Improvements have also been made to interior plastic quality, but it still falls slightly short when compared to the Germans. That said I was hardly turned off. The design is tastefully executed, with brushed titanium accents, classic analog clock and minimal buttons and switches. What's more, some of its features are utterly brilliant. The instrument pod moves up and down with the steering wheel allowing a clear view through the steering wheel no matter what angle it's set to. Also, the power seats are actuated via controls that sit atop the inside lower cushion bolster - easily visible and totally accessible, yet not in the way. The front seats themselves display another automotive anomaly - they're completely different from each other. The driver's seat lower cushion rises slightly as it approaches the knees, allowing for a more secure driving position. The passenger seat is designed primarily for comfort. Both incorporate individual stitch patterns as well.

Need rear legroom? No problem. The G35's 2850 mm wheelbase lets you stretch out and relax. Order the Premium package and its reclining rear seats allow you to stretch out even further. Actually, every dimension is longer, wider and larger, leaving most competitors far behind.

Speaking of leaving things far behind, the G35's free-revving 3.5-liter V6 is near perfect, producing an intoxicating 260-hp while shooting the 1,536 kg sedan forward with giggle inducing authority. Unlike the G20, the new car puts power through the rear wheels, eliminating torque steer in the process. The 5-speed automatic's driver-adaptive learning algorithm can actually sense the driver's style and make shifting adjustments automatically. It also incorporates a sequential manual shift mode if you want to do-it-yourself, increasing its sporting demeanor. Still, the 6-speed manual transmission available this fall will be even more appealing to sport sedan enthusiasts.