2008 Infiniti G37 Review | Buyer Guide
Infiniti’s G Coupe Gets Even Better
What’s in a name, or in this case, a number? For the Infiniti’s G37 coupe, it means a bigger engine and a host of other upgrades. The G37 replaces the G35 coupe from last year.
The new G does not look radically different than its predecessor, but the redesigned headlights provide more flair, and new side sills give the car a stronger, more hunkered down look. The nineteen-inch wheels, like the ones on my test car, also convey the message that this car means business.
The interior gets enhancements as well. The cabin looks more refined now. It features twin-cockpit styling, with a dash that wraps around into the doors. Well-bolstered bucket seats sport perforated leather and contrasting stitching along the edges. Unique aluminum trim, with a parchment-like finish, graces the dash, console and doors.
Functionally, the cabin impresses as well. The 14-way power seats in my test car featured thigh extensions and adjustable bolsters. They provided great support and comfort. Additionally, these seats automatically slide forward to ease access to the ones in the rear. The tilt and telescoping steering column is also cleverly designed. It moves in sync with the instrument panel, so that tall and short drivers maintain a clear view of the gauges.
But the real story with the G37 is the new engine. It’s a 3.7-liter V-6 with 330 horsepower. That’s 37-55 more horsepower than last year’s models could generate. Yet, it delivers better gas mileage, 17-26 mpg, taking into account the new and tougher EPA standards. This is a smooth engine that pulls strongly from 2000 rpm, and delivers a sporty burble from the exhaust. It will rush the G37 up to 60 in just 5.5 seconds.
Teamed with the V-6 is a choice of a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox. The automatic has a manual mode, available paddle shifters and Adaptive Shift Control, all of which enable quick shifts for sports car driving. The six-speed manual, like the one in my test car, has been revised, and features a smoother, but still moderately stiff, clutch.
The G37 comes in three models, the base G37, the Journey and the Sport 6MT. The base model features a long list of standard features, but no available option packages. The Journey adds luxury items, like a Bose audio system, and access to options, such as the navigation system. The Sport 6MT gets a six-speed manual transmission, the sport suspension and 19-inch wheels.
My test car was a Sport 6MT, which is the model designed to appeal to the serious enthusiast. The G37 not only accelerates in a hurry, it handles as well as the best in its class. It can go toe-to-toe with a BMW 335i. The steering is quick, taking only a slight turn of the wheel to get the G37 to change direction. Furthermore, the G has great balance and terrific grip when cornering. And when you need to stop, huge vented disc brakes (14-inches up front) haul you down from speed with authority. The ride quality, with the sport suspension, is still very firm, but better than it was in the last model.
The G37 is a bargain as sports cars go. The starting price is just $34,965. My Sort 6MT test car, with the optional Premium package, had a suggested retail price of $39,465.
Snapshot Review
Powerful V-6
Class-Leading Handling
Well Equipped
Bargain Price
