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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Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Luxury

Oh boy, this is about to get confusing with a capital Q.

Infiniti has just announced a brand-new scheme that calls for completely new model names across its entire lineup of vehicles. Making things even more difficult will be the fact that all coupes, convertible and sedans will get a Q prefix while all crossovers and SUVs will be prefixed with QX.

Further muddying the waters, previous engine displacement monikers will be replaced by a double-digit number "representing hierarchy within the range." Put less simply, the slot in the lineup currently held by the G Sedan will be called Q50 while the G Coupe and Convertible will be called Q60. Q70 will replace the M Sedan at the top of the automaker's lineup of cars.

On the truck side, the range-topping QX is now the QX80. Sitting below is the QX70, which was formerly the FX, then the QX60 that used to be the JX and finally the QX50, which was but is no longer the EX. Qonfused yet?

Getting back to the G... excuse us, Q50, this is the new sedan that Infiniti had previously announced would be debuting at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Best we can tell, this is a replacement for the old G Sedan, and it will sit below the currently available G Coupe and G Convertible, which will be renamed Q60.

The Q50 will be the first model from Infiniti to fall into the new Q-based naming convention, with the rest of the automaker's lineup falling into place as 2014 models are announced. Infiniti said on a conference call that this move was necessary as the brand branches out beyond the United States.

"This strategic change reflects Infiniti's desire for clarity and cohesiveness," says the press release, which you can read below. Hopefully, that will clear everything up for you...

Continue reading Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme

Infiniti queues up questionable Q and QX naming scheme originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sebastian Vettel and Melanie Fiona star in new music video

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Infiniti, Celebrities, Luxury

The Infiniti Inspired Performers series takes Red Bull Formula One team drivers out of the cockpit and into videos that require a different skill set. As part of his ongoing role in the campaign, Sebastian Vettel has now given up kung-fu in China on the Mission Impossible set for wheelman work in New Jersey on a music video set with singer Melanie Fiona and the song "Watch Me Work."

Sure, driving and drifting an Infiniti G37 Convertible doesn't sound like a big step away from his day job, but Vettel also helps get the party started, and gets to play DJ. You can watch him and Fiona work in the video below, plus have a look at the behind-the-scenes.

Continue reading Sebastian Vettel and Melanie Fiona star in new music video

Sebastian Vettel and Melanie Fiona star in new music video originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

Jeffrey N. Ross — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Volvo

It happens every year. We bid adieu to some cars and trucks that will be missed, and say good riddance to others wondering how they stayed around so long. Whether they're being killed off for slow sales or due to a new product coming along to replace them, the list of vehicles being discontinued after 2012 is surprisingly long and diverse.

CNN Money has compiled a list of departing vehicles, to which we've added a few more of our own. In the slow sales column, cars like the Lexus HS 250h, Mercedes-Benz R-Class and the full Maybach lineup appear, while the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda CX-7 and Hyundai Veracruz are all having their gaps filled with more modern and more fuel-efficient alternatives. Obvious exceptions to the rule include models that still sell in decent numbers like the Jeep Liberty and the Chrysler Town & Country (which will eventually be replaced by a crossover-like vehicle).

Check out our gallery of discontinued cars above, then scroll down for more information.

Continue reading These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky

These cars are headed to the Great Crusher In The Sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600*

Chris Paukert — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

Remember when the price of entry to the "entry-level luxury" space was around $30,000? These days, that's the average price of a new car, nevermind something with premium brand cachet attached. Forgive our rose-colored glasses for a moment, but we've just come across the pricing announcement for the new-for-2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible and it starts at $60,600, *plus $895 for delivery. (If a fixed head is more your speed, the IPL G Coupe starts at $50,500). That's a whole lot of ducats.

Of course, this is the full-tilt Infiniti Performance Line model, with its 343-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ V6, spidery 19-inch wheels, tightened-up suspension, sportier exhaust and the buyer's choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed paddleshift automatic, to say nothing of the trick folding hardtop.

In truth, Infiniti's rivals from Bavaria ask even more for their BMW 335is convertible ($60,800) and it only has 320 horsepower. Audi and its 333-hp S5 Convertible is a wee bit lighter on the wallet, meanwhile, commanding at least $59,300 and offering all-wheel drive, but it doesn't make the same sexy noise that the the IPL does.

Of course, Infiniti still has some nice G models in the 30-$omething range and there's a full family of models in between to satisfy every junior executive's wallet. Us? If we really wanted a droptop from Nissan's upscale outpost, we'd probably forgo the IPL bits and content ourselves with the far less costly G37 Convertible - all $46,650 and 325-horsepower's worth - at least until the rumored 530-hp, twin-turbo IPL arrives.

Scroll down to read all of the pricing info for Infiniti's 2013 G Coupe and Convertible family.

Continue reading 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600*

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible priced from $60,600* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept - Click above to enlarge image

The first Infiniti Performance Line offering was unveiled at Pebble Beach last month in the form of the IPL G37 Coupe. The 348-horsepower G hardtop wears a factory-designed bodykit and came with engine and chassis tweaks to make things slightly firmer and faster. It goes on sale in December.

This week, its droptop brother will arrive at the Paris Motor Show. Infiniti hasn't announced power output, but we expect the IPL G Convertible Concept will probably be a shade less muscular than the coupe, as is the case with the non-IPL models. The automaker hasn't given away any hint of pricing, either, but VP Ben Poore did say "IPL promises unique driving attributes from other Infiniti models, without adding stratospheric prices," if that's any consolation. Stay tuned for complete details later in the week.

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris

Infiniti IPL G Convertible Concept to debut in Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2008: Infiniti lifts the lid on the 2009 G37 Convertible [w/VIDEO]

Michael Harley — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Infiniti

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.

Gallery: LA 2008: Infiniti G37 Convertible

Gallery: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Continue reading LA 2008: Infiniti lifts the lid on the 2009 G37 Convertible [w/VIDEO]

LA 2008: Infiniti lifts the lid on the 2009 G37 Convertible [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Second teaser of Infiniti G37 Convertible found

John Neff — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Infiniti

Click above for high-res gallery of Infiniti G37 Convertible teasers

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.

Gallery: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

[Source: Motor Authority]

Second teaser of Infiniti G37 Convertible found originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe

Michael Harley — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Nissan

Click above for high-res gallery of the G37 Coupe

Nissan has finally confirmed in writing what many of us had known all along... the 2009 model year will bring the new G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible, and the G37x Coupe to Infiniti showrooms. The G35 sedan gets a bump from 3.5-liters (306 hp) to 3.7-liters (328 hp) as it now shares its engine with the coupe. Rebadged the G37, an optional brake package adds 4-piston front/2-piston rear brakes and larger rotors to the sedan. A new 18-inch wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing) round out the upgrades. The all-new G37 convertible marks Infiniti's first drop-top since the 1992 M30 was discontinued, and the first open-air G. Based on the G37 Coupe, it features a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop. Finally, the new G37x is a G37 coupe fitted with Nissan's ATESSA E-TSÔ all-wheel drive system. While the G37 Sedan and G37x will go on sale in September and debut in less than two weeks at the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, we'll have to wait until the LA Auto Show in November for the debut of the G37 Convertible. Of course, Autoblog will be at both events to cover it for you.

Gallery: 2007 Infiniti G37 Coupe

[Source: Infiniti]

Continue reading Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe

Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nissan/Infiniti releases new business plan, confirms G37 convertible

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Crossover, Infiniti, Nissan, Earnings/Financials

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.

Continue reading Nissan/Infiniti releases new business plan, confirms G37 convertible

Nissan/Infiniti releases new business plan, confirms G37 convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 May 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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