If you were to judge Infiniti’s new G37 sports coupe strictly by its bright new sheet metal, you might conclude that the upgrades were more of a mid-model refreshing than a thorough makeover.
Sure, the enthusiast-oriented 2008 coupe has a more polished and mature — even sexier — look than its predecessor, and Infiniti executives assure that every inch of its finely sculpted body is new. But, from a design point, this shiny apple has not really fallen that far from the tree.
The G37, which will go on sale Aug. 21, is nearly identical in size to the G35 coupe. It’s built from a modified version of the original platform, its basic profile is quite close to the original and it is exactly as practical (or impractical) as its predecessor.
But a look beneath the surface quickly contradicts that initial reaction. The beauty in the new car is a whole lot more than skin deep. In fact, the engineers have addressed and erased just about every complaint that arose during the G35’s five-year life.
The result is a more opulent coupe that is stronger, faster, more responsive, more agile and, yes, even more comfortable.
Consider these changes:
• The V-6 engine has grown from 3.5 liters to 3.7 and now features a variable valve event and lift (VVEL) system. It produces 330 horsepower across the board, a gain of 37 over previous manual-transmission models and a leap of 55 over the former automatic-transmission coupes. The new engine’s torque is rated at 270 pound-feet.
• It will race from a stop to 60 mph in less than 5.5 seconds when equipped with the six-speed manual shifter. Drivers will find that the engine is noticeably smoother than its predecessors, and Infiniti says it has lower emissions and will even get slightly better fuel mileage (18 to 24 mpg on automatic-transmission models).
• An upgraded and retuned independent suspension, along with a 36 percent increase in platform stiffness, add even more road-hugging capability to what already had been a sharp performer. In addition, ride quality has been improved even on models with the more aggressive, sport-tuned suspension.
• The G37 Sport gets bigger, stronger, vented anti-lock disc brakes, along with the standard electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The standard coupe has the “sport” braking system recently introduced on the new G35 sedan.
• The six-speed manual transmission has been revised to give smoother, shorter shifts. The five-speed automatic has also been upgraded. It features adaptive shift control for quicker shifts in aggressive driving situations and can be equipped with optional magnesium shift paddles.
• Eighteen-inch wheels and all-season tires are standard on base models, and 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires are installed on sport models.
• Although it only is chosen by about 5 percent of buyers, Infiniti’s optional four-wheel active steering system is carried over to the new model. It features automatically variable front-steering ratios and a rear suspension geometry that automatically adjusts up to one percent. The result, according to Infiniti, is more agile and more stable handling characteristics.
• Infiniti has outfitted the driver-oriented interior with a dramatic instrument panel with white and violet electroluminescent gauges, rich leather seats, aluminum-alloy trim and a host of standard and optional features found on premium vehicles. The Sport models get special buckets with thigh extenders and adjustable side bolsters to hold passengers in place during aggressive maneuvers.
During a recent press introduction, I got to spend a few hours in a G37 Sport coupe with manual transmission. Traffic ruled out a lot of hard driving, but I was able to determine that the newest Infiniti is at once more capable and easier to handle. Driven aggressively, the new coupe simply goes where it is pointed with neutral handling, loads of grip, and a minimum of body roll. On the highway, it is quiet and comfortable, without unduly harsh reactions to road imperfections.
As a driver’s car, the G37 coupe is simply hard to fault, but as a practical daily driver there definitely are issues. The rear seat will hold two adults. Access is relatively easy because the front seats move forward at the touch of a button, but space is cramped. Passengers 6-feet-tall and taller will likely find their heads colliding with the sloping rear headliner. In addition, the trunk offers only a shallow 7 cubic feet for luggage, but the rear seat backs can be folded forward to increase cargo space.
As much fun as it is, this coupe really makes sense only as a two-seater and no doubt will be considered mostly by singles and empty nesters, or possibly as a second car. The marketing folks at Infiniti are hoping women will be 40 percent of their buyers. They expect 70 percent of all purchasers to opt for the automatic transmission.
Infiniti representatives did not disclose complete pricing details but said that the base model, including the $715 delivery charge, would start at $34,965 — an increase of $800. The mid-level Journey coupe with premium package will be priced at $38,915. They also estimated that a fully equipped Sport model would top out at about $45,000.
Since the G35 coupe was introduced in 2003, it has invited comparison to the similarly sized benchmark of entry-level premium sports coupes, the BMW 3-Series.
In performance comparisons, the top-of-the-line BMW 335i coupe and the G37 Sport are nearly identical. In terms of refinement, the G37 is now a big step closer and in terms of price, the Infiniti — about $3,000 to $10,000 less depending on model — is a clear winner.
Still, statistical comparisons can never tell the whole story. Emotions are an equally large part, and BMW’s long history of excellence continues to give it the edge in both cachet and exclusivity.
Infiniti knows this and certainly has no problem with the comparisons. It’s quite happy with a hot performer that has outsold and should continue to outsell its vaunted rival.
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