Acura 3.2 CL Type-S, 2003

Acura 3.2 CL Type-S, 2003

 

 

For the 2003 model year, Acura's goals for the 3.2 CL were to:
Increase performance
Update styling for a sleeker, more aggressive look

In support of those goals, the 2003 3.2 CL has received the following enhancements:

Powertrain
While it continues to come with a 5-speed Sequential SportShift automatic transmission, the CL Type-S now offers a new close ratio 6-speed manual transmission as well. Models with the new manual transmission also feature:
- Helical limited slip differential
- Curb weight of 3446 lbs. (compared to 3510 lbs. for the CL Type-S with automatic transmission)
- Multi-cone synchronizers
- Self-adjusting clutch with dual-mass flywheel
- Short-throw shift linkage

Chassis
+ CL Type-S with manual transmission replaces the VSA found in the CL Type-S with automatic transmission with new helical limited slip differential
+ New 6-spoke 16 inch wheels (3.2 CL)
+ New 6-spoke 17 inch wheels (CL Type-S)
+ CL Type-S with manual transmission adds two hydraulic engine mount dampers to counter engine movement

Body
Front Styling
+ Revised grille with body-colored surround
+ Revised headlights with black accents
Rear Styling
+ Revised taillight lenses with clear upper portion
+ New exhaust finishers

Safety/Convenience
+ OnStar(R) is standard equipment on CL models equipped with the Acura Satellite-Linked Navigation System
+ Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) System added on outboard rear seats for child safety seat attachment
+ Driver's Dual Stage Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
+ Auto-up driver's side window

Interior Styling
CL Type-S
+ Models with black interiors receive titanium-look trim on doors and center console
+ In models with 6-speed manual transmission, center console redesigned to accommodate manual shifter and hand-operated parking brake
+ Perforated leather door inserts

Acura TL ASPEC Concept, 2003

Acura TL ASPEC Concept, 2003

 

 

 

 

 Powertrain

+ 300+ horsepower, powertrain including:
- Performance-tuned 3.2-liter, 24-valve, V-6 engine
- High flow intake and exhaust
- 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission with limited-slip differential

Suspension
+ A-SPEC high performance suspension with track-tuned shocks and springs
+ 21-inch prototype alloy wheels
+ High performance tires
+ Brembo 4-wheel disc brakes with 8-piston calipers and 15-inch rotors

Body/Styling
+ Panoramic glass roof
+ Larger, high-flow exhaust finishers
+ 42 mm wider track
+ Wider fender flares
+ Trunk lid spoiler
+ Redesigned front bumper with larger Acura grille and lower air intakes
+ Redesigned rear bumper
+ 3-stage silver-gray Mica Pearl paint
+ New finish treatment on headlights/tail lights, clear side indicators

Interior
+ Premium Matador Red sport/luxury interior
+ Deeply bolstered custom leather seats with heating and cooling ventilation
+ Ultra suede headliner
+ Carbon/Kevlar accents on door panels and center console
+ Carbon/Kevlar sport steering wheel
+ Aluminum shift knob and foot pedals
+ Rear bucket seats with storage

Technology/Safety
+ Adaptive Cruise Control
+ Rearview camera

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, 2003

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe, 2003

 

 

The Infiniti G35 is a sport luxury car introduced to North America in the 2003 model year. It is known as the 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline in Japan, and other names elsewhere in the world. It is available in sedan and coupe. A 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2003 as a 2003.5 model on the sedan (the coupe always had the option). For the 2003-04 model years, the V6 produced 260 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque in the sedan, 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf in the coupe. In the 2005 and 2006 model years, those with automatic transmissions (both sedan and coupe) produced 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf of torque, while those with manual transmissions produced 298 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque (again, both in sedan and coupe form). The G35 is assembled in Tochigi, Japan, and the first G35 was built on March 12, 2002 as a 2003 model.

The G35 was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 2003 and has been well-received by both the media and customers as a viable alternative to more expensive luxury cars. The G35 was also nominated for the North American Car of the Year award that year and was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003 and 2004.

Sporting the ubiquitous (and esteemed) VQ35DE engine, the Infiniti G35 uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the G35x sedan) to achieve a 52/48 weight distribution (52% front/48% rear) . Both body styles are available with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, although the automatic is the only transmission available for the AWD sedan. The all-wheel drive model is designated the G35x and uses an Aisin-Warner intelligent AWD system that shifts power to the wheels with the most grip.

