DOWN THE ROAD: Looking for the true sports coupe/sedan? Well, the G35 fits the bill. The ride is nimble, well-controlled and stable, and handling is agile and sheer fun. The car accelerates quickly as you step on the gas to merge into heavy traffic or pass a slow-moving vehicle. Now in its third model year, the G35 deservedly has won several accolades from the automotive press.

TECH & PERFORMANCE: The 3.5-liter V6 offers 280 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 270 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. New for 2005 is a 6MT model that gets 298 hp, a boost of 18 hp over the standard coupe.

Available with a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, the G35 comes with rear-wheel drive and an optional all-wheel drive.

The Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control, which varies air-intake-valve timing according to the engine load, results in fuel efficiency and cleaner air.

Thanks to its independent multilink front and rear suspension, the G35 handles bumpy corners with remarkable ease and agility. Those looking for a boost can opt for the Sport-Tuned Suspension package that adds in 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and Viscous Limited-Slip differential, both standard on the 6MT model.

LOOK AND FEEL: The G35 is an aggressive-looking yet refined car with its wheels pushes out to the corners. The elegance stands out in its highly visible xenon headlights, integrated fog lights and body-color outside mirrors and door handles.

The elegance continues in the redesigned interior. The console area, door grips and dashboard now have a splash of real aluminum. The ultra-soft front-bucket leather seats offer plenty of head and legroom for the driver and passenger. Reaching into the rear isn’t too much of a stretch because of a power feature in the front-passenger seat. The power retractable 7-inch navigation screen pops out from inside the dashboard at the touch of a button.

SAFETY FIRST:Kudos to Infiniti for packing the G35 with such standard safety features as dual and side front airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbag, front-seat head restrains as well as belts with pretensioners and a Crumple Zone that absorbs energy efficiently in the event of a crash.

BY THE NUMBERS: Tires, P225/50R17, front; P235/50R17, rear; wheelbase, 112.2 inches; length, 182.2 inches; weight, 3,486 pounds; fuel capacity, 20 gallons; highway 25 mpg, city 18 mpg.

OUT THE DOOR: $32,400, plus tax, tag, delivery and destination charges.

WHY DIG IT: Infiniti believes the G35 is definitely a candidate for any enthusiast’s dream garage. This true sports coupe/sedan is a thrill to drive on Tampa Bay area streets and highways. And if you do buy the G35, be prepared for curious glances from onlookers.

Nitish S. Rele is an Advertising Staff Writer for The Tampa Tribune.