a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, were available as an option on all models through the Sport-Tuned Suspension package. A Tire Pressure Monitor System was standard on all 2005 Infiniti G35 models.
Comprehensive Safety Features in the 2005 Infiniti G35
Every 2005 Infiniti G35 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These included dual-stage supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors and an RF occupant classification sensor, front-seat side-impact supplemental air bags, and roof-mounted side-impact curtain air bags for head protection for both front and rear occupants. Also standard were 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver’s side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors. The 2005 Infiniti G35 was also equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
The 2005 Infiniti G35 incorporated Zone Body Construction with front and rear crushable zones to effectively disperse crash energy around the passenger compartment. The FM platform included innovative safety features such as a mechanism to release the engine downward in certain collisions, a breakaway driveshaft to help prevent engine intrusion into the passenger compartment, and brake pedal construction designed to minimize rearward pedal movement and lower leg injuries.
2005 Infiniti G35 Models and Available Options
The 2005 Infiniti G35 was offered in three distinct models: G35, G35x AWD, and G35 6MT. The G35 and G35x AWD models came standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and downshift rev matching, and 17-inch wheels and tires. The G35 6MT model featured a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, 18-inch wheels and tires, a Viscous Limited-Slip Differential, sport-tuned suspension, and a higher horsepower engine tune. All 2005 Infiniti G35 models featured leather-appointed interiors and a wide range of standard comfort and convenience features.
Several optional packages allowed buyers to customize their 2005 Infiniti G35. The Premium Package A (available with the G35 6MT) included a dual sliding glass sunroof, dual-zone air conditioning, driver’s seat memory, automatic auto on/off headlights, HomeLink® Universal Transceiver, Bose® audio system with 7 speakers, adjustable reclining rear seats, and a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel.
The Premium Package B (available only with the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package) added to Premium Package A with an automatic entry/exit driver’s seat system, Intelligent Key, and rear air conditioning vents. The Premium Package C (available on G35 and G35x AWD, not with Sport-Tuned Suspension Package) included Premium Package B contents plus a full-size spare tire.
The Sport-Tuned Suspension Package offered unique 18-inch aluminum-alloy sport wheels with W-rated P235/45R18 high-performance tires, sport-tuned springs and shock absorbers, and a viscous limited-slip differential. The Aero Package, available with the Sport-Tuned Suspension Package or G35 6MT model, added a rear spoiler and rear underbody rear side fairings. Other available options included a navigation system, genuine Rosewood trim, and a sunroof.
