The G35 rides on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the Nissan 350Z sports car and Infiniti FX35 and FX45 crossover luxury/utilities. This platform was specifically designed for mounting a V6 longitudinally behind the front axle in the so-called front mid-ship position. (Front-wheel-drive sedans mount their engines sideways, in front of the front axle.) Moving the engine rearward improves the balance of the G35, a key to its excellent handling. And rear-wheel drive is better for high-performance handling than front-wheel drive.

A long wheelbase (112 inches between front and rear wheels) contributes to the G35's stability, especially at high speeds. A wide track (the distance between the left and right wheels) adds to its stability in corners. Short front and rear overhangs, a hallmark of the widely heralded BMW 3 Series, improve handling by balancing weight rearward, toward the center of the car (instead of toward the front). These design elements also help the G35 lead the near-luxury class in interior room and trunk volume. The downside to this design? It costs more to build.

The location of the G35's compact V6 behind the front axle allows for a low, aggressive hood line, which flows into the sharply angled windshield and contributes to the G35's sporty, powerful silhouette. The hood is made of aluminum for reduced weight.

The G35 grabs your attention with its stacked, vertically oriented headlamps. Fog lamps are integrated into the complex headlamp cluster, adding to its aggressive appearance, particularly when it appears in the mirrors of other drivers' cars. The horizontal grille identifies the G35 as an Infiniti.

The raised front fenders were inspired by a catamaran (a double-hulled sailboat), and look great from outside and inside the car. These raised fenders also have a function, managing airflow by reducing spillage off the sides of the hood. The smooth visual line flowing from the front fenders through the side profile cuts off crisply at the rear, expressing a balance between sport and function. The C-pillar and rear fenders accentuate the spaciousness of the cabin, while the large greenhouse provides good visibility from all seating positions.

The short rear deck ends in a crisp crease, concealing the biggest trunk in the class. L-shaped taillamps suggest BMW performance and use a cluster of bright LEDs to pierce the fog and illuminate more quickly when the brake pedal is depressed. The G35's chief developer learned the value of these LEDs in Group C racing: Competitors often rear-ended the lightweight Nissans at LeMans and other endurance sportscar races because they could stop so quickly with their carbon brakes. So the race team switched to LEDs, which provided the drivers behind with more advanced warning.

Indeed, much of the G35's overall design was developed from Nissan's experience racing prototype sports cars in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There's a strong emphasis on aerodynamics, especially on the control of airflow under the body. The extensive use of diffusers and deflectors helps the G35 achieve 0 degrees of front lift, reducing drag and wind noise at high speeds and contributing to stability. With the optional rear spoiler (part of a $550 Aerodynamic Package), 0 degrees of rear lift is achieved. While front-drive sedans use rear spoilers for decoration, the rear-drive G35 benefits, particularly in a wet, high-speed turn. The G35 sedan has an exceptional coefficient of drag of just 0.27 (0.26 with the rear spoiler, which adds some drag) for reduced wind noise and increased fuel economy.

The exterior of the G35 coupe shares visual elements with the sedan. They share the same wheelbase. But the coupe is shorter overall than the sedan (182.2 inches versus 186.5), wider (71.5 inches versus 69.0), and lower (54.8 inches versus 57.7).

Though they share much in common, the Infiniti G35 coupe differs from the Nissan 350Z in several important ways. The G35's wheelbase is 8 inches longer than the Z's and the G35 is nearly 17 inches longer overall. While the Z is a hatchback, the G35 coupe has a separate trunk. And while the Z has no rear seat, the G35 is a two-plus-two, providing tight accommodations for back-seat passengers.

Well-designed door handles on both the coupe and sedan are easy to grab.