Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe Journey. The all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 is also available in Coupe and Coupe Sport 6MT. Powered by a larger and more powerful 3.7-liter 330-horsepower engine that produces 270 lb-ft of torque, the G37 is lower, longer and wider than its predecessor. The second-generation coupe’s ride and handling is enhanced by a stiffer platform, optional 19-inch wheels, standard Vehicle Dynamic Control and optional 4-Wheel Active Steer system. The updated exterior styling features an expressive front fascia, L-shaped HID bi-xenon headlights with integrated fog lights and wave-style hood in the front while the rear features broad fenders, large LED taillights and large dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers. The interior features an all-new design as well.
General Info:
Parts – n/a.
Assembly – Los Angeles, CA USA
Class: – Sub compact cars.
Cars: – EX, FX, G35, G37, M and QX56.
We often hear negative things about the auto industry but it really takes a bad rap. Car salesmen are untrustworthy, many would echo, dealer repair is a rip off, etc. all the way to the top where salaries are way too high. But these same folks are the salt of the earth, grass roots people and average Americans as well. Now, if you’re interested in the really bad people look to companies in the news like Enron and Bear Sterns.
In any case, when you’re a Goliath you attract a lot of attention. But you know what; unlike the brokerage houses car makers ACTUALLY make a product. And as bad as they seem sometimes you need to consider the car you’re driving. Pretty fantastic, eh? Also consider all the small businesses they support – Thanks, GM, Chrysler and Ford. Consider all the mom and pop aftermarket businesses that have been spawned and sprout up over night because of the car. And finally, consider they have done it for the past 100 years.
Handling & Performance:
If you don’t like to feel the road you won’t like the ride in this G37, but you can’t NOT like the power, acceleration and handling characteristics of this car. I like the feel much better than the BMW (especially the 3-series that competes directly with this G37).
I knew this was a special performer the minute I drove it for the first time. Then when on the Crest Test some wise ass didn’t like that I passed him / her and hot on my tail after speeding up significantly faster than before my pass. So I left that one in my dust with much more performance than either of us expected. When you’re the new kid on the block everyone must challenge you. Guess I would have done that too as I was growing up IN HIGH SCHOOL… Sorry didn’t mean to yell.
If paddle shifters, tiptronic or manual auto shift (whatever you care to call it) is your thing the Infiniti guys finally got it right with long enough paddles for effective use. That was most noticeable in the mountains where lots of turns in the middle shifting can be distracting in many other applications. Nice touch and kudos to Nissan.
Styling:
Sometimes you gotta wonder what these design folks are thinking when they design anything. That’s the first thing I thought when I sat in the car, closed the door and then proceeded to adjust my seat. I was frustrated by the fact my hand wouldn’t fit between the door and the controls. Huh? What’s this all about? I had to open the door to adjust the seat settings.
Friend Merkel asked me just yesterday, “Don’t these guys drive the cars before they put them out for sale?” I’ve thought that same thing often and wonder why they don’t have us test them BEFORE they actually pump them out like cookies. Go figure.
Fit and Finish:
Outstanding.
Cost:
Priced about 5 grand less than the 3-series BMW similarly equipped. Now that’s aggressive sales.
Features and Conveniences:
More than you need and just enough in today’s world. Today it is arguable that you need traffic warning alerts, lane monitors that beep at you when you drift into the next lane and laser sensors that keep you from getting too close to the car in front of you with intelligent cruise control.
Hey, before you know it these smart cars will be driving themselves and we’ll just be along for the ride.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you’re looking at BMW in particular, you’ll want to test drive this Infiniti coupe. Very nice and I prefer it over the German options.
Recognized Competition:
Infiniti G37 $35-36,000, Cadillac CTS $33-35,000, Jaguar X-type $34,330, Lincoln MKZ $31-33,000, Audi A4 $29-48,000, Mercedes-Benz C-Class $32-37,000, Acura TL $34-38,000, Saab 9-3 $28-46,000, Toyota Avalon $27-34,000, Volvo S60 $31-34,000, Chrysler 300 $25-42,000, Lexus IS $31-36,000, BMW 3-Series $32-49,000.
Good News:
Lots of power and magnificent handling, classy styling and very nice electronics.
Bad News:
Only fair fuel economy, rear seat entry and exit is a struggle and the trunk is rather small.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter 330 hp V6 front engine with rear wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission, independent front and rear suspension with stabilizer bars, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist 4-wheel ABS brakes, vehicle speed sensitive power steering, Zero-lift front aerodynamics, auto high intensity headlights with built in fog lights, 18” aluminum wheels, chrome front grill, leather 8-way power driver’s and passenger seats, intelligent key with pushbutton starter (love it), XM satellite radio, 6-speaker audio system with 6-in-dash CD changer and MP3 playback, 7-inch color display, cruise control with steering wheel controls, power windows, leather wrapped steering wheel & shift knob, manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, analog clock, dual zone climate control, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, air bag system with front side impact bags and roof mounted side curtain bags, child LATCH system, tire pressure monitoring system and vehicle security system with immobilizer.
Options: technology package – intelligent cruise and adaptive front lighting, Premium package – moonroof, Bose audio upgrade, iPod interface, memory seats steering wheel and mirrors, blue tooth hands free, power tilt & telly. Sport package – paddle shifters, limited slip differential, 19” wheels, sport tuned suspension. Navigation package – hard drive nav system w/touch screen, lane guidance, XM Nav traffic with real time information, voice recognition, 9.3 GB music box hard drive to replace 6-in-dash CD changer, Compact flash slot for MP3 files, rear view monitor and front and rear active Steer system.
Total options $9,700.
$3.60/ Gal avg. Mar 17, ‘08
for more information.
18 City and 24 Highway MPG
www.safercar.gov or 888-327-4236
Pricing:
MSRP $35,000; with Options $44,700.