There are not many differences between the 2003 & 2004 G35 coupes. Both 03 & 04 6MT come standard with Brembo Brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package.  For the 2005 models, there were sportier gauges and better interior trim and knobs. Genuine Aluminum trim replaces "tinted" interior trim. Also, rosewood trim is available as a package on the 2005 models. The Brembo Brakes were removed for the 05 & 06 models. Instead, Sport-Tuned Suspension Package was standard on all 6MT models. The 2006 models received minor updates. On the exterior there were new headlights, taillights, spoiler, and front bumper. Bluetooth capability was added to the interior, for hands-free phone use. Rear active steering was also an option for the '06 5AT.

Infiniti G35, 2003

Infiniti G35, 2003

 

 

 

The Infiniti G35 is a sport luxury car introduced to North America in the 2003 model year. It is known as the 11th generation (V35) Nissan Skyline in Japan, and other names elsewhere in the world. It is available in sedan and coupe. A 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2003 as a 2003.5 model on the sedan (the coupe always had the option). For the 2003-04 model years, the V6 produced 260 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque in the sedan, 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf in the coupe. In the 2005 and 2006 model years, those with automatic transmissions (both sedan and coupe) produced 280 horsepower and 270 ft·lbf of torque, while those with manual transmissions produced 298 horsepower and 260 ft·lbf of torque (again, both in sedan and coupe form). The G35 is assembled in Tochigi, Japan, and the first G35 was built on March 12, 2002 as a 2003 model.

Sporting the ubiquitous (and esteemed) VQ35DE engine, the Infiniti G35 uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the G35x sedan) to achieve a 52/48 weight distribution (52% front/48% rear) . Both body styles are available with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, although the automatic is the only transmission available for the AWD sedan. The all-wheel drive model is designated the G35x and uses an Aisin-Warner intelligent AWD system that shifts power to the wheels with the most grip.

The differences between the 2003 & 2004 G35 coupes. Both 03 & 04 6MT come standard with Brembo Brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package. On the 2005 coupes, there were three new colors, 'Athens Blue', 'Lakeshore Slate' and 'Serengeti Sand', replacing 'Twilight Blue', Caribbean Blue, and 'Desert Platinum'. Also, Willow Cloth was removed and Stone interior was available. For the 2005 models, there were sportier gauges and better interior trim and knobs.

Infiniti FX45, 2003

Infiniti FX45, 2003

Infiniti FX45, 2003

The Infiniti FX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV. It is sold in two models: the FX35 and the FX45. Both were launched in 2003, the same time Lexus launched their GX 470. It replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size luxury SUV, despite being larger than its predecessor.

With the FX45 crossover, Infiniti sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality. The FX45's 4.5 L V8 generates 315 hp (235 kW) and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates a manual-shift mode. ATTESA E-TS All wheel drive is standard, and the FX45 has a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension. The FX35 uses a 3.5 L V6.

The FX series was updated for 2006 with new options and standard features. The FX35 now has leather seats, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and a rear view camera with a color screen standard.

Engines
* 3.5 L VQ35DE V6
* 4.5 L VK45DE V8

Performance (FX45)
* 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
* 0-100 mph: 17.6 seconds
* 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds at 95.1 mph
* 300 ft Skidpad: .89g
* Top Speed: 137 mph

Performance (FX35)
* 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
* 0-100 mph: NA
* 1/4 mile: 15.5 seconds at 91.0 mph
* 300 ft Skidpad: .89g
* Top Speed: 137 mph

Infiniti FX35, 2003

Infiniti FX35, 2003

The Infiniti FX is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV. It is sold in two models: the FX35 and the FX45. Both were launched in 2003, the same time Lexus launched their GX 470. It replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size luxury SUV, despite being larger than its predecessor.

With the FX45 crossover, Infiniti sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality. The FX45's 4.5 L V8 generates 315 hp (235 kW) and is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission that incorporates a manual-shift mode. ATTESA E-TS All wheel drive is standard, and the FX45 has a sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension. The FX35 uses a 3.5 L V6.

The FX series was updated for 2006 with new options and standard features. The FX35 now has leather seats, a power tilt/telescope steering wheel and a rear view camera with a color screen standard. The FX45's V8 engine was also uprated to 320 hp (239 kW) and it gets a standard sunroof, Bluetooth system, rear view camera with a color screen, and aluminum roof rails.

Engines
* 3.5 L VQ35DE V6
* 4.5 L VK45DE V8

Performance (FX45)
* 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
* 0-100 mph: 17.6 seconds
* 1/4 mile: 14.8 seconds at 95.1 mph
* 300 ft Skidpad: .89g
* Top Speed: 137 mph

Performance (FX35)
* 0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
* 0-100 mph: NA
* 1/4 mile: 15.5 seconds at 91.0 mph
* 300 ft Skidpad: .89g
* Top Speed: 137 mph