CAR REVIEW: INFINITI
By Daniel Berrios
Some people love luxury, and some love sports cars. Nissan has blessed us with a beautiful combination of both. Infiniti is Nissan's upper-class brand targeted to a more exclusive and higher-end driver. But you can find one of these beautiful Japanese made masterpieces for under ten grand (considering condition and mileage) on sites via Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up, or Auto Tempest.
Do you remember the first time you melted cheese on something? Good, right? That is what it's like owning an Infiniti. Take it from me. Every time I look outside my front door, I hear my G37 say “Drive me, Drive me!” and I do. The car has a beautiful leather interior, packed with technology and paired with leather seats that include a built-in heating and cooling system. Do you like added sound systems? Well, if that's the case, this car isn't for you because it already has an amazing sound system produced by Bose. Have you ever seen an Infiniti with subwoofers? The answer is no because it doesn't exist, simply because the car doesn’t need them.
Now how does the car drive and handle? Typically, any Infiniti from 2008 to 2014 was powered by a 3.7-liter v6 engine complimented by a smooth seven-speed automatic transmission with a few exceptions. The 2nd gen G was produced with some models that had six-speed manual transmission. If you are into their newest lineup, they are typically powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo v6 or a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The manual transmission has sadly ended with the Infiniti brand, but you always could get a 350Z, 370Z, or the new 400Z that is set to be released in 2021. The Z lineup is all powered by the same drivetrain, the same VQ engine that Nissan produces, complemented by a six-speed manual transmission, which is loads of fun. Overall handling varies from car to car.
The Infiniti brand has something for everyone in all price ranges. If you're more of a sports car person and like to go fast, check out models like the G35 coupe, which has a 3.5-liter v6, a G37, and is powered by a 3.7-liter v6. Or you may like the brand new Q60 that comes with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo v6. And if you really want more power, you could opt for the highest trim level, the Q60 Red Sport 400. It still has the same 3.0 twin-turbo v6, but it's pumping out 400 buff ponies and runs 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. Now, if you're more high-end and balling on a budget, I'd suggest the 2006 M35 or the 2009 M37, which is the second-gen M and has most, if not all things, that the previous generation has. In my opinion, it is the best bang for your buck car. It comes loaded with technology, a beautiful 3.5-liter v6, and a smooth, comfortable ride that could make anyone fall asleep. If you're looking for something in the middle, the “not too sporty” and “not too luxury” Infiniti G35 sedan, G37 sedan, and Q50 are a healthy mixture of both.
I have owned two Infinitis. I started with an M35x (2006), and now I am on the sports car side with a G37 coupe sport (2008), which happens to have that beautiful six-speed manual transmission. Owning the M was amazing; it had such an elegant ride but delivered power and speed seemingly at will. It has a backup camera, which was extremely rare for a 2006, something the 5-series BMW or C-class Mercedes did not obtain, which just separated it from those top luxury brands. Now for my baby, my everything (don’t tell my girlfriend). My G37 is a joy to drive. It just wants to go. The car has loads of torque and gives you power whenever you want it. This speed demon goes 0-60 in 5 seconds flat and produces a strong and healthy 330 horsepower, and with some simple modifications, you could get this thing up to 450 hp easily. The VQ engine series is some of the best tuner motors ever built. But this show-stopping head-turner isn’t just a fast car. When I want to drive like I'm not Paul Walker, it gives you a dream ride. Overall, both these cars never gave me any big problems as they were properly maintained. They are extremely reliable. Infiniti is an overall great brand and needs to be in the spotlight more.