Autoblog

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Michael Harley — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury, Quick Spins

Infiniti rolled out the IPL version of its G37 Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show more than a year ago. The Infiniti Performance Line treatment logically mirrors that of the IPL G Coupe, meaning it receives both cosmetic and mechanical tweaks designed to raise the pulse of driving enthusiasts. Aside from the overstated aerodynamic styling components and huge exhaust tips, the cabin features special leather upholstery, aluminum trim and IPL badging to distinguish it from lesser siblings. Under the hood, the 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR) has been recalibrated to deliver 343 horsepower - 18 more than the standard coupe - and 273 pound-feet of torque. The suspension has been upgraded with firmer spring and stabilizer bar rates, multi-piston sport brakes are fitted and 19-inch graphite-finish wheels wrapped with summer rubber are bolted on. There are only two exterior color choices (Moonlight White and Malbec Black) and two upholstery choices (Stone and IPL-exclusive Monaco Red). Everything sounds marvelous until someone reveals its as-tested $62,415 window sticker.

DRIVING NOTES

The three-section steel roof raises and lowers in a leisurely manner - give it about 30 seconds each way. While it is marvel to watch, the operation seems clunky, not fluid. Buttoned up, with all four windows closed, the cabin is comfortable. Wind noise is minimal and the front buckets coddle passengers in all the right places. While tight, those of smaller stature will find the two rear seats tolerable for short journeys (my kids never complained). Outward visibility is also very good for a convertible - no impeding B-pillar.
Top down driving is pleasant, with wind buffeting minimal even without the optional rear wind deflector (on the window sticker, but missing from my tester). I rolled up the windows, turned the climate-controlled front seats on high, cranked the heater and blasted the impressive 13-speaker Bose audio system. Roofless driving in low 50-degree temperatures was bearable. (Note: When the convertible top is stowed away, the already small trunk is basically nonexistent)
Infiniti's IPL-tweaked V6 looks great on paper, but it struggles to move the droptop with real authority. Blame a curb weight of 4,189 pounds - a whopping 400 pounds more than the IPL G Coupe - and a very uncooperative seven-speed automatic transmission. Peak horsepower and torque come late in the power band, yet the slushbox wants to shift early. While things are slightly better in Sport mode, or with the manual magnesium column-mounted paddle shifters, it doesn't feel nearly as quick in real-world driving as its published acceleration times would indicate. My overall average fuel economy was also a less-than-impressive 16.8 mpg.
Those goofy cannon-size exhaust tips (each is 4.75-inches across) deliver a drone that becomes downright annoying at some speeds. Even more frustrating, there is noticeable body flex - this is not a very stiff convertible - and minor squeaks and groans become evident when the road turns rough.
The upgraded suspension provides a harsh ride, but little else. The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires are capable, but when pushed, their narrow front contact patches - only 225/60YR19 - quickly scrubbed in protest of the two-plus tons of mass abusing them. The brakes calipers are beefy, but the street-compound pads don't instill confidence.
A high sticker price, middling performance and other small annoyances really work against the Infiniti IPL G Convertible, especially when you consider that the same money will put a base BMW 335is Convertible, Audi S5 Cabriolet or even a Shelby GT500 Convertible in the driveway.

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Infiniti G37 IPL

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Infiniti, New Car Reviews, Luxury

More Consonants, More Raw

There's an almost infinite amount to love about the Infiniti G37 line. In sedan or coupe form, X or S guise, the vehicles deliver that difficult-to-attain blend of rear-wheel-biased performance, content and refinement with a manageable price tag. With the excellent VQ37 3.7-liter V6 engine pounding under the hood and the buyer's choice of manual or automatic gearboxes pushing power to the rear or all four wheels, the G37 family is one of the market's best arguments against sliding behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series. That is, unless you wanted a truly serious performance machine.

German titans like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been lapping European racetracks under their M and AMG banners for decades, honing performance hardware that customers would merrily plop down fat stacks of cash for later. While Japanese luxury automakers have been somewhat slow to embrace performance sub-brands, recent years have seen an explosion of consonant-laced badging stuck to sharper machinery. Among Japanese automakers, Lexus first dipped a toe in those waters with the company's F-Sport goods, and Infiniti has risen to the challenge with its new Infiniti Performance Line. By gracing the G37 Coupe with more horsepower, a sharper suspension, larger brakes and unique interior appointments, Infiniti has taken a first step into a world dominated by some of the world's most storied badges.

But is the IPL G37 a serious performance contender or simply a bolt-on queen with delusions of grandeur?

