Review - 2008 Infiniti G37
Mile for mile, the new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe is giving its rivals, BMW’s 3 series and the Audi A4, a run for their money. The new Infiniti G37 Coupe offers more power along with a stronger unibody construction making it an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts everywhere.
Since Infiniti introduced the G35 coupe in 2002, Infiniti coupes have been rated as the best buy for cars priced under 35k. The new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe is not exception. Popping the hood we find a 3.7 liter V-6 engine that certainly packs a punch. The G37 also offers six turbocharged and intercooled cylinders that are fed by direct injection. This process helps to maximize the G37s timing and lift on its intake values allowing an unbelievable 7,500 rpm redline. The G37 coupe is rated at a breathtaking 330 horsepower, and 270 pound-ft of torque. Overall, the new G37 shows Nissans commitment to advancing vehicle technology, by offering an amazing 35 percent improvement on new and unique parts in the G37 over the parts in last years G35 coupe.
The 2008 Infiniti G37 coupes new engine design is not only more powerful than previous years, but has also been improved in an effort to help increase fuel mileage and help reduce emission levels. A newly designed duel exhaust system helps to improve engine performance. With the new engine design in place, one can expect to get around 15 miles per gallon. Considering the G37 has a base curb weight of around 5,000 pounds and such a powerful engine 15 miles per gallon is an adequate rate for a vehicle this size. And with a 22.5 gallon gas tank, one can go a pretty good distance on a tank of fuel. On the down side, it is recommended that you only fill your Infiniti G37 with premium fuel, making the car costly to fill.
Other mechanical features of the Infiniti G37 include the choice between a five-speed automatic or six speed manual power train. The automatic transmission is electronically controlled adaptive shift control (ASC) which allows for quicker shifts when driving in sporty situations. The six speed manual transmission offers a newly designed lightweight power train. The Infiniti G37s lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension offers aluminum components with large stabilizer bars both front and rear for better handling. The enhanced Front Mid-ship platform has been strengthened 36 percent from the 2007 model and has also been lowered in height as well as widened in both the front and the rear.
A standard feature on all of the new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupes is the Vehicle Dynamic Control which helps to increase the vehicle stability in various driving conditions. Coupled with the twin-orifice vehicle-speed-sensing design, the G37 offers optimal steering power at both high and low speeds. The 4-wheel active steer system, a feature exclusive to Infiniti, is also available on the new G37 coupe, maximizing the vehicles steering ability. With all of these steering designs in place, the G37 has the ability to provide both agility and secure stability to the vehicle. The 4-wheel active steer reduces feedback to the driver however.
Both the interior and exterior design of the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe truly make the car a luxury vehicle. The exterior of the vehicle is a streamlined work of art. With its double-arch grill, waving hood and smooth front fender curves, the Infiniti will certainly turn a few heads. The G37 offers an 18-inch wheel and tire package, with a sleek split five spoke aluminum alloy design. These tires are standard, however a new 10-spoke, 19 inch wheel tire package, also cast in lightweight aluminum is also available. The rear of the G37 offers a broader rear fender than previous miles, but still comes equipped with the large LED taillights that Infiniti is so well known for. An optional Rear View Monitor camera is available on the new model, as well as an optional rear spoiler to help match the vehicles zero-lift aerodynamics found on the front. The 2008 Infiniti G37 is available in eight standard colors, as well as four new colors including Blue Slate, Vibrant Red (HOT color - like our test car), Amethyst Graphite and Platinum Graphite.
The interior of the new Infiniti G37 is truly a work of art and superior craftsmanship. The instrument panel of the car features the double wave panel design, a signature element of Infiniti vehicles. Other Infiniti-signature accessories include full-length center console and analog clock. The central piece of the center console is the elegant leather and aluminum shifter, which gracefully matches the aluminum-alloy interior trim that is located on the center console, door panels and across the instrument panel. Of course, if aluminum-alloy is not your ideal style of trim, an African Rosewood trim is also available on the new model.
The instrument panel of the new G37 provides stellar technology with a multi-function information drive computer, which displays such information as your average fuel consumption, distance to empty and warning displays as well as your standard odometer and other items. The standard G37 also offers the Infiniti Intelligent Key, and a remote keyless entry system as well as a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD system with MP3 playback ability and a large 7-inch color display. Also available is a hand free phone system and Infiniti Navigation System. There are three interior colors available for the new Infiniti G37 which include Wheat, Stone and Graphite.
Finally, the new Infiniti G37 exceed safety standards with a lengthy list of features, including; 3-point safety belts, dual stage air bags, front seat side impact air bags and roof mounted side impact bags to provide optimum protection. Another standard safety feature is the Adaptive Front Lighting System which helps to provide the driver with better visibility when driving in the dark. The G37 also has Zone Body Construction, providing crushable zones in both the front and the rear that can help to disperse crash energy from the passenger portion of the vehicle. The G37s engine is designed to move under the passenger portion of the vehicle in the event of a head on collision and the vehicles brake pedal is designed to collapse to help lower the risk of leg injuries in the case of a severe accident.
By the numbers
The Infiniti G37 with automatic transmission is rated at 18 mpg city / 24 highway, and 17/26 for the manual on premium fuel.
The Infiniti G37 – MSRP
Base model G37 - RWD - 3.7-liter V6 automatic - $34,500
Journey trim - RWD – 3.7-liter V6 automatic - $35,250
The Sport trim - RWD – 3.7-liter V6 manual - $35,800
Nissan North America provided LeBow Media, LLC a vehicle for our review