2008 Woodie Awards
Face-Off: BMW 335i vs. Infiniti G37
Fredric Tan
Issue date: 5/7/08 Section: Entertainment
Competition. There's nothing like a little friendly duel once in awhile to keep opponents on their toes. Okay, maybe not so friendly. Take the new BMW 335i and Infiniti G37 sport coupes. These machines are destined rivals, just like the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro, or the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Subaru WRX STI. Each pair is as similar in concept and configuration as can be: both are rear-drive, high-performance, superb handling, 2+2 seating two-door rockets. And after driving both the Bimmer and the Infiniti, let me tell you: neither will disappoint.
BMW is considered the perennial champion in this class, with its heralded 3-Series regularly receiving accolades from the automotive press. The latest edition continues that tradition by raising the bar yet again. The 335i Coupe is the first twin-turbo, let alone turbocharged, BMW in years. It builds on top of the already stellar 3.0-liter inline-six, which makes 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque in natural aspirated form (328i). Step up to the 335i and you're treated to 300 robust horses and 300 lb-ft!
Ever since Infiniti unleashed the G35 in 2002, it has been hot on BMW's heels. So when it came time for an update, Nissan's luxury division pulled out all the stops. The G37 packs an upgraded version of the G35's venerable VQ V6, stroked to displace 3.7 liters (hence, the new name). This power plant cranks out an impressive 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque!
If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing 300+ horsepower, please slip behind the wheel of one - even better, both - of these babies. They're fast. Very fast.
Both vehicles are smooth operators, with the 335i getting the nod in terms of refinement. It feels more polished and quieter than the G37, although its sweet exhaust song still breaks through. The Infiniti feels a little rougher around the edges, a little more raw. But therein lies its appeal. It's louder, prouder, and makes no apologies about it. The exhaust roars too, bordering on V-8 bravado, although it became slightly raspy at high rpm.
BMW is considered the perennial champion in this class, with its heralded 3-Series regularly receiving accolades from the automotive press. The latest edition continues that tradition by raising the bar yet again. The 335i Coupe is the first twin-turbo, let alone turbocharged, BMW in years. It builds on top of the already stellar 3.0-liter inline-six, which makes 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque in natural aspirated form (328i). Step up to the 335i and you're treated to 300 robust horses and 300 lb-ft!
Ever since Infiniti unleashed the G35 in 2002, it has been hot on BMW's heels. So when it came time for an update, Nissan's luxury division pulled out all the stops. The G37 packs an upgraded version of the G35's venerable VQ V6, stroked to displace 3.7 liters (hence, the new name). This power plant cranks out an impressive 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque!
If you've never had the pleasure of experiencing 300+ horsepower, please slip behind the wheel of one - even better, both - of these babies. They're fast. Very fast.
Both vehicles are smooth operators, with the 335i getting the nod in terms of refinement. It feels more polished and quieter than the G37, although its sweet exhaust song still breaks through. The Infiniti feels a little rougher around the edges, a little more raw. But therein lies its appeal. It's louder, prouder, and makes no apologies about it. The exhaust roars too, bordering on V-8 bravado, although it became slightly raspy at high rpm.
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