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Only a year after Infiniti introduced its new G35 sedan, it debuted an all-new G37 Coupe for 2008.
The G37 Coupe is a stylized mirror image to the previous-generation G35, although the rear wheel-drive FM platform has been stiffened, given a slightly wider track, and more horses under the hood.
The G37 Coupe, which hit showrooms in late August, is offered in three models: G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT.
Walkaround: The body is similar but offers more sweeping lines showcasing flowing front fender curves, a wave-style hood, integrated fog lamps and zero-lift front end styling featuring a smooth front fascia that emphasizes Infiniti’s signature double-arch grille with new L-shaped High Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights. There’s also and available Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).
From the side, the lines flow smoothly over the side sills, and large tires and wheel wells, which when combined with the wider stance, give the G37 an added sense of muscular aggressiveness missing from the original G35.
Large LED Infiniti G-style taillights flank the large trunk opening, and standard rear underbody air diffusers give way to the large diameter chromed dual exhaust outlets.
Options include heated outside mirrors, new 18 and 19-inch wheel and tire packages, as well as unique front fascia and side sills on G37 Coupe Journey with the Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT. There’s also an available rear spoiler, which offers zero rear lift, available for both. Of course, there’s the requisite optional sliding glass moonroof with tilt and one-touch open/close feature.
The 2008 Infiniti G37 comes in eight exterior colors including new Blue Slate, Platinum Graphite, Vibrant Red and Amethyst Graphite.
Interior: The all-new interior showcases high levels of craftsmanship combined with the use of unique materials and finishes — such as genuine African Rosewood trim — integrated with traditional Japanese design and coupled with numerous technological upgrades.
The G37 offers a sporty, driver-oriented cockpit featuring Infiniti’s “double-wave” instrumentation, which moves with the wheel. The electroluminescent instrumentation is lit in white and violet — a departure from the traditional amber. And of course, there’s Infiniti’s signature analog clock, and Infiniti’s Intelligent Key with a push button ignition.
Standard is a leather-appointed, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 4-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat. An 8-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat and 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are available on the G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT. Also available on those models are sport-styled seats with thigh extensions, driver’s power adjustable torso and thigh bolsters and aluminum pedals.
The full-length center console features a leather and aluminum-clad shifter, and there are optional magnesium automatic transmission paddle shifters.
A standard 7-inch color monitor comes with the optional voice activated navigation system and does double duty with the available RearView monitor.
Standard audio is in-dash CD player with Radio Data System (RDS), auxiliary audio input, mp3 playback capability and 6 speakers; 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive with compact flash drive slot; and standard XM® satellite radio. Also available is XM® NavTraffic™ — real-time traffic information. Optional is the fabulous 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels”™ by Bose, which features 24-bit Burr Brown DAC, 3-way door speaker arrays with 10-inch woofers. A Bluetooth® hands-free phone system is also available.
Under The Hood: This is the big news. The G37 Coupe features the first-ever application of the new 3.7-liter V6 VVEL engine, that’s rated at 330 horses and 270 lb-ft of torque. Along with more displacement than the previous 3.5-liter powerplant, the VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, helping to improve not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency.
Transmission choices are an upgraded 5-speed automatic transmission with available paddle shifters or revised 6-speed manual transmission.
Behind The Wheel: I had the opportunity to put the new G37 through its paces at the west coast press rollout held in of all places — Seattle. We took the G37 across some roads I never knew existed on Bainbridge Island and through Suquamish, and headed out to Seabeck via Anderson Hill. After a driver change at Scenic Beach State Park, we took the back roads through Tahyua and Dwatto to Belfair State Park, where we did a vehicle change. Then it was around the Key Peninsula back to Gig Harbor, before lunch at the Museum of Glass, returning to our hotel in downtown Seattle.
This car just screams! And boy, does it handle.
Enhanced FM platform is 36 percent stiffer than previous generation, lower in overall height, and has an increased front and rear track. A new option is 4-Wheel Active Steer. Dubbed 4WAS, it adjusts the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed. The electronic system calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, while actuators move the rear suspension lower links into an optimum position for more agile handling.
Whines: Give me some time, I’ll try and think of something.
Bottom Line: The all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe is a stunning combination of exhilarating performance, beautiful, seductive styling, and marvelous technology. It’s a true driver’s car meant for people that appreciate first class automotive beauty, performance, style and comfort. I wouldn’t mind owning this one myself.
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