2008
Infiniti G37: A Car-Lover's Coupe
by Jessica Howell
For
years, I've longingly caught glimpses
of the tapered Infiniti G35 rear as
it sped past me on the expressway. Now,
cruising Seattle in a 2008 Infiniti
G37, I'm reaping the sweet rewards of
automotive journalism. Tucked behind
the wheel of the seductively sleek coupe,
I'm reveling in the feel-good speed
of Nissan's luxurious brand, and enjoying
the 12.5 percent horsepower boost that
the feisty, new G37 coupe holds over
sibling G35.
Take
a glance at the two Infiniti models
and from the outside, an untrained eye
wouldn't see too great a difference
even though the two share not one body
panel. The improvements, which stem
from the success of the sporty but sophisticated
G35, add a bit more oomph to the coupe
and include: a new 3.7 Variable Valve
Event and Lift (VVEL) engine that churns
out 330 horsepower, new brakes (that
boast mammoth rotors), new chassis,
fresh interior design and a more streamlined
exterior finishing. These perks, alongside
improved handling, are what Infiniti
is hoping will set the G37 apart from
its luxury coupe competitors-most notably
the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Mercedes-Benz
CLK Coupe.
"This
is a sexy segment," says Infiniti
Senior Manager Steve Tomaso, "But
it's not huge." It's for that reason
that Infiniti aims to cater to these
"passionate performance seekers"
with plenty of luxury, power, an array
of creative touches and a plethora of
available packages and add-ons.
According
to research, the bulk of buyers cite
the most important feature of the G35
as its "fun to drive" nature.
Does the G37 live up to that standard?
Without a doubt. Available in three
trims, the Coupe, Coupe Journey and
Coupe Sport 6MT, Infiniti's all-new
G37 boasts either a 5-speed automatic
transmission (with DS mode and available
magnesium paddle shifters) or a 6-speed
manual for traditional sport driving.
Tap
on the gas and the G37 springs into
action, a pleasant-sounding roar from
the world's first application of the
new engine. Of course, the G37 follows
in traditional Infiniti style offering
a smooth ride with easy handling and
a 36 percent stiffer platform. As we
sped along the curves of Puget Sound,
the coupe proved to be just what we
expected-an impressive ride that is
indeed fun to drive and adds another
rival to the line up of luxe sports
coupe competition.
Does
the G37 outrank the BMW 3 Series in
performance as Infiniti hopes? Not quite-but
it does offer unmatched styling hands
down and plenty of attitude on the road.
That said, I believe that Infiniti has
created the ideal car for their own
unique audience.
Step inside the car and passengers will
notice a new interior that draws from,
and rises above that of the G35. Cool
white and violet instruments take the
place of former red and black, while
a new standard color display is present
in the center console, sporting the
brand's signature analog clock.
Rice
paper inspired aluminum trim, a nod
to Infiniti's Japanese heritage, decorates
the interior and successfully blends
with soft leather upholstery (standard;
choose wheat, graphite or stone) to
create a sophisticated space for driving
or riding. The optional new Infiniti
Studio on Wheels by Bose punches up
audio with an 11-speaker system, fully
integrated iPod connectivity (an iPod
charger is built in) and an audiophile
quality head unit. Individual options
such as a power moonroof, performance
tire and wheel package, rear spoiler,
genuine African rosewood trim (Journey
model only) and the fore-mentioned 4WAS
(Sport models only) are also available
to add-on.
Complete
packages include the Technology Package
(Intelligent Cruise Control, pre-crash
seatbelts), the Navigation Package (touch
screen nav, XM real-time traffic info),
Sports Package (19" alloy wheels,
performance tires, sport brakes) and
the Premium Package (power moonroof,
Infiniti on Wheels by Bose, iPod connection,
Bluetooth, etc.) Base price for the
G37 Coupe is $34,250, with
pricing for a well-equipped Sport6MT
still coming in under $40,000. Not too
bad for a car that's guaranteed to capture
stares wherever it attractively zips.
2008
INFINITI G37 COUPE
Description: |
Mid-size
luxury sports coupe |
Model
options: |
G37,
G37 Journey, G37 Sport 6MT |
Engine
size: |
DOHC
3.7-L V6 VVEL |
Transmission: |
Auto/5,
Manual/6 |
Wheelbase: |
112.2
inches |
Overall
length: |
187.0
inches |
Rear/front
drive: |
RWD |
Steering: |
Rack
and pinion |
Braking: |
Power
4-disc |
Air
bags: |
2
(front), 2 (side), 4 (side curtain) |
EPA: |
M/6:
17/26 mpg, A/5: 18/24 mpg |
MSRP: |
G37:
$34,250, G37 Journey: $35,000, G37
Sport 6MT: $35,550 |
|