 The 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe is redesigned for the new model year. |
Infiniti at a Glance
Infiniti launched as Nissan's luxury brand in 1989. The goal, according to company statements, was, "to establish a concept of automotive luxury where a personal and rewarding driving experience is more important than the car alone." To make that happen, Infiniti-parent Nissan went to great lengths to make sure that customers got the red-carpet treatment both during and after the purchase experience. As far as product, the idea was to build cars that not only delivered the luxury features that buyers expected, but also to make them engaging to drive.
It worked at first, but Infiniti spokesman Kyle Bazemore said that the division lost its way in the late 1990s. Products ended up being little more than slightly gilded versions of similar Nissan vehicles. While the brand still delivered on its promise of good customer service, officials knew that they had to improve the product.
Fast-forward to 2003 with the introduction of the first-generation G35 sedan and coupe. These new midsize cars were based on a new, rear-wheel-drive platform that would also see use in Nissan's 350Z sports car. G35 was a far cry from the underwhelming G20 sedan, which was based on Nissan's compact Sentra. The G35 coupe and sedan earned critical acclaim across the automotive industry. The Auto Editors of Consumer Guide added the G35 to its Recommended list in its very first year, calling the car, "a credible and less-expensive alternative to rival models [from Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz]. Sedan or coupe, it's nimble, fast, and more spacious than most direct competitors."
The positive press resonated with shoppers as 2003 saw Infiniti's sales jump to 118,655 from 2002's total of 87,911. 2004 and 2005 saw better numbers yet, with the latter checking in at a peak of 136,401. Credit not only the G35, but also an overall revamp of Infiniti's product lineup to include vehicles such as the midsize M sedan, FX crossover SUV, and QX56 large SUV. Last year, Infiniti saw a drop to 121,146, despite the launch of the redesigned G35 sedan. Officials attribute the decrease to clearing out inventories of the old G35 coupes and sedans to make way for the new versions. Through the first six months of 2007, Infiniti's sales are up 8.8 percent over last year.
Enter the G37
 Though the coupe's exterior styling may look like it takes many of its cues from the sedan, the only parts shared between the two are the exterior door handles. |
Further distinguishing the G37 coupe from its sedan sibling is its engine. While the basic design of the engine is largely similar, Infiniti increased displacement of the standard V6 to 3.7 liters from 3.5. Horsepower increases accordingly, to 330 for the G37 versus 306 for the '07 G35 sedan. 2007 coupes had 298 with manual transmission and 280 with automatic.
Speaking of transmission choices for the 2008 Infiniti G37, the model you choose dictates the transmission you'll get. The G37 comes in three trim levels. Base G37s and uplevel Journeys have a 5-speed automatic. The top-end Sport 6MT uses a 6-speed manual. Sport 6MTs also have specific suspension tuning and 19-inch tires and wheels (versus 18s on other models). These features are part of a Sport Package that's optional on Journeys.
 The G37 comes in three trim levels: base, uplevel Journey, top-end Sport 6MT. |
Available on Sport Package Journeys and the Sport 6MT is Infiniti's 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS). This system uses sensors to adjust the steering system and rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed. If needed, the rear wheels will turn slightly. All this works to improve handling response.
 Aluminum dashboard trim is standard. The metal finish is designed to resemble handmade Japanese "Washi" paper. |
The 2008 Infiniti G37's interior largely mimics that of its sedan counterpart. The instrumentation is the same. A tilt/telescope steering column is standard. The G37 and G35 are unique in that when the steering column is tilted, the instrument panel housing moves as well.
Aluminum dashboard trim is standard. The metal finish is designed to resemble handmade Japanese "Washi" paper. Optional on base and Journey G37s is genuine African rosewood trim in place of the aluminum.
An eight-way power driver seat is standard on all G37 coupes. Passengers get a four-way power seat on base versions, eight-way on the Journey and Sport 6MT. Both front seats have a lever that moves the backrest forward as well as a button that causes the rest of the seat to power forward, easing access to the rear seating area. Pushing the button again returns the front seat to its original position. Like the G35 sedan, the 2008 G37 incorporates Infiniti's "Intelligent Key" push button ignition with keyless access.
 Optional on base and Journey G37s is genuine African rosewood trim in place of the aluminum. |
The 2008 Infiniti G37
coupe offers several option packages. Available on all is the Premium
Package, which includes a sunroof, 11-speaker Bose-brand audio, memory
system, heated front seats, and Bluetooth wireless cell phone link
among other features. Also available on all models is the Navigation
Package, which features a navigation system with XM Satellite Radio's
NavTraffic capability; a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive that can store digital
music files; and Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control adaptive cruise
control system. The Sport Package is available on the G37 Journey.
Among
standalone options are: 4-Wheel Active Steer; the 19-inch tires and
wheels found on the Sport 6MT and Sport Package; sunroof, rear spoiler,
and rosewood interior trim.
Pricing starts at $34,250 for the
base model, $35,000 for the Journey, and $35,550 for the Sport 6MT.
Destination and handling is $715. Infiniti officials expect the most
popular model to be the Journey with Premium Package, which will list
for $38,915.
The 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe is scheduled to arrive at dealers August 21.
 Pricing starts at $34,250 for the base model, $35,000 for the Journey, and $35,550 for the Sport 6MT. |
2008 Infiniti G37 Specifications
 The 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe is scheduled to arrive at dealers August 21. |
Wheelbase: 112.2 in.
Overall length: 183.1 in.
Overall width: 71.8 in.
Overall height: 54.8 in.
Curb weight: 3616 lbs.
Cargo volume: 7.4 cu. ft.
Fuel capacity: 20.0 gal.
Seating capacity: 4 passengers
Front headroom: 39.4 in.
Max. front legroom: 43.8 in.
Rear headroom: 34.5 in.
Max. rear legroom: 29.8 in.