Road Test: 2012 Infiniti G37x S - Driving

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Art in motion, the Infiniti G Coupe is a seductive automobile with more curves than Lady Gaga. Stimulating performance, a lavishly appointed interior and a bevy of technological marvels make it a showpiece car on any driveway.

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The Infiniti G also comes in sedan and convertible versions, and its drive power goes to the rear or all four wheels. All versions share the same basic chassis, have similar exterior dimensions and an identical wheelbase, yet body styling and interiors are unique to each model configuration.

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The Coupe edition is particularly attractive, and is available in rear-drive, all-wheel drive and three levels of sportiness, Premium, Sport and IPL. An acronym for Infiniti Performance Line, the IPL Coupe pulls an extra 18 horsepower out of the V6 engine and adds a more aggressive exhaust note and a firmer suspension that provides even crisper handling.

Interestingly, Infiniti groups rear-drive with its manual transmission and all-wheel-drive with its 7-speed automatic, unless you buy an IPL, which only comes in rear-drive. My test car was a G37 XS. The “X” indicates all-wheel drive and “S” stands for sport, so it came with an automatic transmission. It’s also about as far down the performance road as most buyers will probably dare to venture, as it still retains a reason-able level of ride comfort.

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New standard features on all 2012 models include a RearView Monitor, an 8-way power passenger seat and a new centre console design on automatic transmission-equipped models. An Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with Plasmacluster air purifier has also been added to an optional Technology Package.

Potential domestic challengers, like Mustang and Camaro, are a some-what different breed of performance coupe. They offer more power for less money and highline versions are certainly worthy rivals. Most likely, how-ever, an Infiniti G37 Coupe buyer will probably be cross-shopping at Audi, BMW or Lexus dealerships (models and prices attached).

THE LOOKS

The G Coupe is a very attractive auto-mobile from just about any angle. Its curvaceous body gently bows over the engine and front wheels, has sweeping side-view character lines and impressively tight panel gap lines. Up front, Infiniti’s signature double-arch grill is flanked by stylized L-shape bi-xenon headlight assemblies. In the rear, the G Coupe has broad flanks with large (L-shaped) LED tail lights. That rear spoiler comes with the Sport models and reduces rear lift at high speed. Chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets are a nice finishing touch. A second latch on the G37’s aluminum hood ensures a precise fit and typifies Infiniti’s attention to design detail. Hood strut supports, instead of a prop-rod, are another indicator of high-quality. The Sport package adds a unique front fascia, special side sills and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with performance tires.

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THE INSIDE

A snug fitting wraparound cock-pit greets the G Coupe driver. On first entry, my initial impression of the cabin was that it’s a bit too con-fining. After making all my person-al adjustments and sinking into its glovelike fit, however, it transformed into a secure and comfy experience. A unique feature of the dash is its instrument panel pod that moves in unison with the adjustable steering column, so that the driver always has an unobstructed view of the gauges.

The multitude of seat adjustments included power side bolsters on both the seatback and the seat cushion, however, these side-mounted controls are awkwardly positioned. A personal favourite was the seat cushion front extension that provides additional tight support. Head room, however, was only just about sufficient and could be an issue for tall drivers. While the rear seats look inviting, head room is much more restrictive for the G Coupe’s rear occupants, due to the steep slope of the back window, which starts above this area. Automated power controls on both sides of the front passenger seat make entry and exits from the rear easier. On a slope, however, the large doors can overcome the spring-loaded stop and they tend to swing back to close.

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SAFETY

Occupant protection built into the body structure and drivetrain of the G Coupe is impressive. In a high-speed frontal collision the engine will slide under the cabin, the bulkhead is double-wall constructed to protect the lower leg area and the driveshaft has a breakaway feature.

THE DRIVE

There’s a performance edge and devilish tone to the exhaust of the G37 that separates it from its more sedate luxury class counterparts. It’s a complete package, too, that starts with a front-midship chassis, which centres heavy drivetrain components between the axles, for better handling characteristics. At its performance core is the 3.7-litre VQ-series engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL), which can spin to 7,500 rpm before the tachometer turns red. The VVEL system is a mix of hydraulically controlled valve timing and electronically controlled intake valves. A level of technical sophistication that’s simply amazing for those of us who worked on old cable operated carburetor engines. Next in line is an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission. Here again the level of sophistication is astounding. It adapts to your personal driving style, has an auto sport mode for spirited driving and a manual mode that can be operated with solid magnesium steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (Sport edition). Its top overdrive gears also contribute to the G37’s impressively low highway fuel consumption. Power to the wheels of my test G 37 Coupe went via an all-wheel-drive system called ATTE-SA E-TS. It’s a mouthful of an acronym that stands for “Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split” and it’s a definite plus in Canadian winter driving conditions. What’s different about this system is that it allows the G Coupe to operate like a rear-drive car in normal driving conditions. An active torque distribution management system instantly kicks into action when wheel slip is recognized and can redirect up to 50 per cent of drive power to the front wheels.

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My tester also came with Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC). Laser sensors are used to identify and maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. It automatically adjusts vehicle speed and can operate braking to maintain that distance.

THE SCORE

Good to look at and great to drive, the Infiniti G37 Coupe is a special automobile.

THE SPECS

Sticker Price: $46,700 to $57,200 Power: 3.7-litre V6, 330 & 348 horsepower.

Transmission: 6-speed manual / 7 speed automatic

Fuel consumption: 11/7.4 L/100 km (city/highway)

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 100,000 km

Powertrain Warranty: 6 years / 110,000 km

Rust Warranty: 7 years / unlimited km

THE COMPETITION

Audi A5: $46,700 – $50,600

BMW 3-Series Coupe: $44,300 – $58,800

Lexus IS C: $49,100 – $57,000

Contact Bob at drivingwheel.ca

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