What’s New:
While this well-engineered performance luxury coupe was last redesigned in 2008, for the 2009 model year, an all-wheel drive version has been added to the line up along with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Also new for this year, the G37 coupe has moved from a two-setting heated front seat switch to a rotary switch, allowing more control of the seats' temperature. And the G37 now includes automatic speed sensing door locks.
Must Have Goodies:
The coupe is available in four-trim levels: a base coupe, a coupe Journey edition, a sports coupe edition and an all-wheel drive coupe. We were fortunate enough to review the G37 Coupe Journey outfitted with Infiniti’s premium package, which consisted of a power sliding moon roof; a world-class 11-speaker Infiniti audio system; a memory driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors; an auto-dimming inside mirror; and a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel.
Furthermore, our G37 Journey Coupe also included a sport package, which consisted of paddle shifters for those wanting a clutchless automatic, 19-inch sport aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, sport brakes with front end two-piston rear calipers, a special designed front fascia and 12-way driver and 8-way front passenger sport seats, with sport stitching and aluminum pedals.
Moreover, the vehicle was equipped with a voice-activated navigational package, too, which also contained a back up camera. And while the vehicle we reviewed didn’t come equipped with Infiniti’s available Intelligent cruise control system with Preview Braking, which automatically provides a precise following distance from the vehicle ahead, we have had it on other vehicles and we strongly recommend this safety feature.
What We Liked:
We not only liked the form-fitting heated front leather-stitched seats, the precise steering and the great road manners from the enhance handling and ride performance of the sporty coupe, with the 19-inch alloy wheels, but we also loved the vivacious throaty-sound coming from the specially-tuned dual exhaust pipes of this rear-wheel drive coupe, which now produces 335 horses. Furthermore, the real-time traffic information provided through the voice-activated navigational system is a must have option, helping to steer drivers away from traffic. In order to activate the traffic information system, drivers must subscribe to XM satellite. This feature is worth having if you live in a congested city.
Lastly, we can’t forget Nissan’s exclusive Intelligent Key, which allows the driver to lock or unlock the vehicle, open the trunk and use the push button starter to turn on the vehicle without using the key. However, the keyless remote control must be in your pocket (or pocketbook) for this to work. What a great feature!
What We Disliked:
While the front seats are quite roomy, the low-roofline makes it a tight squeeze to seat adults in the rear of the 2 plus 2 coupe. Furthermore, we were a little surprised that this luxurious Infiniti didn’t include some of the high-tech safety features found in a number of today’s brands: a blind spot detection lane changing system and a rear view back up system with audible alerts. Also, what happened to adding a/c to the front leather seats? We expect premium features such as this in a luxury brand. However, these features wouldn’t keep us from buying the G37.
Any Juice:
Whether you opt for the manual or automatic (transmission), the G37 coupe provides more gusto underneath the hood than the G35 it replaced. The 3.7-liter 6-cylinder engine is now capable of producing 330 horses.
Verdict:
If you’re a fan of Nissan’s 370Z two-door sports coupe, but you’re in need of two rear seats, Infiniti’s G37 luxury coupe could be the perfect vehicle for you. The tight-handling, with the precise steering and the great road manners, makes this the perfect vehicle to cruise at highway speeds around winding roads or to tool around town. This sporty looking vehicle starts at $35,900 and can easily climb over $46,000, when fully loaded. By the way, a convertible hardtop version is available in the G37, too.
Competition: Audi’s A5, BMW’s 3-Series, Caddy's CTS Coupe (available in 2010) and Lexus’ IS
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