northwestrally

Thought that might get your attention! Here's my two word answer:

MANUAL TRANSMISSION.

Yes, for example, BMW sells only a few 5-series with the row-it-yourself box o' gears, and it likely doesn't make sense in cold analytical terms to continue selling 'em that way either.

BUT, a company like BMW realizes that the performance reputation of their few hardcore models casts a "halo" of performance over their entire model range, regardless of the equipment they carry.

I realize Infiniti plans to have a manual in the new G eventually, but the mood is set with this first rollout.

Sorry, it just doesn't matter how many gears are in the slushbox version or how many shift buttons, paddles, levers and geegaws control it: Nothing beats the direct connection of the asphalt-to-crankshaft interface like a set of old-tech "real" gears and a foot-operated clutch.

Somebody has to say these things....... flame on!!!!

G-Forces

Good for you. While I won't buy an automatic or a manumatic G35 I'd happily buy a real manual G35 if I had the money.

I'd share your opinion if Infiniti was not going to offer a manual at all. I suspect, from what I've heard, that there will be a 6 spd manual in the G35 within 6 months.

jpalm

Simple.....then don't buy one, move on.

arpiburpi

the g35 coupe is supposed to be out fall of 2002, with a 6 speed

G-Forces

I'm sure they'll offer a sedan version with a manul as well. It doesn't cost them anything to do that. You might have to special order it though.

NismoPC

They stated I believe at FreshAlloy or maybe it was Infiniti that the manual will be available next year.

Look at it this way. Lexus IS300 sold like hot cakes when it was first released and it had a slap happy auto/manual shift thingymibob. It took Lexus I think 2 years or more til they finally upped the anti with a real manual.

Not much different, it took Cadillac over what 30+ years to put a manual back in their line up. Which is awesome!

There just teasing us with the auto, then BAM!, its manual all the way!

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Brandon

'96 G20 - modified

Tanman

I think Northwestrally is missing the fact that the average Infiniti driver is a 35 year old professional who doesn't care about performance and fun as much as they do about luxury and comfort. With that in mind, a 6-speed means nothing to them, so it means nothing to Infiniti.

If you're looking for a 6-speed, wait for the coupe version.

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Tanman
2000 Maxima SE Frost\Black

Future: 350Z or G35 coupe

Lukedds

I was just at the dealership, taking a test drive of the G35 Sedan. They plan to take delivery on 6 spd Coupes this fall. They won't have the 6 spd Sedans till probably later next winter. They are obviously sure they are going to make them, just not sure when they will start receiving them.

I think it might have more to do with supply and depending on Z demand and manual Coupes. The Sedans are just probably down the food chain for the 6 spds.

crazy_canuck

Yeah, I would want a stick. Manumatic causes lag:hehe:

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RonJeremy

Is the G35 Coupe RWD?

JD_Spoon

Yes.. the G35 series is and will continue to be RWD. I haven't seen it mentioned on the coupe, but my dealer insists that it will have an AWD option within 3 months of the release, and the Infiniti web site says there's gonna be an option for an LSD as well.

John David Spoon
(who's already planning for his AWD, 6-speed coupe with aero package, sport suspension, and LSD)

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Try to leave the world a little better than the way you found it.

Morpheus XIII

Tanman is right on target; Infiniti won't feed the public with full-fledged manual transmissions at vehicle launch because the percentage of sales are expected to be extremely low...as in under 5%. Here on the forums, the majority of us are enthusiasts who would generally prefer manual over automatic, but in reality, the average consumer would purchase an automobile in this area of the spectrum with an automatic transmission. But there is really nothing with selling most of the G35s with automatic gearboxes. Ghosn has it set up to make great product selectability--the majority of people opting for sports can turn to the 350Z.

yutaco

My friend has skyline GT8, Japanese version G35 with 8 speed extroidal CVT. I drove it several times and it's quite good. Faster shift change (Nissan said 0.4 seconds for change) than manual and no transmission loss due to its troidal CVT which is supposed to be adopted by R35 GTR.

Yutaco@Tokyo

Morpheus XIII

CVTs in general are supposed to be characteristic of less power loss than a regular automatic. But still, its not as fun as a standard manual transmission.

Vertigo

How bad is the lag with a CVT? BMWs SMG system is much more the route that I would want to go if I had to choose amogst the lot. That being said they would still have to pry the manual shifter out of my cold dead hand first!