Continue reading 2012 Infiniti G37 IPL

2012 Infiniti G37 IPL originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 recalled over pinching windows

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Infiniti, Nissan, Luxury

Nissan is recalling certain 370Z and Infiniti G37 Coupe models due to an improperly calibrated auto-reverse feature on the vehicle's windows. Around 1,788 2011 and 2012 models may have been built with a window switch controller that won't actuate the auto-reverse quickly enough. Should someone accidentally get a body part trapped in the window, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that a "pinch injury" may result. It's unclear whether anyone has been injured as a result of the calibration error at this juncture, but Nissan says that the automaker will fix the power window switches free of charge.

The recall is set to begin around November 28, and owners of affected vehicles can expect to hear from Nissan shortly about the program. Hit the jump to read the full recall notice.

Continue reading Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 recalled over pinching windows

Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 recalled over pinching windows originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car

Noah Joseph — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Infiniti, Racing

Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Infiniti is no stranger to motorsports. The Japanese luxury marque supplied engines to the Indy Racing League in the late 90s, and recently launched a sponsorship deal with the World Champion Red Bull Racing team in Formula One (which runs sister-company Renault's engines). But rallying is new territory for the Nissan premium division.

Now before you let your imagination run wild, bear in mind that the G37 coupe you see here is not actually competing in any rally events. It is, however, being used as a safety car for the Spanish Rally Championship.

For the task, the G37 Coupe S dubbed "Work Car Zero" has been outfitted with roll-bar, dampers, brakes, bucket seats and harnesses, fire-suppression system, communications equipment and special lighting. Otherwise, it's pretty much bone stock (save for the garish paint scheme).

Follow the jump for all the details in the press release and scope out the images in the high-res gallery below for a closer look.

Gallery: Infiniti G37 Coupe S safety car

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car

Infiniti goes rallying in Spain with G37 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Up until recently, Infiniti wasn't entirely sure what its brand was all about. But since its latest reboot, the brand has staked a claim as an unabashedly Japanese performance luxury automaker - in essence, the anti-Lexus.

Today, it's taking another step in that direction with the introduction of the Infiniti Performance Line and unveiling the first vehicle to wear the new badge: the IPL G Coupe. And anyone expecting an answer to BMW's M division or Mercedes' AMG line might be slightly disappointed.

Like most in-house component offerings, Infiniti is putting an emphasis on style, performance and OEM-level fit and finish, beginning with new front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler and 19-inch seven-spoke graphite wheels. Matching the Graphite Shadow or Malbec Black exteriors are a new set of sport seats with thicker bolsters, manual thigh extenders (ala BMW), torso and thigh support adjustment, along with de rigueur contrasting red stitching.

Far more important is what's been done under the hood and at each wheel well. A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increase of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Infiniti hasn't released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we're hoping the price premium isn't excessively high for what's essentially a glorified sport package. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe (G37)

Continue reading Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Chris Shunk — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Coupe, Infiniti, Nissan, New Car Reviews

2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Infiniti G35 coupe showed that Nissan's U.S. luxury arm could compete with the likes of Mercedes and BMW. Being mentioned in the same breath as those storied brands is nice, but Infiniti isn't looking to be class competitive; it wants to lead. Ghosn's guys rolled out the new and improved G37 Coupe for the 2008 model year with more power and a vastly improved interior while also delivering an entry price that undercuts the popular 335i coupe by around $4,000.

The 330-hp 3.7L V6 introduced in the G37 Coupe was a big improvement over the also competent 3.5L it replaced, but the carry-over five-speed automatic was holding back Infiniti's jewel of an engine. Nissan has rectified this shortcoming for 2009 with an all-new seven-speed slush box that promises faster shifts and improved refinement and efficiency. We got our hands on a brand new 2009 model to see if it has what it takes to put the G37 at the top of the entry-level luxury food chain. Hit the jump to see how Infiniti's coupe performed during its time in the Autoblog Garage.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Continue reading Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Infiniti G Coupe officially named G37

Alex Nunez — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 11:26:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Infiniti

We showed you a sketch of the forthcoming new Infiniti G coupe back in January. Set to be unveiled next month at the NY International Auto Show, the car now has a name attached to it: G37. This was confirmed in an email that went out earlier today from the show organizers. We also have a new teaser shot of the car, as you can see here. No reason's been given yet for the updated nomenclature, but we'll guess that a bumped-up 3.7L version of the VQ powerplant will reside under the coupe's hood. While the teaser shows just the headlight, the 2006 Infiniti Coupe Concept gives you a real good idea of what to expect in the looks department.

The other Infiniti debut at NY is called the EX Concept, which is said to showcase new technology that the automaker will implement on production cars for the first time ever by the end of 2007. We'll be in the Big Apple to bring you all the news as it happens.

[Source: NYIAS]

Next Infiniti G Coupe officially named G37 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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