Engine & Transmission
Power on the G35 comes from the 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve
VQ35DE, a derivative of Nissan's ubiquitous VQ-engine series,
which has been recognized as one of the "Ten Best Engines"
by Ward's Auto World magazine for seven consecutive years
now. Fully built of aluminum, this V-6 produces a healthy
260-horsepower at
6000rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4800rpm, thanks to a
long list of advanced systems, like continuously variable
valve timing control, micro-finished crank journals and
cam lobes, and molybdenum coated lightweight pistons. It
also features a "noiseless" timing chain for silent
operation and an electronically controlled "drive-by-wire"
throttle system.
So far, the power plant is mated to an advanced 5-speed,
electronically-controlled automatic transmission with a
manual shift mode, but soon after the introduction of the
350Z and G35 SportCoupe, a 6-speed manual will be available,
which should suit the car's dynamic character much better.
Suspension
Based on a four-wheel multi-link setup, the G35's suspension
uses two separate lower links and a long upper link up front
to minimize alignment changes. A
design separating the shock absorbers from the springs by
locating the former inline with the wheel center, in the
rear helps reduce suspension friction and wind-up motion
of the axle during acceleration. Intended to provide a smoother
and more comfortable ride, the suspension utilizes aluminum
components for reduced unsprung weight, and incorporates
"ripple control" shock absorbers with damping
control lips to suppress high-frequency, micro-amplitude
vibrations.
The optional sport-suspension features tauter springs, higher
damping-rate shocks and wider 215/55 R17 performance tires.
Brakes
Decelerating the G35 are 4-wheel vented discs, sized
11.7 x 0.9 in. up front and 11.5 x 0.6 in. in the rear.
They are coupled to a 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to distribute
the brake force depending on load condition (passengers
and cargo), and Brake Assist, which senses hard or panic
pedal application and to provide maximum braking capacity.
Chassis
Laser welded roof- and body-side-panels, in conjunction
with a dual bulkhead engine compartment construction result
in superb structural rigidity, and enable
the entire body to function as a damper for vibrations.
Driving stability, ride comfort, and noise reduction should
benefit from these enhancements.
Aerodynamics
Mizuno, leader of the Skyline (G35) design-group, put
a high emphasis on aerodynamics, particularly on the control
of airflow below the body. A flat undercarriage, extensive
use of diffusers and the optional rear-wing, in correspondence
with the sleek bodywork, return an exceptionally low drag-coefficient
of 0.26 (0.27 without the optional rear-wing) and zero aerodynamic
lift front and rear.
