In honor of INFINITI’s 35th anniversary, we take a moment to celebrate a hallmark of luxury performance: the G Coupe. This iconic vehicle not only redefined driving pleasure but also etched its name in the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike. Join us as we explore some lesser-known details about the G Coupe and the dedicated individuals behind its development.
Shaped by a Master Driver
The story of the G Coupe begins with Hiroyoshi Kato, a master driver who joined Nissan Motor Corporation in 1976. Throughout his career, Kato has driven almost every Nissan and INFINITI vehicle produced, giving him invaluable insight into performance dynamics. During the early development phase of the G35, Kato’s expertise was instrumental in creating an engaging driving experience that would set the G Coupe apart from its competitors.
A Racing-Inspired Platform
The foundation of the G35 Coupe was its innovative “Front Midship” (FM) platform, which drew on lessons learned from Nissan’s illustrious racing history, including successes in Le Mans and Group C racing. By positioning the compact 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine just behind the front axle, INFINITI achieved an optimal front-to-rear weight balance. The result? An impressive 52:48 front/rear weight distribution that enhanced handling and stability while pushing the wheels out to the corners for an agile feel.
Nimble Handling and Explosive Response
During development, the INFINITI team benchmarked the BMW 3 Series, importing U.S. and Japan-spec models to test at their Tochigi proving ground. The goal was clear: to deliver a uniquely rewarding driving experience. Kato recalls their ambition to create a “wow feeling” for drivers through nimble handling and explosive acceleration. This was achieved by ensuring quick and direct steering response, offering an engaging drive that distinguished the G Coupe in the luxury market.
Rigorous Testing for Excellence
The G35 Coupe was assembled in Tochigi, Japan, adjacent to the proving ground where Kato logged thousands of miles in testing. On average, he would complete around 100 laps daily, totaling approximately 3,250 km (2,000 miles) each week. This rigorous testing regime ensured that every facet of the G Coupe’s performance was honed to perfection, as Kato pushed the limits at speeds of up to 200 kph. To put this into perspective, that distance is nearly three times the length of Japan’s main island, Honshu.
Innovation and Driver Engagement
As the G35 evolved, it introduced a rear active steer system that required careful tuning and consideration. Kato recalls the challenge of using less-advanced electronic controls to enhance handling performance. The system adjusted the rear suspension geometry based on steering input and vehicle speed, providing a natural feel that enhanced driver control. Kato emphasized the importance of retaining the “nimble feeling” that drivers expect, making human feedback central to the development process.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As we celebrate INFINITI’s 35th anniversary on November 8, 2024, we reflect on the legacy established by models like the G Coupe. The values that have guided INFINITI since its inception—Human, Daring, and Forward—remain unchanged. As we embark on a new chapter with the all-new INFINITI QX80, the daring spirit of INFINITI’s earliest models continues to inspire our pursuit of automotive excellence.
Summary of Key Specs:
- Model: INFINITI G35 Coupe
- Engine: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6
- Weight Distribution: 52:48 front/rear
- Platform: Front Midship (FM)
- Testing Regime: Average of 100 laps/day, 3,250 km/week
- Unique Feature: Rear active steer system
Source: Infiniti
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
