The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe marked a significant moment for the luxury automaker, earning the prestigious title of 2003 Motor Trend Car of the Year. Launched in November 2002 across 162 INFINITI dealerships nationwide, this model joined the acclaimed four-door G35 Sport Sedan to create a formidable duo in the burgeoning mid-size sports performance segment. Engineered with racing-inspired technology, both G35 variants shared a rear-wheel-drive, driver-centric platform, with the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe amplifying performance and encapsulating it within a captivating two-door silhouette.
Mark McNabb, then vice president and general manager of INFINITI Division, emphasized the coupe’s groundbreaking nature: “The G35 Sport Coupe is a car that moves INFINITI forward into new territory,” he stated. “It has the same combination of high performance, rear-wheel drive and luxury amenities of our flagship Q45 and G35 sedans and adds that extra measure of emotion and excitement that comes with sports car styling and packaging.”
Racing-Inspired Foundation: The FM Platform
At the heart of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe lies the innovative FM (Front Mid-ship) platform. This design strategically positions the engine behind the front axle, achieving an optimized front-to-rear weight distribution of 53:47. This balance is crucial for superior handling, particularly during cornering, as it accounts for weight transfer during maneuvers. The FM platform also extends the large diameter wheels and tires towards the vehicle’s corners, enhancing stability and responsiveness.
Kazutoshi Mizuno, the Chief Vehicle Engineer behind the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, initiated the platform’s development in 1995, drawing upon his extensive experience leading Nissan’s LeMans and Group C racing programs. McNabb highlighted Mizuno’s background: “This combination of racing experience and extensive development work has created an exceptionally refined package right out of the box for both the G35 sedan and coupe.” This racing pedigree is a key differentiator for the 2003 Infiniti G35, setting it apart in its class.
Dynamic Performance: Engine and Transmission
Mirroring the G35 Sport Sedan, the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. This engine boasts an aluminum-alloy block and heads, along with an electronically controlled “drive-by-wire” throttle system. However, the Sport Coupe variant benefits from enhanced engine performance and exhaust tuning, resulting in 280 horsepower, a step up from the sedan’s 260 horsepower. Torque is also increased in the coupe, rated at 270 lb-ft compared to the sedan’s 260 lb-ft.
Drivers of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe could choose between a 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode or a more engaging 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission. INFINITI’s Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system was standard across all 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe models, providing an added layer of stability and control.
Advanced Suspension and Braking System
The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe features an advanced 4-wheel multi-link suspension system. Extensive use of aluminum-alloy components in the suspension minimizes unsprung weight, contributing to more responsive handling. The inclusion of special “ripple control” shock absorber technology further refines the ride, balancing responsiveness with comfort. Notably, the suspension tuning of the Sport Coupe is more aggressively calibrated than that of the sedan, emphasizing its sporty character.
Standard wheel size for the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe was 17-inch, fitted with ultra-wide P225/50VR17 front tires and P235/50VR17 rear tires. Optional 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires were also available for those seeking even sharper handling. The braking system included 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, Brake Assist (BA), and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) as standard. Models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission further benefited from upgraded front and rear Brembo brakes, enhancing stopping power.
Sporty and Sleek Aesthetics: Inside and Out
The exterior design of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe is characterized by a blend of sportiness and elegance. Features such as xenon headlights and LED tail lamps contribute to its modern aesthetic, while an available rear aero wing further emphasizes its performance intentions. While sharing the sedan’s long 112.2-inch wheelbase, the Sport Coupe is shorter in overall length (182.2 inches versus 186.5) and height (54.8 inches versus 57.7), creating a more compact and agile profile. The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe is also slightly wider than the sedan (71.5 inches versus 69.0), accommodating its performance-oriented chassis and wider wheel arches.
McNabb praised the design: “The G35 Sport Coupe is pure INFINITI in terms of its clean, progressive styling,” he commented. “We also believe it’s one of the best looking vehicles on the road – sport coupe, sports car, any category.”
The 4-passenger interior of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe continues the theme of sporty luxury. A driver-oriented cockpit is combined with INFINITI’s signature attention to detail and luxury amenities. Standard sport-contoured front bucket seats offered 10-way adjustability for the driver (6-way power) and 4-way for the passenger (2-way power). These seats featured side panel control switches and were available with ultra-soft leather, exclusively manufactured for the INFINITI G35.
In-car entertainment was provided by a standard in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Optionally, buyers could upgrade to a digital Bose® premium audio system with eight speakers or a DVD-based INFINITI Navigation System featuring a 6.5-inch wide retractable monitor. The sculpted fold-down rear seat provided seating for two or could expand the cargo area. Other interior highlights included an INFINITI signature analog clock, Fine Vision electrofluorescent gauge illumination, and power windows and door locks with one-touch up/down functionality.
High-Level Safety Features
Safety was a priority in the design of the 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe. Standard safety equipment included dual-stage front supplemental air bags with seat belt sensors, front seat side-impact supplemental air bags, and front and rear seat curtain side-impact supplemental air bags. Seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, along with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat system, were also standard.
The FM platform itself was engineered to enhance occupant protection in collisions. It was designed to efficiently absorb crash energy, protecting occupants from strong impacts and significant vehicle deformation. In frontal collisions, the crushable body structure was designed to reduce deceleration forces within the cabin. In high-speed frontal impacts, the front crush zone crumples while the engine is designed to move downwards, expanding the crush zone and minimizing cabin deformation, especially in the leg area. For offset impacts, the robust body construction was crucial in limiting cabin deformation. Further safety features included a breakaway propeller shaft and a double-wall bulkhead.
Models and Packages
The 2003 INFINITI G35 Sport Coupe was offered in three well-equipped models: the G35 Coupe 5A/T Model, G35 5A/T Coupe w/Leather Model, and G35 6M/T Coupe. Optional packages included a Premium Package, Aero Package, and a Performance Tire & Wheel Package. Standalone options consisted of a navigation system, sunroof, and Bose® audio system.
The base G35 5A/T Coupe Model was generously equipped with features like the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, CVTCS, dual outlet exhaust, five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, drive-by-wire throttle, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), vented disc brakes with ABS, a 120-watt AM/FM in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic temperature control, power accessories, xenon headlights, and multiple airbags.
The G35 5A/T Coupe w/Leather Model added leather-appointed seating surfaces with INFINITI logo embroidery, illuminated vanity mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, and heated seats to the standard features. The top-tier G35 6M/T Coupe Model catered to driving enthusiasts with a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission and Brembo® brakes.
McNabb concluded by emphasizing the G35 Sport Coupe’s position in the market: “The G35 Sport Sedan has experienced outstanding reviews and strong sales, worthy of its segment leading performance, packaging and style,” he said. “The G35 Sport Coupe builds on that momentum, powering INFINITI to the same leadership position in the sport coupe class.” The 2003 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe successfully delivered on this promise, becoming a benchmark in the sports coupe segment and an enduring icon for INFINITI.
