The second-generation G20 underwent several changes, including adopting the multi-link beam rear suspension very similar to the 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima with a continued use of the independent multi-link strut front suspension of the P10 (similar to 300ZX and Skyline GT-R). Despite enthusiasts' aversion to the beam, several publications praised the handling of the updated G20,[2] and it was a technically good method of avoiding lateral suspension movement (which would compromise handling) while still offering a compliant ride.[3] The P11 has a lateral grip figure of between 0.80 and 0.94g plus a 61/39 weight distribution (61% front/39% rear). It grew in size, with a 2.7-inch (69 mm) length increase and 0.4-inch (10 mm) height increase over the P10, resulting in 1.4 inches (36 mm) more legroom for rear-seat passengers.[2] The new model's increased size and luxury options, however, added to the car's weight (which rose to 3000 pounds);[2] the stock 140-145 crank horsepower engine provided lower performance (the MY1999 automatic, for example, had a 10.9-second 0-60 mph time and did the quarter-mile in 18.4 seconds at 77 mph (124 km/h).[2]The first second-generation 1999 G20 was completed on May 18, 1998. The final second-generation 2002 G20 was completed on January 11, 2002. All models featured a higher level of standard equipment than the P10, including automatic climate control on all but cloth-seat Luxury models, 15 16-spoke alloy wheels, a higher-quality double-DIN Bose radio/CD/cassette player standard, keyless entry, standard power moonroof, and later, side-impact airbags. The Touring models continued to feature a limited-slip differential, but also had unique 12-spoke alloy wheels, and the upgraded sports seats were now available in beige leather and sport cloth (the latter as a factory-order option) in addition to the previously-offered black leather.Several noteworthy changes for the P11 came as a refresh in the 2000 model year, when the 145 crank horsepower roller rocker variant of the SR20DE engine was implemented, newer automatic and manual transmission variations were introduced, anti-theft immobilizer circuitry was added, anti-glare side mirrors became standard, and a remote trunk release was added to the keyless entry fob. In 2002, the G20t was dropped and a Sport model was introduced. In addition to the prior G20t's limited slip differential and decklid spoiler, this model featured two-tone leather/suede sport seats, 16 wheels, and a variety of minor cosmetic modifications. The 2002 base G20 received the 12-spoke Touring alloy wheels as standard.The G20 was discontinued in favor of 2003's rear wheel drive G35, a badge engineered export version of the JDM V35 Nissan Skyline which was introduced in Japan in 2001. The G35 received significant praise from the automotive press and became a sales success for Infiniti despite being priced approximately USD$5,000 above the G20's average MSRP of $23,000. The G35, significantly larger and more powerful than the G20, was aimed more at the entry level luxury-sports sedan market instead of the G20's luxury-sport compact market. The Nissan Primera was continued outside the United States as the slightly restyled HP11-144 and the significantly restyled HP12 markets with a final end to all production in 2006 as a 2007 model.The SR20DE responds very well to modifications. Forced induction (primarily turbocharging) is often used to upgrade G20s to higher power levels, as much as 200 to 300 whp. Because the turbocharged SR20DET has a very similar design to the SR20DE, many components from the former can easily be used with the latter. SR20DET engine swaps are also common, and high levels of over 400 whp are possible. Factory turbocharged SR20VET Neo-VVL swaps are possible but rare, and output is difficult to estimate. The naturally aspirated SR20VE Neo-VVL can also be used in an engine swap which can (with bolt-ons) generate around 190 whp and can also be turbocharged. The SR20VE head can also be attached to the SR20DET block, in order to take advantage of the lower compression ratio and stronger crankshaft and rods of the SR20DET. Front-wheel drive VQ35DE swaps have been performed on other SR20-powered Nissans, and successfully attempted on the G20 at least once.[4]The third generation G (V35) was introduced to North America for the 2003 model year, as a G35, being the replacement for the Infiniti G20. It is known as the Nissan Skyline 350GT in Japan and is available in sedan and coupe forms.The G35 is based on the Nissan FM platform shared with the Nissan 350Z coupe and roadster sports car and Infiniti FX crossover SUV. The FM platform stands for front midship design where the engine is moved back towards the rear of the engine bay which in turn improves the weight distribution. The G35 was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 2003 and has been well-received by both the media and customers as a viable alternative to other luxury cars. The G35 was also nominated for the North American Car of the Year award that year and was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003 and 2004.Sporting the ubiquitous VQ35DE engine, the Infiniti G35 uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the G35x sedan) to achieve a 52% front/48% rear weight distribution. Both body styles are available with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, although