2007 G35 Horsepower Revealed: It's 306

Try as we might through hobnobbing, Infiniti wouldn’t reveal the total horsepower for the next G35 at the sedan’s New York unveiling in April. Instead they tossed us a vague estimate — “300-plus” — presumably to deflect accusations that the new car kept the current 298-hp G35 engine.

The number is in, and it’s 306.

Before you bemoan a mere 8-hp difference, realize that this revised engine is certified to the newest SAE standards, which typically sap power figures when they’re applied (and they weren’t used for the ‘06 G35). Also, Infiniti says the updated engine uses ram-air intake plumbing to compress more atmosphere at higher speeds, so you might find a few extra horses on the highway.

Above all, remember that Nissan’s 3.5-liter V-6 is still a darn good engine and is used in other vehicles in the company’s line-up. In the last G35 I drove, it proved to be smooth, powerful and well-matched to Infiniti’s flickable six-speed stick. All that with a mere 298 hp.

So 306 is good. It matches Lexus’ IS 350 and should hold its own against BMW’s 300-hp 335i. Where Infiniti wins is with value: The current G35 starts just over $31,000, a bargain compared to the $35,440 Lexus and $41,295 BMW. With a refurbished cabin, revised motor and new exterior, the 2007 G35 could take a modest hike and still come in first.

[Source: Nissan]