If you want to see a luxury car maker on the rise, check out your Infiniti dealership this summer.

The Infiniti G35 has been garnering favorable comparisons to the BMW Three Series in the entry-level sports sedan field.

	The 2007 Infiniti. Click photo for larger image.

Though the basic look of the G35 all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive luxury car is similar to what you've been used to, the car still manages to be voluptuous. Inside, look for interesting Japanese themes, including the use of aluminum accents that resemble textured paper.

Power-wise, Infiniti has dialed things way up. The 306 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 hits 60 mph in about 5.6 seconds, and is now faster than BMW's 330i, Mercedes-Benz C350 and Audi's A4 3.2, while still rated at a respectable 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway.

Infiniti's also spent a lot of time working on the interior, and it shows with glowing white/purple illumination for the gauges, higher quality materials and better presentation. I'm reserving final judgment until I can drive one for a week.

The other four-wheeled bombshell in the Infiniti lineup is the M series.

The M35X that I drove clearly made my Top 10 Dream Machines list, with a 275 horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 that is considered to be one of the finest powerplants in the world. Gas mileage rating is 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway. Base price is $44,550.

Standard equipment is extensive, including a five-speed automatic with manual mode, all-wheel drive, electronic brake force distribution, side impact air bags, rear seat head restraints, climate controlled front seats and power equipment.

The interior is contemporary with beautiful unvarnished-looking wood tastefully arrayed across the dashboard and aluminum and chrome accents.

I loved driving this car, which leaps into action as soon as you hit the gas. My only qualm was that it was a bit jumpy over potholes and the uneven surface of Pittsburgh streets, so you are in for a bit rougher ride than you will find in other sports sedans.

I also didn't care for the lane departure warning system, which seems to buzz at inopportune times if you so much as touch lane marking lines on the road. But other than that, the M35X is a driver's delight.

What's Coming in 2008

Rumor says we will see the arrival by the end of the year of a new small luxury SUV from Infiniti called the EX35. This model was previewed by the EX concept on display at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, and except for a few futuristic show features, the two are identical in appearance.

It should come as no surprise that the styling is heavily influenced by the FX 35 and FX45, two highly acclaimed crossovers that are among the most dramatic, beautiful designs on the road.

Infiniti also has the all-new 2008 G37 Coupe, which, though it looks quite similar to the current model, actually has a lot of distinctive new hallmarks. First is a new, 330 horsepower 3.7 liter V-6, with an upgraded electronically controlled five speed automatic with available paddle shifters, or a heavily redone, more refined six speed manual transmission. You can also get advanced four wheel active steering on this car.

Also heavily redone for 2008, the Infiniti QX56 has new exterior and interior features, new standard equipment including a 12-speaker Bose Premium Audio system, new front and rear end designs, new colors, and new standard 20-inch chromed aluminum alloy wheels.

Prices will be $52,150 for the QX56 two wheel drive and $55,250 for the QX56 4WD.

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