2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan
Better Than Ever
When I first drove the Infiniti G sedan in 2003, I was blown away. This car had excellent power, phenomenal handling, sleek styling and a reasonable price. I nearly bought one. Had I done so, that 2003 model would still be sporty enough to contend in today’s market. However, Infiniti didn’t rest on its laurels, it freshened the styling two years ago, and now has upgraded the power train for 2009.
The G sedan, now called the G37, features a 3.7-liter V-6 with variable-valve timing. It generates 328 horsepower, which is 22 more than last year’s model had. The G37 also comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission, replacing the six-speed from before. Together, they will rush this sport sedan up to 60 in a little over five seconds, and deliver up to 26 mpg.
As in the past, the G comes in four models, the base G37, the Journey, the Sport MT and the G37x. All are well equipped with leather seats, automatic air conditioning, satellite radio, keyless entry and start and bi-xenon headlights. The Journey adds luxury features, like a 6-disc CD changer and automatic headlights. The Sport MT gets a sport suspension and 18-inch wheels, and comes only with a six-speed manual gearbox. The G37x features Infiniti’s intelligent all-wheel drive.
The body styling and the interior remain unchanged for 2009. The G37 sheet metal still projects a purposeful and athletic image. The cabin is smartly styled, but not overdone. One interior feature that stood out for me was the tilting mechanism for the steering wheel. When you tilt the steering wheel, the instrument panel moves with it. No matter how far you adjust it, you still have a good view of the gauges.
The G37 seats four adults comfortably. Rear-seat passengers have decent head and legroom, even a bit more than those in a 3-Series BMW. The G could use a few more storage bins in the cabin, but the cargo area in the trunk is large for this class of car at 13.5 cu.-ft.
Yet, what turns buyers on about the G37 is the driving experience. This car has superb power and outstanding handling. Hit the accelerator and the engine growls and launches you on to the freeway in a flash. Take it out on a twisty two-laner, and it makes child’s play of the switchbacks. It is so responsive and well balanced that it makes you feel like a better driver than you probably are. The G37 is a primo sport sedan.
Infiniti starts the pricing for the G37 at $34,115. My test car, a Journey model, loaded with the optional Navigation, Technology, Premium, and Sport packages had bottom line of $42,365.
Snapshot Review:
More Power
Great Handling
Reasonable Price
A Primo Sport Sedan
