A hardtop convertible model joins Infiniti's 2009 G37 coupe and sedan lineup.
Like slipping on flip-flops after months of relegating them to the space in the closet behind the winter boots, the inaugural top-down trip is a harbinger of warm weather and good times.
What's even better is if the convertible is based on one of the best near-luxury midsize cars on the market. Just in time for spring, Infiniti introduces a hardtop convertible to its 2009 G37 coupe and sedan lineup, adding even more appeal to the brand's best-selling vehicle.
Triple Threat
Joining the ranks of other premium import sedans, Infiniti rounds out its G37 family with not just a convertible model, but a power-retractable hardtop convertible. It joins vehicles like BMW's 3-Series, Saab's 9-3, and the new-for-2010 Lexus IS hardtop convertible.
Though the G37 convertible may look like a sawed-off coupe, Infiniti assures that its first droptop in 20 years is all new from the windshield back. First, what it shares with its siblings. Power comes from the same plant found in the coupe and sedan--the line's 3.7-liter V6 engine, here making 325 horsepower versus 328 in the coupe and 330 in the sedan. Transmissions also carry over: 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatics are available.
Unlike the coupe, the convertible is rear-wheel drive only. Despite the fact that 60 percent of convertibles are sold in "snow belt" states, Infiniti has no plans to introduce an all-wheel drive convertible model, largely due to the weight gain.
The convertible nearly mirrors the coupe's styling but is slightly longer than its sibling and 453 pounds heavier, thanks in part to its three-piece hardtop. Manufactured by Karmann, G37's top has a clamshell design, meaning two parts nest near the bottom of the trunk while the third is inverted above them. The top opens or closes in 28 seconds via a console-mounted button.
While the convertible model's styling virtually mirrors the coupe's, it is slightly longer and over 450 pounds heavier.
Convertible-Exclusive Features
The convertible, which goes on sale in June, may be the last to debut of the G trio, but it's the first to get several new comfort and convenience features. Convertibles are offered in G37 and G37 Sport 6MT. They come equipped with all options available on the coupe and sedan models and add some exclusive features like cooled front seats, Adaptive Climate Control that reacts to the speed of the car, and a Bose-brand sound system with headrest-mounted speakers.
With the new sound system and Adaptive Climate Control, Infiniti has outmaneuvered two common convertible drawbacks: Top-down fun is only enjoyable if the temperature is just right and the audio system isn't drowned out by the wind during open-air cruising.
Infiniti has your temperature issues covered (but it won't help your energy-wasting guilty conscience, however). G37 convertible's new dual zone Adaptive Climate Control system works by gauging the position of the top and the car's speed to adjust the fan speed up or down accordingly. For example, it's 59 degrees out and you've got the top down with the heat set for 75 degrees and the fan speed on low (admit it, you've done this). As the car's speed increases, the Adaptive Climate Control system will increase the fan speed, making you warmer to offset the cooler winds. When the car slows down, so does the fan speed. The system operates in both heat and A/C modes, so a similar scenario is possible with the air conditioning when the outside temperature is above 77 degrees. In this case, the A/C fan's speed gets slower the faster the car is going.
The snap-in windscreen and headrest-mounted speakers mean more music and less wind-hair interference at highway speeds.
Top Down on the Open Road
Despite the fact that the convertible shares a platform with the first-rate G37 coupe, I speak convertible and am versed in the lingo of cowl shake and wind rush. I know what to expect when you go from a solid, one-piece unit to a multi-piece body structure. One always has to make sacrifices for the sake of fun in the sun (and I'm not talking about the perfect hairdo--though more on that later), right?
My convertible-testing ability is greatly enhanced when transplanted from the dim, cold state of Illinois to the sun and warmth of California--a fact Infiniti must have known when it planned its Los Angeles press trip, giving me a chance to find out just what gets lost when the top comes off.
In truth, the G37 convertible is smooth and stable in almost every situation. From the seamless power top operation at a standstill to around-town and highway cruising, the G37 convertible impressed. Despite the added pounds and fewer horsepower, the 3.7-liter is as eager and peppy as ever, making passing maneuvers a breeze. The Sport 6MT model's 6-speed manual was light and precise; the 7-speed automatic was alert and smooth.
On the road, the convertible was generally solid and composed, exhibiting sharp handling and minimal body flex. Fast cornering and larger bumps in the road induced a token degree of cowl shake, but much less than expected from a convertible.
According to Infiniti, one major grievance luxury convertible buyers list is wind noise. Again, Infiniti answered with an optional snap-in windscreen. It sits behind the first row and deflects much of the wind so the rushing noise is reduced from the cabin and the wind stays out of your hair. This system worked impressively well, allowing for normal top-down conversation even at highway speeds and nearly eliminating "convertible hair:" That ruffled, emotionally unstable look.
So, what's not to like? Unfortunately, some sacrifices were made for the sake of fun in the sun (and I'm not talking about my sunburn). The G37 convertible isn't the most versatile vehicle; much cargo and passenger room went to the wayside to make room for the hardtop. In fact, the second row is rendered totally useless by the snap-in wind deflector. It covers the entire seating area, forcing a decision: Bring some friends along for the ride or ride out a good hair day?
The 2009 Infiniti G37 convertible goes on sale in June.
In truth, G37 convertible's shortcomings are few and plague nearly all convertibles in this class. Despite its pitfalls, the G37 shines. Its cramped rear quarters and non-existent cargo space are a small price to pay for this spunky, refined, fun-to-drive runabout. Just don't forget the sunblock.
04.02.2009
