Infiniti's new G35 sedan boasts all the hallmarks of a true sports sedan: powerful engine, rear-wheel drive, sports suspension, performance tires, excellent brakes, and driver-oriented cockpit.

It's practical, offering more interior space than other cars in the so-called near-luxury class. And it costs less than a BMW 330i.

The Infiniti G35 sedan clearly lives up to its claim as a sports sedan. Its handling is better than the front-drive Acura TL Type-S. It's more powerful than the TL Type-S, BMW 330i, Lexus IS300, or Mercedes-Benz C320. Infiniti's daring design, with stacked headlamps, catamaran fenders, and short overhangs should make the G35 appealing to drivers who want something different.

The 2003 Infiniti G35 is a totally new model line and includes a four-door sedan and a two-door sport coupe. The sedan was introduced in March 2002, while the coupe is being launched in fall 2002.

All G35s will be equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, four-wheel independent multi-link suspension, Vehicle Dynamic Control anti-skid technology, and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist, and Electronic Brake force Distribution.

Sedans are offered in two trim levels, cloth and leather. The base G35 sedan ($27,100) comes with cloth upholstery, 16-inch wheels, and a long list of standard features. The leather model ($28,950) adds leather upholstery, an eight-way power driver's seat, unique 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55VR17 tires, steering wheel audio controls, and dual-illuminated visor vanity mirrors. The leather model with optional sunroof ($1,000) is expected to be the most popular.

Option packages for the sedan: Premium Package ($2200) includes a Bose premium audio system, dual climate control with rear vents, driver's seat memory, a power passenger's seat, reclining rear seats, automatic headlights, Homelink universal transceiver for opening garage doors and turning on house lights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Sport-Tuned Suspension Package ($425) adds an upgraded sport-tuned suspension, unique five-spoke sport-alloy wheels, 17-inch high-performance tires, and a titanium-trimmed interior center console. Aero Package ($550) includes a rear spoiler and underbody aerodynamic side fairings.

Sport Coupes come as two models, Luxury and Sport. Available equipment includes a dual sliding glass sunroof with one-touch open/close feature, DVD navigation, Bose premium audio. An Aero Package includes a rear wing and rear side diffusers. There's a Brembo Brakes Package, a Premium Package, and a Winter Package with heated front seats and heated outside mirrors.

Standard safety equipment for all G35s includes dual-stage front air bags, side-impact curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, side-impact thorax airbags. Active safety features include antilock brakes (ABS) for maintaining steering control, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) for shorter stopping distances, an electronic stability program (VDC) to keep you on the road, and Brake Assist to maintain full braking force in an emergency stopping situation even if you accidentally relax brake pedal pressure.