In the beginning, there was a sport sedan. That was followed by an even sportier coupe.
And on June 19, the Third Coming of the lively Infiniti G will be completed when a new retractable hardtop called the G37 Convertible officially goes on sale.
Presented at last year's Los Angeles Auto Show, the quick and the drop-dead retractable features a gorgeous interior, the kind of performance you might expect from a 325-horsepower V-6 and a sporty suspension, and interesting available features. Those include audio and climate-control systems that automatically adjust to topless driving, getting louder as you speed up and getting colder as you slow down.
You can also get magnesium paddle shifters for the seven-speed automatic and Intelligent Cruise Control with preview braking. This option helps you maintain a constant distance from the vehicle ahead and identifies sudden braking, which it deals with by pre-pressurizing the brake assist system before you ever step on the brake.
The G37 Convertible hadn't been priced at this writing, but Infiniti spokesman Kyle Bazemore told me to expect a base price of about $44,000. That seems like a fair MSRP for a lively, luxurious sex object.
The convertible is built off the coupe platform and, in fact, uses the same body panels from the windshield forward. The sheet metal aft is unique to the convertible, as are the taillights and rear suspension.
The car is available with either the nifty automatic I found in the tester or a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox (6MT). It can be had as the standard model I drove and as a mouthful called the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which sounds at once redundant and enjoyable. It brings sportier steering, bigger brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels, and high-performance tires to the party. (This same gear, which includes sporty styling cues, can be obtained on a regular model by equipping it with the Sport Package.)
If you feel really flush, say to the tune of about 55 large, you can page through Bloomingdale's 2008 Holiday Catalog and find a particularly gorgeous mail-order bride or groom: the G Convertible Premium Edition. An exclusive tidbit (only 200 have been built), the Premium Edition has such upmarket hedonism as red leather upholstery, red-tinted maple trim, and a black-out grille.
The G37 Convertible I drove didn't have the sport package, but it was still an able performer. This is a nicely balanced car that reminds you that rear-drivers have more fun in a corner. I mean, when did you ever see a front-drive BMW or Ferrari?
The power supply, furnished by a techy, 3.7-liter V-6, adds to the fun quotient. While its torque output (265 foot-pounds) isn't close to its horsepower rating of 325, this high-revving engine gets this guy on its way in a hurry.
And while this car didn't have the bigger sport brakes, it still shut down quickly.
Particularly memorable was the G37 convertible's interior. The standard accoutrements included attractive aluminum trim on the dash, doors, and console, and leather upholstery. The tester was also graced with optional African Rosewood veneers on the dash, door, and console. Between the materials and the sophisticated design, this interior proved one aesthetic and luxurious place to park your posterior.
The convertible's three-segment roof design allows the use of a shorter rear overhang and makes the car look coupelike with the top up. Hit a button on the console and, in 30 seconds, you shed your steel roof and are feeling much more open-minded.
You won't feel quite the same sense of openness, however, if you are sitting in this four-seater's backseat when the top goes up. The sharply reduced head and knee room make things a tad claustrophobic.
The G37 retractable should have EPA mileage ratings close to its coupe cousin, which is rated at 18 city and 26 highway. It boasts a full array of safety gear, including traction and stability control, antilock brakes, and a full air bag arsenal.
Build quality is right on the money.
Infiniti G37 Convertible
Base price: $44,000 (estimated).
As tested: $47,000 (estimated).
Standard equipment: Full range of luxury-car safety and comfort amenities, including traction and stability control, leather seats, and power everything.
Options: Include African Rosewood trim, navigation system.
Fuel economy: EPA city/highway rating of 18 and 26.
Engine performance: Quite willing.
Handling: Fine.
Styling: Civil sporty.
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper.
The Ben Key: Four Bens, Excellent; Three Bens, Good; Two Bens, Fair; One Ben, Poor.
Contact Al Haas at Alhaasauto@aol.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philly.com Promotions
