Infiniti G37S Part 3: Performance Review

The original 2003 Infiniti G35 was a pivotal car for Nissan's luxury-performance division. At a time when Infiniti was at the edge of possible extinction, the G35 single-handedly injected the company with life in the form of much needed sales and began to establish the brand as a serious contender to the likes of BMW.

In fact, more than any other model, it was the G35 that helped to re-define Infiniti as the "Japanese BMW." Now, with its product lineup full of fantastic and competitive models, Infiniti aims to take the fight to BMW and their perennial class-leading 3-series coupes with the 2008 G37S.

And it should be a good fight, as the Infiniti coupe packs a ton of content as standard equipment, as well as one hell of a punch.

Under the beautifully sculpted aluminum hood of the G37S is one of the main attractions of this car. The 3.7 liter DOHC V6 - code named VQ37 - is more than just a stroked version of the previous 3.5 liter V6. It features Infiniti's VVEL system, which stands for: Variable Valve Event & Lift. VVEL works in concert with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System to improve performance and mileage, as well as to reduce emissions. The engine also sounds great - at least from outside the car, as the cabin is so well insulated that you don't get quite enough of the impressive soundtrack.

The end result is 330 hp and 270 lb. ft. of torque, along with a Tier 2 Low Emissions Vehicle rating from the EPA - pretty impressive given this car's performance. In fact, it helps you feel a little less guilty when you're burning up the rear tires with the help of the limited-slip differential that is standard on the G37S.

But the limited-slip differential is only one of the punches that the G37S has up its sleeve. The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, along with the speed sensitive variable assist power steering, give the G37S a solid one-two combo when the road gets twisty. There is also a four-wheel active steering package available that adds yet another element to the G37's bag of tricks. And while the car is too softly sprung for serious track work, it's perfectly judged for what it is: a beautiful coupe designed for public roads... with occasional enthusiastic outbursts.

As with every other Infiniti model - with the exception of the QX56 SUV - the G37S rides on Nissan's FM Platform. FM stands for Front Midship, meaning that the engine, while located in the front, is actually mostly in the middle of the axle centerlines. This engine placement provides the car with near perfect weight distribution front to rear, giving the Infiniti coupe excellent handling characteristics.

On the braking front, large 14-in. front brake rotors with four piston calipers and nearly as large 13.8-in. rear rotors with two piston calipers bring things to a halt quickly, effectively and repeatedly without complaint.

The last thing we need to mention is the slick six-speed gearbox with its short, precise throws. It works impressively well, although the clutch pedal has a long travel and a high take-up. At least Infiniti understands that buyers in this segment appreciate the choice of manual or automatic transmissions. Thank you Infiniti.

Looking like a solid upcoming young contender, the G37S refuses to be ignored. BMW and any other competitor entering this ring should pay close attention to this one, as there's a strong value/performance equation here that they may find hard to match. This fight definitely looks to go the full twelve rounds.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience

Infiniti G37S

Performance
- Acceleration: Torque-rich VQ37 pulls well from anywhere on the tach - flat torque curve means it doesn't feel a quick as it is
- Handling: Good compromise between comfort and sport, leaning toward comfort - but limited-slip differential (LSD) means you can get sporty too...
- Braking: No longer supplied by Brembo, the brakes feel great nonetheless

Design
- Exterior: Perfect proportions and subtle surfacing produce one of the best looking cars on the road 
- Interior: A near match for the excellent exterior design - great textured aluminum accents

Utility
- Comfort: Very spacious coupe... for the front passengers
- Space: Using the rear seats as storage space means there's plenty of room

Safety
- Dynamics: Very predictable chassis has no bad habits - perhaps a bit too softly sprung? 
- Technology: Excellent stability control system and all the safety goodies you'd expect

Value
- Price: More content as standard equipment than its competitors and nearly all of the performance
- Mileage: V6 does well when driven with a light throttle foot

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: The best (and only) Japanese performance luxury coupe moves you with its gorgeous looks
- Fun to spank: Willing partner on track with its LSD, but not really at its best when driven hooligan style

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear wheel drive
Engine: 3.7 liter, V6
Power (SAE): 330 hp @  7000 rpm
Torque: 270 lbs-ft @  5200 rpm
Redline: 7500 rpm
Gearbox: 6 speed manual
Curb Weight: 3670 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.4 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.1 sec. @ 102 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $36,200
Competitors: BMW 335i, Mercedes Benz CLK350, Audi A5