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And, the 2003 Motor Trend Car of the Year goes to...

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11 July 2002
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Infiniti G35 Coupe and Sedan


Motor Trend Names Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe 2003 Car of the Year [Nov. 20, 02]

NEW YORK CITY. November 20, 2002—MOTOR TREND magazine announced today the selection of the Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan and Sport Coupe as the 2003 Car of the Year (issue dated January 2003). Now in its 54th year, the Motor Trend Car of the Year is the most coveted and most recognized award in the auto industry.

The editorial staff of Motor Trend conducted testing on 27 new vehicles from the U.S., Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Korea for this competition. Thousands of miles of on-track and on-street driving, in a wide variety of weather and road conditions, were required to complete the staff’s tough road testing.

Including both domestic and import manufacturers, the following models were part of the grueling competition: BMW 7 Series, Cadillac CTS, Dodge Viper SRT-10, Honda Accord Coupe, Honda Accord Sedan, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Tiburon, Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan, Infiniti M45, Lincoln Town Car, Mazda 6, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, Mercury Marauder, Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, Nissan 350Z, Pontiac Vibe, Saab 93, Saturn Ion, Suzuki Aerio, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla Matrix, and Volkswagen Passat W8.

Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award seeks to recognize overall significance, competitiveness within a market segment, and value for money. In making the selection, the editors evaluate many factors, including styling and design; fit, finish and materials; engineering and technology; interior; safety; performance; and value.

“The modern, midsize sports-sedan category is hot right now, with many worthy contenders. But the new Infiniti G35 Sport Sedan has really capitalized on the formula, and applied its own brand of cool, casual luxury with an impressive measure of performance,” commented Kevin Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Motor Trend. “The sinuous G35 Sport Coupe carves out its own place at the top of our list – with style, performance, luxury, and value for money.”

The complete report on the 2003 Car of the Year can be found in the January 2003 issue of Motor Trend, on sale December 3. Additional coverage, with high-resolution images, will be posted on Motor Trend’s Web site at http://www.motortrend.com/media. Look for coverage on Motor Trend Television on the Speed Channel in December (consult your local listings).

-30-

Motor Trend, a PRIMEDIA publication, was founded in 1949 and has a circulation of 1.27 million and a total readership of 7.5 million. Internationally recognized as the world’s Number One automotive authority, Motor Trend is one of the leading brands in automotive publishing. The Motor Trend brand is comprised of Motor Trend en Español; Motor Trend Television (a monthly nationwide program on the Speed Channel); Motor Trend Radio and Motor Trend Weekend (two syndicated radio programs); Motortrend.com; Truck Trend, a bimonthly publication devoted to SUVs, pickups and vans; a series of world-renowned Motor Trend international auto shows; and the much-coveted Motor Trend Car, Sport/Utility and Truck of the Year Awards program.

Motor Trend: Elizabeth Ames 212-727-1680
Infiniti: Bill Garlin 310-771-5351

[This message has been edited by Joel (edited 21 November 2002).]
 
Wow, I thought for sure it would go either to the new Accord or the new Z, never did I expect an Infiniti...oh wait...
 
Went on a test drive with a couple guys during lunch the other day. We took the "sport" version and it was a total snooze. Not a "bad" car, but "car of the year"? Once again MT proves that their selection process is useless. Trying to rate and weight a broad spectrum of attributes, some of them in direct conflict with each other, virtually guarantees that they will end up picking a car that won't inspire anyone with a real passion in any direction.
 
obviusly, the "comeback effect" for Nissan/Infiniti is playing into this selection. This is an attractive design, but hardly revolutionary or even particularly significant.
 
Having driven the G35, I would agree with Motor Trend. The G35 is a great car, nice looks, lots of power and its fun to drive.

The 7 series is not very good looking and I-drive is a POS.
 
I just saw a silver G35 Coupe on the road.

Initially I thought it was the Lexus SC430 convertible.

It looked much nicer than the 4dr sedan version. I also think its subtle differences makes it look better than the 350Z.

With 280 hp on tap, it is quite a bargain.
 
I happen to agree with R&T and praise their selection.

Of course it's not going to be overly exciting compared to an NSX, which maybe some in here uses as a point of reference.

But as far as overall enjoyment with a little practicality thrown in, the G35 coupe/sedan is a perfect choice.

I'm glad they didn't give it to the 7 series. Awarding it to them means awarding Chris Bangle. I will not stand for that!
 
Originally posted by Wadasan:
What up Joel???
Any sign of a car n your garage yet...?
Chad


No. It seems I was meant to wait for an eternity. It's still in TN.

I have to admit, my excitement has died down quite a bit. It's almost as if I don't want the car anymore. Almost.
 
I test drove this car Thursday. I like it as far as sports coupes go. My wife likes it much more. So come Feb/Mar there will be a blue one in my garage. I may get to drive it every once in awhile. (which is fine with me)
I like it but I am not overly impressed.
Len
n9s5x-t (Black Majic Model car)
94 3.8RSR clone
 
Originally posted by sjs:
Hey Len, is your NSX a star yet?

Yeah, They had the wrap up Friday.
I wasn't able to just hang around over the 3 days. But from what I was able to see, It is going to be a nice video and P.O.S. pictures and posters. Everything went very well.
However, today I curbed 2 of my wheels. I could've cried, but my daughter was with me.
 
However, today I curbed 2 of my wheels. I could've cried, but my daughter was with me.

Len,

I warned you about going triple digit around the curve. You need to donate your SC to me so you don't curb your wheel in the future. Hope it don't cost you an arm and a leg to get it fix.
 
Originally posted by NSX01:
However, today I curbed 2 of my wheels. I could've cried, but my daughter was with me.

Len,

I warned you about going triple digit around the curve. You need to donate your SC to me so you don't curb your wheel in the future. Hope it don't cost you an arm and a leg to get it fix.

I Know T, Too make it even worse, I was aware of the curve. I called myself staying far away from it and heard crunch. It is noticable but not that bad after I got the steel wool out. I will work on them some later today, Damn it's 4am already.
I was sending the rims to get them repolished, so this will get fixed at the same time. (I'm Rationalizing)
To stay on topic. The G35 Aero package is not worth the premium they want for it.
My wife will be getting the wing more like the 350z. (I really wanted her to get the Z)
Len
 
I agree with the choice. My father works at the port where the cars come in on the East coast and raves about them. Trying to talk me into getting one. Not giving up the NSX though.

------------------
ALL NSX
92 RED/BLACK 5-SPEED
 
I've driven a G35 coupe loaded with just about every option available (save the most important one the 6 speed manual tranny package) and was impressed.

For the $, there's a lot of car there. Plenty of power (280bhp), good handling, reasonable ride, quiet, and all the bells and whistles you'd want.

I don't think its stunningly beautiful, but its not hard on the eyes either.

Car of the Year? I can see that but the pessimist in me still wonders how much advertising money Nissan/Infiniti paid Motor Trend. Remember, these are the same knuckleheads that chose the Thunderbird last year.
 
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