I just had about an hour seat time in a 2007 G35 Touring Automatic w/ the new HR motor. I'd like to start by saying what a great job Nissan has done with the latest G35 it's quite the car. The engine really was the highlight for me the sound was awesome it had a muscular small V8 induction sound and a great exhaust note as well. Actually the sound was quite unique it reminded me of when I first had a 350Z prototype out for a drive a month or so before they were released to dealers.

When I entered the highway with this G35 I wanted to hear it rip up to it's 7,500rpm redline my one eye stayed glued to the tach as it approached and shifted to what I assume was 4th gear. I looked down and I was going 180kph and quickley slowed down as the limit is 100.

The G35 felt great on the highway steering was very tight and power cam easily when needed. Actually the acceleration was quite violent when called upon. Its is very diseaving given the car was a sand witha beige interior and had 17" wheels with high profile tires. Still the car felt and drove very sporty. The ride was firm and reponsive and the engine had lots of volume even at idle it sound mean. I think a lot of people who buy this car as a luxury vehicle and aren't concerned with performance will be taken of guard buy the thrust this car provides when opened up.

While I don't think I'll be switch my 03 for an 07 anytime soon. I am glad that Nissan has made such great progress with the latest version of the VQ. For some reason it made me appreciate my car even more after driving the G just made me remember the rush I got the first time I drove a 350Z or even the fist time I drove a 2002 Maxima SE 6spd with the 3.5L.

Thought I 'd share my experience with you guys.

 

How'd you get to test drive one?

 

Is this the sedan? I didn't see it specifically mentioned. I guess the 17 inch rims would give it away but wanted to make sure.

 

yeah, the new HR isn't going to be in the coupe until 08

 

I picked it up for a client. The Infiniti store I have connections with is an hour away hense the hour long test drive the day after the Canadian release of the vehicle.

 

Was this a sedan? Also how linear was the powerband. Describe the exhaust note a little bit more plz.

 

If you cared to expand on how the engine felt above say 5,000 rpm compared ot the VQ, I'd be listening

I am very interested in the way in which the engine behaves in its upper band. I thought this was the weakpoint in the current VQ, and after reading the internal briefing for the HR, it certainly seems like Nissan agrees. They go into great detail about the exhaust note, the way the character of the engine has been changed in its higher power band etc etc

 

Crap, now I'm gonna have to mod my Z more so the 07's can't catch up

 

The exhaust note is very deep and muscular the engine has a great induction sound more then anything I think the exhaust is more tame then we'll see on the 350Z. It didn't have the same quasi exotic hone that our cars have however I think the Z exhaust will be less resonated. I would assume the induction noise will stay similar as it didn't sound very restricted at all.

The power band felt awesome very meaty and flat. It really seemed like a large part of the rev range was at near peak horsepower. I really feel the extra revs are what make this motor truely special and different fron the vQin our vehicle. I don't think we shoudl all trade in our vehicle for HR powered 350Z but it is good to see that Nissan keeps developing the Z.

 

Thanks for the info

I can't wait to get rid of my VQ for an hr!!

Nothing wrong with the VQ really, but I would like something more. You can't fault the engine for being "boring" as some have said.. Still I would like maybe a little more German or JDM high revving feel to the Z. It seems to be more Mustang than 911, and it sounds like Nissan has answered the call on this one

 

you and me both brother...

 

i wonder how well the HR will respond to mods?

 

well, seeing as how stock it comes with "less restrictive" intake/exhaust, I don't think bolt-ons would be as effective. It will really show when you go F/I

 

Can't wait to hear the HR with a Ti exhaust

 

What u know about dat what u know about dat.........

 

I took a look at one today, and that is one silky smooth engine. It is so much more smooth and quieter than our VQs when standing out side. Exhaust note is pretty nice as well, but I'd honestly vouch for something a bit more quieter during idle for a luxury sedan.

Anyhow, the one I was looking at was a G35 Sport Auto with Premium Packange and Navigation. It was pretty loaded at $39k. I was told the base G35 was about $31k. It's too bad that if I want a 6MT, I'd end up paying for the extra Sport package stuff.

We'll see what the coupe has in store for us! :-)