the automatic is the only transmission available for the AWD sedan.A 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2003 as a 2003 model on the sedan (the coupe always had the option). For the 2003-04 model years, the V6 produced 195 kW (265 PS; 261 hp) and 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) of torque in the sedan, 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp) and 365 N·m (269 lb·ft) in the coupe. However, owners of various G35 enthusiast groups have shown that the engine in the sedan produces nearly the same amount of power as the coupe. In the 2005 and 2006 model years, those with automatic transmissions (both sedan and coupe) produced 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp) and 365 N·m (269 lb·ft) of torque, while those with manual transmissions produced 222 kW (302 PS; 298 hp) and 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) of torque (again, both in sedan and coupe form). There is speculation that the output did not actually change, and that Infiniti was simply taking advantage of the outdated SAE standard of rating horsepower. The G35 is assembled in Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan, and the first G35 was built on March 12, 2002 as a 2003 model.The AWD model of the G35 sedan is called the G35x in the United States and the Angelax elsewhere. Although the automatic transmission for the G35x is manufactured by Aisin-Warner, the AWD technology uses Nissan's proprietary ATTESA E-TS AWD system. The system will make the car 100% rear wheel drive when driving at a steady speed. When the driver uses the throttle to accelerate from a stop or constant speed, the AWD system can send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels. When the car's speed becomes steady again, the drivetrain will return torque to the rear wheels. The AWD system will also transfer torque to the front wheels if the system detects loss of traction. The process is made by the system in a matter of milliseconds. This technology was first used in the 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and has since been used in subsequent Skylines, and other vehicles in Japan and overseas, including the Nissan Bluebird, and Nissan Stagea. There are few differences between the 2003 & 2004 G35 coupes. Both '03 & '04 six-speed manual models had the option of Brembo brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package. On the 2005 coupes, three new colors, 'Athens Blue', 'Lakeshore Slate', and 'Serengeti Sand', replaced 'Twilight Blue', Caribbean Blue, and 'Desert Platinum' respectively; also, Willow Cloth interior was removed, and Stone became available.The G35 was refreshed inside and out in 2005. The interior was given sportier gauges with better backlighting and higher quality trim and knobs. Genuine aluminum trim replaces tinted interior trim, and the dash and center console layout were revised. Rosewood trim becomes available as a package on the 2005 models. MP3/WMA playback was added to the now standard 6 disc in-dash CD player, and the cassette player was removed. Brembo brakes were removed for the 2005 and 2006 models, and the brakes were redesigned with larger discs and a different caliper design. This was partly in response to a number of complaints about the previous years' brakes, which included a class action lawsuit filed in California related to premature wear on 2003-2004 models[5][6]. A sport-tuned suspension package was standard on all six-speed manual equipped models, which included a viscous limited slip differential and the higher output VQ35de Rev-UP engine. The 2006 models received minor updates. On the exterior there were new headlights, taillights, spoiler, sport side sills, and front bumper.[7] Bluetooth capability was added to the interior for hands-free phone use. Rear active steering was an option for the '06 coupe.Infiniti redesigned the G sedan and coupe for the 2007 and 2008 model years, respectively. The fourth generation G sedan launched in November 2006 as a 2007 model with a heavily revised 3.5 L VQ35HR engine and a 5-speed automatic as the standard transmission, a 6-speed manual was also available. The redesigned second generation G coupe launched in August 2007 as a 2008 model with a larger 3.7 L VQ37VHR, the first Nissan engine to feature VVEL. It too came with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual. All manual G models include a sport package. The 2009 model convertible G37 launched in June 2009. The 2009 model G sedan followed suit using the same VQ37VHR engine. Also for 2009 the 5-speed automatic was replaced with an all-new 7-speed and both the sedan and coupe gained a self-healing paint finish from the EX 35. The V36 platform continues for 2010 with numerous interior changes and upgrades as well as a mid-product cycle exterior update for the sedan.The G35 sedan underwent a major revision for the 2007 model year. This 2nd generation front-mid (FM) platform underpinning the new G is shared in part with the Infiniti M and has several structural reinforcements around the engine and rear floor area. Along with three times more laser welding and 16 percent more spot welds than the old version, overall body stiffness was improved by 40 percent. Single-pivot lower control arms in front replace the 1st gen model's twin lower links. The G35x sedan uses an ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system.Along