As you know from my previous posts, I purchased an Infiniti G35S instead of the G8GT.
Yesterday I went to Sheehan Pontiac in Lighthouse Point FL to take my deposit back.

At the entrance there was a black GT with sport pkg - just like the one I was supposed to get.
I parked the G35 next to it and stepped out; The G8 looks so much better than the G35, especially
in profile. To me the G8 looks like a BMW before Chris Bangle screw them up...
The black metallic paint looks great - better than the solid black on the Infiniti; panel
gap is as good as the Infiniti. At this point I'm starting to regret my decision to get the G35.

I went inside to speak with my salesman and the manager, they were very nice and told me that
there is lots of interest in the G8 but there are quite a few available and they sell @ MSRP.

The sales manager offered me a test drive, "take the black GT, make sure to drive it on
I-95" and the best part: I'm going alone!

Here are my impressions:
Interior
- Much more room than the G35.
- Seats are extremely comfortable, the ones in the G35 fit me better but I'm only 5'7" 165lbs.
- Huge steering wheel, this is the biggest letdown for me.
- The dash and central stack design/fit are years behind the Infiniti; It's not badly made
but it looks/feels outdated.
- Small gauges, hard to tell the speed at a glance.
- Radio display is too low, now I understand why navigation is not offered.
- Leather feels fake but is probably more durable than Infiniti's.
- Huge trunk, but not as deep as I thought.

Driving
- Steering feels perfect, slower but more natural than the G35. It is very
similar to the 1997 BMW 740i my father used to have.
- Very stable and comfortable ride, feels like a much bigger car than the G35.
- Great handling; not as sharp as the G35 but feels very fluid and stable.
I tried to kick the tail out but forgot to turn the traction control off ...
- Transmission feels very lazy compared to the G35, very slow downshifts; manumatic
mode is a joke! Wait for the manual!
- Very tall gearing, the car feels lazy and not as fast as the G35. I know it's an illusion,
and that for some the relax feel is a plus. The GXP with a manual should feel great.
- I can't hear the V8, aftermarket exhaust/intake is a must in this car!

Overall I'm impressed With the G8 but I expected it to be a more exiting drive.
Probably the GXP or the aftermarket will add all the needed exitment...

Please note that my impressions were based on a 30 minutes test drive, I might got
some things wrong.

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04 RX-8
92 Miata
06 E350
08 G35S

I think you made a touch but good choice.

I have also narrowed my search to either a G35 or a G8GT.

The G8 has ideal driving dynamics for me. Sometimes I want fast, other times relaxed cruising. Driving position, seat comfort are excellent. The ride is sporty but not harsh. I could drive this all day without tiring, yet when you to get on it, it responds. On the other hand, I was really disappointed with the interior quality. Leather seems thin and vinyl-like. No sunglass cubby, no change tray, cheap plastic in the doors, rear drink holders are a joke, radio so-so, no bluetooth and XM, cruise control switch is left over from the early 80's, no nav or back-up camera option. My biggest fear is that it is a GM product - great drive-train but horrible switchgear that may require trip after trip to the dealer. I have an Acura with 120K miles and other than maintenance, I have only had it to the dealer twice for repair. I am concerned about depreciation on the G8.

The G35, is also a great driver's car. I love the G35xS but I am afraid that it's all go and no cruise - may not be able to relax in this car. The G35 Journey, however, may be the best compromise. The car has a beautiful interior, good ergonomics, good sound system. Fuel consumption and premium gas is a concern. I expect the G8 will achieve 2 to 3 more MPG on regular gas once broken in (I like high torque and low rpms for highway driving).

The G35 is the attractive cheer-leader type: smart, popular well-rounded and involved. The kind you take home to mama and with whom your happiness is all but assured. The G8GT is the gorgeous babe with whom your certain will cost you money and cause you trouble - but you can't resist.

lol i like that sentence, it sures explains'em right

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Current: 2006 Grand Prix GT S/C
Waiting for the G8 GXP

Excellent comparison. I also had only a test drive, but my impressions were very similar. Especially with regard to the transmission.

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I know it is not a G35 forum but for comparison sake:
I'm averaging 18MPG, even mix of HWY/City. my car has
3k miles.

I did some 0-60 measurements: 5.7 sec with full tank of
gas and the A/C on - it was 90deg in Miami and I forgot
to turn it off . Same with A/C off and 60deg day: 5.4 sec.

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04 RX-8
92 Miata
06 E350
08 G35S

I just read the review of MSN for the G8. Vpositive.
I will say that this part is not what I remember from my (short) test drive.


"The sweet, small-block V8 and 6-speed automatic work together flawlessly, with nearly imperceptible upshifts and downshifts."

My test drive found the gears slow to change. But I didn't know there was also a sport-mode, so maybe I will need to give that a try.

I've also looked at the G35. The one thing that I will say (although maybe not important to some) was that once you fill up all the seats with family the car is a lot more sluggish than the G8 (also with 5 seats being used). Just alone in the car though I didn't notice much difference between the two.

A friend of mine and I test drove a white 888 GT at our new local Pontiac dealership yesterday. I told the salesman there that I'd basically been watching for this car since it existed, as I'd hoped that in one form or another we'd get the Commodore in the US. He was an Chevy dealership guy before this, but it basically didn't excuse the fact that he knew practically nothing about the car. I'm glad that I came in knowing the information I learned here and other places.

I have to start by explaining that neither of us are lightweights, we both tip over the scales at more than 300 lbs, and while he's about 6' 6", im a bit shorter than that. Despite that we were both comfortable, in the drivers seat and passenger areas. Granted I didn't sit behind him when he drove, but I imagine that it wouldnt be uncomfortable for even a good jaunt from here to say, Orlando or Tampa (4-5 hours depending on traffic.)

I was surprised at the touchiness of the brakes, but that might be that most of the vehicles I've driven (trucks mostly) aren't known for their stellar stopping ability. Im sure that because this is a brand new vehicle (if I recall, 15 miles or something on the odometer) they're sure to break in.

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You'd adjust to the brakes.

And if you'd sat in back, you would have found plenty of room back there. Few sedans have more rear seat room.

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