Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible. What a beautiful car with top up or down. The G convertible is available in two trim levels: standard and Sport 6MT which is available with a 6-speed manual transmission. There is also a Premier Edition featuring unique accents, such as Monaco Red seats and a Midnight Black grille. All versions come equipped with traction control and Infiniti’s Vehicle Dynamic Control.
With the top down it is surprisingly quiet allowing easy conversation with passengers and with well placed speakers the audio is as good as it gets and better than most. The design prevents wind entering the cabin even at highway speed.
The hardtop mechanics add weight which helps push the car up over 4,000 lbs. It gives it a solid ride, but tucked away in the trunk there is little room left for stowing anything. Another reason for the hard top convertible being attractive to me because I like the security of a hard top when parked. Some years ago I tested a Pontiac Convertible and coming out to the parking garage in our condo the top slashed, all items removed from the car and it cost $3,800 to replace the top.
Opinion:
Handling & Performance:
Fast because of the 325 horses, solid ride because of the 4,000 lb., weight and fun to drive because of the wide low stance. I can do without manual shift paddles and find little need for them. I’m yet to hear anyone saying how great that feature is. I would drop the feature especially in light of the fact that you can’t shift as efficiently as the automatic mode allows. It’s a waste of money in my book.
Styling:
Sometimes it’s the simple things that distinguish one from another – anything… the Infiniti signature analog clock is an example that is such a subtle classy item. Mr. Critical – Merkel – surprised me in his approval of the styling / design of the hard drop top 3-piece sectional. I agree.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Pricey. But in class and competition with BMW 3 Series and Mercedes SLK it doesn’t look so bad.
Conveniences and comfort:
Smart key allows you to keep the key fob in your pocket or purse. It really spoils you and although you’d think women (notorious for losing their keys) would think ‘out of sight – out of mind’ would only worsen the problem… but the answer is no. you need only have the ignition fob on your person to enter the car and start it. This will be a common feature of all cars very soon.
The convertible top is great and it is so easy you will actually use it often. Of course there is a drawback in that it limits the trunk storage space and if you carry a lot of stuff this won’t work. The3-piece roof folds away in 28 seconds leaving a mere 2 cubic feet of storage space with the top down and 10.3 with the top up. The rear seat can serve as a place for your stuff but in a pinch it will also accommodate seating for 2 adult passengers.
Consumer Recommendation:
If you’re not a convertible kinda person, the coupe will save you a bundle… approximately $7,000.
Recognized Competition:
Infiniti G Convertible $44-47,000, Audi A5 $36-44,000, BMW 1-Series $29-40,000, BMW 3-Series $33-51,000, Chevrolet Camaro $23-34,000, Dodge Challenger $23-41,000, Ford Mustang $22-38,000, Hyundai Genesis Coupe $22-32,000, Lexus IS C $39-45,000, Mazda RX8 $27-32,000, Mercedes Benz SLK $47-67,000, Nissan Z $30-41,000, Saab 9-3 $29-45,000, Volvo C70 $40,000.
Good News:
Fast, ultra easy convertible top up and down device, and good fuel numbers for a performance car.
Bad News:
Small rear seat but better than most.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter 325 hp V6 engine, Rear wheel drive, 7-speed auto trans with sport drive and manual shift, independent front & rear suspension, 3-piece power retractable hard top with one button touch up and down, heated power folding mirrors, 18” aluminum alloy wheels, leather seats, 8-way power front seats, tilt and telescoping leather wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls, intelligent key with push button ignition, 6-speaker audio system with CD player & XM Satellite, iPod connection, 7” color display with rearview monitor, cruise control, Bluetooth phone system, auto headlights, power windows, climate control dual zone, front and side airbags, pop-up roll bars, 4-wheel ABS power brake system with brake force distribution, vehicle dynamic control, traction control, tire pressure monitor, vehicle security system with Immobilizer.
Gas Stats:
$2.98/ Gal avg. October 25, ‘09