with these chassis refinements sport package equipped models get firmer rear shocks, bigger front brake calipers, and larger 13-inch (330 mm) rotors all around (up from 12.6/12.1-inch front/rear). Sport package equipped cars also get a viscous limited slip differential. An all-new Active Steering package can be ordered for sport package equipped models. It features a planetary gearset on the steering shaft (similar to BMW), that varies the steering ratio between 12.0:1 and 18.5:1. A rear-wheel steering system that induces up to one degree of rear steer is also included in this package. The Active Steering package includes even stiffer shocks than the sport package at all four corners and the ride has been repeatedly reported as being too stiff for most customers except the most enthusiastic drivers. Base and Journey model 17-inch (430 mm) tires bump up from 215s to 225s, while the 18-inch (460 mm) upgrade (included in sport or wheel package) with 225/50-ZR18 front and 245/45-ZR18 rear is now a size smaller in front and larger in back than the 1st gen model's all-around 235/45R18s.The updated VQ35HR is more powerful (306 hp (228 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 268 ft·lbf (363 N·m) at 4,800 rpm), more fuel efficient, and more responsive than the previous VQ35DE. The HR stands for High Revolution or High Response. A dual-path intake (two air cleaners, throttle bodies, etc.) lowers intake tract restriction by 18 percent and new equal-length exhaust manifolds lead into mufflers that are 25 percent freer flowing. The intake is said to benefit from a ram-air effect adding three horsepower at 60 mph. Electrically actuated variable valve timing is new on the exhaust cams which broadens the torque curve. The new engine block maintains the same bore and stroke, but the connecting rods were lengthened and the block deck was raised by 8.4 mm to reduce piston side-loads. 80% of the internal components have been strengthened or redesigned to handle the increased 7,500 rpm red line, along with the use of larger crank bearings with main bearing caps reinforced by a rigid ladder-type main cap girdle. With an increase in compression ratio from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1 these changes add 26 more horsepower. Torque is down 2 foot-pounds force (2.7 N·m) from the old DE engine (268 vs. 270). The engine now sits 15 mm lower in the chassis for a lower center of gravity.Although the horsepower rating increases only 8 hp compared to the latest version of the previous DE engine, the real horsepower difference was much greater due to Nissan adopting the 2006 SAE hp measurement guidelines for horsepower ratings in 2007. According to Consumer Reports an Infiniti G35 Journey sedan with a 5-speed Automatic transmission can reach 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 5.4 seconds, and the 1/4 mile (~400 m) 13.8 seconds. According to the also newly revised EPA guidelines, fuel economy is estimated at 17 mpg-US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg-imp) in the city and 24 mpg-US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg-imp) on the highway.[8] Fuel economy is virtually identical between generations, with the second generation earning a 1-mile-per-US-gallon (0.43 km/L; 1.2 mpg-imp) edge in highway driving (both measured using EPA 2008 guidelines)[9].Second generation G35 performance: According to Motor Trend[10] and Automobile Magazine,[11] a previous model 2005 G35 6MT sedan reached 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the 1/4 mile in 14.1 seconds. This gives the new 2nd gen G35 V36 sedan a solid 0.4 and 0.3 second performance advantage respectively. Five Speed automatics are on par with manual transmission cars from a performance perspective. In a 2008 Road & Track comparison test with the new 2008 Cadillac CTS a 5-speed auto transmission equipped G35 sedan achieved a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds, a 0-100 time of 13.1 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 13.8 seconds at 102.9 mph (165.6 km/h). Generally a V36 G35 reaches 60 mph in the low 5 second range; 100 mph in around 13 seconds and runs the quarter mile in about 13.8 seconds. The 200 lbs. heavier all wheel drive versions are only approx. 0.3 seconds behind in each of these measurements.Models (including the 2009-present G37):It was a concept vehicle that became the basis of V36-based G coupe. It included a full-length glass panel roof, modulated front fenders and hood, deep front spoiler and large projector headlights, polished bare metal-look paint, compact camera outside rearview mirrors, hidden door handles and large 20-inch, 9-spoke painted aluminum-alloy wheels.The vehicle was unveiled in 2006 North American International Auto Show.[12]In 2007, the redesigned G coupe was unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show[13] and was available for sale as a 2008 model.[14] Unlike the 2007 and 2008 G sedan it was given the new 3.7 L 330 hp (250 kW) V6 VQ37VHR engine but for this one model year still paired with the 5-speed automatic transmission and was named the G37. In Japan, the G37 joined the updated G Sedan under the Nissan Skyline (V36) nameplate.[15] This also marks the first use of Nissan's VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) system on a production vehicle in the US market.For the 2009 model the G35 sedan was replaced by the G37 sedan. The G37 sedan was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show for the European market.