Infiniti G37S: Quick Test

Pressed for time? Here's a one-sentence design review of Infiniti's new performance luxury coupe: The G37S is gorgeous. This new coupe just looks great from every angle - perfectly proportioned, with a dynamic wedge profile that is both athletic and elegant.

Inside, the promise of its perfectly proportioned exterior is fully delivered upon: With a combination of style and functional ergonomics, the interior of the G37S lives up to expectations. The cabin features the usual mix of leather, high-grade soft-touch plastics and great looking aluminum accents with a texture that simulates hand-made Japanese Washi paper. This is a particularly nice touch that shows a heritage unique to this class, as the G37's competition for the moment amounts to a few coupes from Europe, notably BMW's 335i.

Our test car didn't have the excellent navigation system we've experienced in other Infiniti products, but even without it, you still get a big multi-function screen at the top of the center console.

Luckily, we did have the 6-speed manual transmission. Rowing through the gears was mostly a positive experience, with the shifter's short, precise throws feeling more sporting than any other element in what is primarily a luxury car.

Under the beautifully sculpted aluminum hood is yet another major attraction: A 3.7 liter DOHC V6 that is lots more than just a stroked version of the previous 3.5 liter V6. The new engine features Infiniti's Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system which works in concert with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System to improve performance and mileage, as well as to reduce emissions.

End result? 330 hp and 270 lb. ft. of torque, along with a Tier 2 Low Emissions Vehicle rating from the EPA - impressive, with power enough to push the heavy 3670 lb. coupe from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

The V-6 also sounds great - at least from outside the car, as the cabin is so well insulated that you don't get quite enough inside of the impressive soundtrack.

Modern multi-link suspension along with speed-sensitive variable-assist power steering give the G37S a solid one-two combo when the road gets twisty. An optional four-wheel active steering package adds yet another element to the G37's bag of tricks.

The engine, while located in the front, is actually mostly in between the axle centerlines. This placement gives the car near-perfect weight distribution front to rear and excellent handling characteristics. While it is too softly sprung for serious track work, it's comfortable with its identity: a beautiful coupe designed for grace on overcrowded public roads... with the character for occasional enthusiastic outbursts.

Stylish, quiet, compliant, the G coupe has most of the dynamics of its well-heeled Bavarian competition while offering more luxury content for the dollar. Its gorgeous good looks promise an elegant and sporting experience, and as it turns out, its engine and interior delivers on those promises in perfect proportion.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

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