As enthusiasts, many of us are quick to dismiss convertibles as the preferred conveyance for hapless poseurs (BMW M3 cabrio) or fake-bake hairdressers (Toyota Solara). And with good reason. When you lop the top off a coupe, the result is often a floppy, overweight chassis that provides all the dynamic delights of a rubber nine-iron and a granite golf ball. Such executions fail to please on almost every level, and that's before you start dealing with complex roof mechanisms, awkwardly styled rumps and abysmal trunk space.

As a whole, convertibles aren't for everyone, but they do fill a need and a niche. And they sell. Almost half of all two-door BMW 3 series models are purchased with a retractable roof, and it's a segment that Infiniti hasn't played in for years (anyone remember the M30 convertible?). As Nissan's luxury arm continues to push into the European market, it's back in the game with the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. But who is it for? Someone who's simultaneously sultry yet demure; assertive yet relaxed; commanding yet delicate. Someone compelling. Someone like Moneypenny.



Photos Copyright ©2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Infiniti did it. While most manufactures struggle to make their convertibles even remotely as attractive as their coupe siblings, this luxury brand has delivered a drop-top that looks every bit as good (or better) than its fixed-roof kin. In person, even with the top up, the convertible is sleek as it lacks the heavy B-pillar of the coupe (giving it an airy appearance). With its three-piece automatic power hardtop retracted, it screams sophistication and luxury as all of the hardware disappears beneath a flush fitting tonneau cover. Aesthetics aside, motivation for the new convertible comes from a 325-hp 3.7-liter V6 driving the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic. As expected in this segment, the G37 Convertible arrives in the spring with a long list of standard equipment (see the press release after the jump). While Infiniti hasn't released pricing, our best guess says the G37 Convertible will start in the mid-40's.

Live photos copyright ©2008 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

We still have to wait a few more weeks for the official unveiling of the Infiniti G37 Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show. But in the meantime, Infiniti has announced a Premier Bloomingdale's-only version which will be limited to just 200 copies. Sharing the same mechanicals as the regular production version (3.7-liter V6 rated at 328 hp), the Bloomingdale's model will be differentiated by its dark Platinum Graphite paint over Monaco Red leather upholstery. Special 19-inch wheels and a new grille complete the exterior package, while inside a touchscreen nav and Bose Open Air sound system will come standard on the LE. The Bloomingdale's Premiere model goes on sale November 10th, but pricing has yet to be disclosed.

A second teaser shot for the upcoming Infiniti G37 Convertible has found its way onto the web, and the timing couldn't be better considering the debut of the Lexus IS250C today at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Both cars will be setting their sites on the BMW 335i convertible, and the G37 'vert will be packing a 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 in its holster when the time comes. Other features include a three-piece folding hardtopIts and a seven-speed automatic transmission, as well as a completely redesigned rear end to accommodate the new roof. The G37 Convertible's official debut isn't until the LA Auto Show in November, at which time we'll get to fully see how the G37 Coupe translates into a convertible. Until then, check out the teasers in our gallery below.


[Source: Motor Authority]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Infiniti G37 coupe.

Carlos Ghosn assembled the press this morning in Japan to announce Nissan/Infiniti's financial results for 2007, and despite sales in Japan dropping by 2.5-percent last year, global sales are up by 8.2-percent, with a 3.0-percent increase in U.S. sales and a massive 17.9-percent bump in Europe. All told, Nissan took in $94.62 billion last year, with a $6.91 billion operating profit. Nissan attributes its successes abroad to the release of 11 new models worldwide, including the Altima Coupe, GT-R, Murano, Infiniti EX CUV and G37 coupe.

The automaker has its sights set firmly on the future, with a five-year plan that focuses on three key commitments: quality leadership, an industry leading zero-emissions vehicle program and a five-percent growth in revenue between 2008 and 2012. The program is called Nissan "GT" 2012, with the "G" standing for "growth" and the "T" for "trust." To achieve those goals, Nissan will be expanding with Infiniti's launch in Europe, along with pushing further into developing markets like India, the Middle East, Brazil, China and Russia. Leading the charge will be 60 all-new models released in the next five years and the debut of 15 new technologies each year from 2009 onwards.

While we're already familiar with most of the vehicles Nissan and Infiniti intends to release in the coming year (Qashqai+2, new Z), two models were officially confirmed: an Infiniti G37 convertible (rumored to sport a retractable hard top) and a "mini SUV." While there's been speculation that a G37 cabrio was on the way, the small 'ute is likely to the rumored 1-series competitor we've reported on before.

Make the jump for Nissan's press release.