C ar S cene I nvestigation: Infiniti G37

Having branched out from Nissan to become a luxury brand, we come to see how the G37 convertible stands up to meet the expectations of the Japanese luxury segment—one currently dominated by Lexus.

· Design & Engineering:

In a statement from Infiniti, the company stresses that they shape their vehicles in sync with what nature provides. For instance, the G37 convertible has a pleasing exterior form, fitting very well indeed against the backdrop of the bay, or other symbolic areas of nature. This has to do largely with the styling of the sheet metal used. Clearly, we can see that the designers at Infiniti have really put in effort, for the vehicle has a rather natural, and somewhat well balanced stance. From the front, the nose bearing the Infiniti badge amongst the grill protrudes outward, flanked by bi-xenon lights (which come as a standard option). Being the premium cut, optional luxuries found on rivals come as standard, such as headlight washers. From the side, the convertible transforms itself from convertible (three-piece hardtop) to coupé in a mere 25 seconds—though operation is only engaged when the vehicle is stationary. No matter, at whichever form it takes, the G37 manages to look graceful, as if of royal descent. Of course, ‘paltry’ features such as a smart key system come as standard, engaged via a button on the handle. From the rear, two chrome tailpipes emerge out at the bottom, obviously not in chrome, as such an attention seeking detail would be considered a designer faux pas. Additionally, the luxury Japanese marque also sports a chrome rear boot-lid which houses an integrated high-mounted brake light, as well as a parking monitor system camera which of course, comes as standard.

· Interior

Keep in mind. The cost. Of course, as a convertible targeted at the luxury segment, what you pay is what you get. Thus, the luxuriously appointed interior is clean and clear, and exudes a suitably expensive look. From the driver’s side, a thick yet somehow sporty three-spoke leather steering wheel featuring an array of buttons literally overcrowds the wheel. For that extra touch, magnesium paddle shifters allow quick shifting and easy transitions into the silky smooth gears. As for the speedometer, outlined in an icy dark blue, and with a top speed of 280km/h, an LCD screen displays all the essential information needed for successful driving. In the center console, a large 7-inch multi-information display monitor uses a clear colour screen (taken from more expensive Nissan models) displays the radio, CD player, telephony system, GPS, etc. As for the sound system (as Lexus has Mark Levinson), Infiniti shoots for the best—a Bose surround sound system dominates the interior, and integrates itself into the front headrests as well. As for the premium leather seats, an Infiniti badge is sewn into the front seats, which come with heating and cooling, as well as electrically adjustable seats. Around the gearshift area, the button for the hardtop sits comfortably in between the seat temperature settings. At the rear, despite having an incredibly long wheelbase for such a convertible in its segment, the rear seats fit two adults—though for journeys no further than a run from the country club back to the office.

· Ride & Handlings

As its name suggests, the G37 houses a 3.7-liter V6 engine, one taken directly from Nissan’s 370Z, and when mated to a 7-speed gearbox, produces 320 BHP, with the century sprint completed in 6.7 seconds. Despite being half a second slower than BMW’S twin-turbo charged 335i, the G37 weighs in at nearly 1.9-tonnes. Regardless of one’s driving style or personality, when piloting the G37, one can drive like a mad man, or can take to the shops in a comfortable, classy style. And indeed, it is a swift, and refined vehicle, clearly defining the words luxury. Then of course, needless to say, road noise and wind noise are kept at a bear minimal, with the burble of the hefty V6 heard in the background.

· Verdict

Subtle hints of its hidden power and the luxury as to which it beholds from the outside, with a richly appointed interior. However, despite trying ever so hard to fit into the luxury segment, I still find that Infiniti simply tries just a tad to hard. Thus, if one sees the G37’s powerful V6 as an attractive bait, I say, why not go for the cheaper, more hardcore Nissan 370Z? If not, you’re still better off heading off over to Lexus.

Sorry Infiniti. Next time then.