[16] Exterior, interior and options remain identical to the 2008 G35 model range but the sedan now also sports the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR VVEL V6, rated 328 hp (245 kW) at 7,000 rpm and 269 ft·lbf (365 N·m) at 5,200 rpm that was previously introduced in the G37 Coupe. Although the engine gains only 0.2 kg·m (2 N·m; 1 ft·lbf) peak torque over the VQ35HR and this torque value arrives at a later 5,200 rpm vs. 4,800 in the VQ35HR, the torque curve itself is improved and flattened across the rpm range via Nissan's new VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) variable valve timing resulting in better throttle response and low rpm torque. The G37's VQ37VHR engine has been touted by car magazines and reviewers as an improvement over the VQ35HR engine mostly adding much refinement and smoother engine operation, especially at high rpm where the VQ35HR engine was frequently criticized for NVH and sounding strained, harsh and loud. The often criticized too aggressive clutch engagement, notchiness of the 6-speed manual in the G35 and engine vibrations transferred through the shifter and pedals in the G35 6MT cars was also addressed in the new G37 models.All 2009 models came standard with Infiniti's new 7-speed automatic transmission that was also introduced on the 2009 FX35 and FX50. A much welcomed improvement over the previous 5-speed box. As before to equip your G sedan with the optional 6-speed manual transmission the Sport 6MT model must be specified. Base, Journey and X models cannot be ordered with manual transmissions, however the Sport Package including all sport options of the 6MT model (except the manual trans) can be added to the Journey and X models.The 2009 sport package (standard on Sport 6MT cars, optional on Journey and X models) now also included larger sport brakes with 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and large 14-inch (360 mm) front and 13.8-inch (350 mm) rear rotors and a new 18-inch (460 mm) sport wheel design. The G37 Sedan is available as G37, G37 Journey, G37S 6MT and G37x AWD models. Major option packages remain to be the Premium Package, Sport Package, Nav Package, Tech Package. All 2009 models come standard with self healing Scratch Shield paint which employs a soft polymer top coat that can self heal small scratches and swirl marks.Even though the final drive ratio for vehicles equipped with the 7-speed auto has been (numerically) reduced from 3.69 to 3.36, the new auto has much lower first through fourth gear overall ratios than the old 5-speed auto and the 6-speed manual in the 6MT cars (which retain the old 3.69 final drive ratio). Giving it closer gear ratios in all gears to match engine rpm better with power demand and with the 7th gear being an overdrive to reduce highway cruising rpm and improve fuel mileage. The new 7-speed automatics retain the Drive Sport (DS) shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) feature of the 5-speed auto.[17] The new engine/transmission combo did add some weight the car (3,590 lb. for the G37 vs. 3,508 for the G35 in identical trim).G37x Coupe uses an ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system.G37 coupe and sedan were set on sale in September 2008 as 2009 models.[18]G37x Coupe and G37 sedan were unveiled in 58th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.[19] Pictures of G37 convertible was first shown in Monterey, while the vehicle itself would be unveiled in 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.[20]The 2009 Infiniti G37 Anniversary Art Project Vehicle - This is a version of G37 Sport Coupe inspired by Cirque du Soleil to commemorate Infiniti's 20th anniversary. The vehicle was designed by Montreal artist Heidi Taillefer. The vehicle was set on tour at various Cirque du Soleil shows and other events, with eventual vehicle sale at charity auction.[21]G37 Convertible was introduced in June 2009 Media Release as a 2009 model on the V36 FM platform and is only from a design perspective based on the G Coupe.The new G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6, backed by a choice of a 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission - offering buyers the same high levels of performance as the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe, along with the wide-open exhilaration of top-down driving.In January 2010, the 2010 G37 Coupe and Sedan went on sale. Changes include a new grill for the sedan, a new optional navigation system for both the coupe and sedan (revised from the optional system available with the 2008 and 2009 G37's), and other minor changes. A couple items that were options on the 2008 and 2009 G37's are now standard on the 2010 G37's also. The convertible has yet to be released as a 2010 model.The current generation of the G features standard dual front airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and front side torso airbags. It was rated Acceptable by the IIHS. However, an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Status Report, released in 2007, ranked the 2003-4 Infiniti G35 as the safest car in the Luxury Mid-size category and the second safest vehicle Overall, based on its observed fatal-accidents rate.[22]The G has earned many automotive awards over its lifespan: