2008 Infiniti G37 coupe
When Infiniti first released the G35, the brand in my opinion finally got noticed. Not only did sales skyrocket, but they were forced to produce a coupe version. Now both of them are so popular, Infiniti has redesigned the G35 and has distinguished the sedan between the coupe with the all new G37.
With a redesign of a car, there come many new and updated components, including a brand new powerful engine, new front suspension, better interior and different dimensions. The engine is a 3.7-litre Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL), 330 HP and 270lb feet of torque. It has 30HP more than the BMW 335i coupe, but 30lb feet of less torque.
Now, you have the option of getting a 5-speed automatic transmission which includes new calibration, modified torque and paddle shifters or you can opt for the 6-speed manual where the clutch is refined for a much smoother ride. Four-wheel active steering (4WAS) will be available on coupes with the Premium Package.
The new G37 coupe will feature a new grill with a signature double arch, new front and rear headlights in the shape of an L, and new integrated spoiler. There are small changes to the dimensions of the new coupe, but most notably, the overall length increases about 1inch. It still remains low to the ground and wide which to me has made it stay popular. To stay with its roots (G35), Infiniti took all the components from the G35 sedan and put it into the G37 coupe so drivers upgrading from it to the G37 coupe can feel right at home. The layout, seats, shift lever, and steering wheel are all based on the G35 sedan.
One area in which we know the G37 falls short is the shifting action for the automatic transmission, which must be toggled forward for up shifts and backward for downshifts (the opposite of BMW practice). People have always liked pulling back on the lever to trigger the next higher gear as acceleration drives us into the seat, as if we were shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. Pushing forward on the lever to downshift under braking is similarly intuitive.
From the first hard corner, it’s easy to sense the G37′s focus. There’s better body control and firmer damping than in the BMW 335i. More impressive is the steering, which offers just the right compromise of surface feel, steering effort and feedback. This makes the G37 more intuitive and better behaved at the cornering limit than the BMW even without the option 4WAS.
Infiniti had the security notch up on high for this one and hadn’t released a price yet, but the estimated pricing ranges from $35 000 to $45 000.
Hey, I don’t know much about cars but I do want to own one of those cars you put up on your blog…