2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible Review

THE AUTO PAGE
By
JOHN HEILIG

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible
Engine: 3.7-liter DOHC V6
Horsepower/Torque: 325 hp @ 7,000 rpm/267 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual/7-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 112.2 in.
Length/Width/Height: 183.3 x 72.9 x 55.1 in.
Tires: P225/50R18 (F)/P245/45R18 (R)
Cargo volume: 10.2/2.0 cu. ft. (top up/down)
Fuel economy: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway (AT)
Fuel capacity: 20.0 gal.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti’s first G convertible is a certain winner. It has a powerful 3.7-liter V6, gorgeous styling, great handling and a package of technology features that will satisfy the most ardent technophile. Unfortunately, it’s being marketed as a four-seater, but the rear seats are essentially useless for normal people with legs.

Infiniti has a marvelous line of automobiles in its G series; a sedan, a coupe and now a convertible. The sedan and coupe have proven themselves as performance vehicles which have far outstripped their “luxury car” status.

While the G37 convertible is built on the same FM (Front Midships) platform as the coupe and sedan, the convertible was designed as a convertible from the start. And while it is faithful to the coupe’s design and styling, it is still its own car. One mantra of the design team was to keep the coupe’s proportions in the convertible, especially with the top up.

The convertible’s body is a totally new design from the A-pillar back.

In order to do this, a three-piece hard convertible top uses a unique “clamshell” folding mechanism to fit neatly within a normal trunk, rather than having to extend or raise the trunk to accommodate the folded top. Raising and lowering the top requires the push of one button and takes about 30 seconds. Cargo capacity suffers, of course, from a modest 10.33 cubic feet with the top up to a miniscule 2.0 cubic feet with the top stowed. But, one doesn’t buy a vehicle like the G37 convertible as a cargo carrier.

One buys a vehicle like the G37 for performance, and the G37 delivers. Let’s understand something. Shortly after the G35 was introduced, it was followed by the Nissan 350Z. When the G37 coupe appeared, it was shortly followed by the 370Z. May we expect the 370Z convertible shortly?

Under the graceful long hood is a 3.7-liter double overhead cam V6 rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is directed to the rear wheels through either a 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

The coupe’s rear suspension has been beefed up with a double wishbone front suspension and independent link rear suspension, both with stabilizer bars. Handling is sports car excellent, without the harshness of some sports car suspensions. Highway performance is as fine as on winding roads.

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. Front brake discs are 14 inche sin diameter, whiel the rears are 13.8 inches.

Inside, the G37 convertible is all Infiniti. The seats are leather, with climate control. The seats’ heating and cooling functions supplement the adaptive climate control and, importantly, cool the seats quickly on a hot day. The available Bose Open-air sound system has seat-mounted speakers and changes equalization based on outside noise, top position and vehicle speed. While it’s possible to see the headrest-mounted speakers, it’s hard to tell the sound is coming from them.

For safety, besides a host of air bags, there is premier braking, which assists in maintaining a constant following distance from the vehicle ahead. Intelligent cruise control offers a similar function.

Two models of the G37 convertible will be available when it officially goes on sale in June 2009; G37 Convertible and G37 Convertible 6MT with the manual gearbox and 19-inch wheels. A host of options packages are available; Premium, Navigation, Technology, and Performance Tire and Wheel.

Like the rest of the G family of Infiniti vehicles, the G37 Convertible is a solid performance car that won’t jar your fillings when you’re just using it to get from Point A to Point B. It’s fun and exciting.

© 2009 The Auto Page Syndicate