Strengths

Performance; attractive interior; stylish design

 

Changes

Infiniti's G-series coupe and sedan got a new name for 2009. Now known as a G37, the engine is now larger, with displacement now 3.7L. This includes a power increase to 330 hp and 270 lb-feet of torque. All wheel drive is now available, as is a 7-speed automatic transmission. Late in the model year, Infiniti added a convertible model to the G37 lineup.

 

Value

Infiniti's G37 offers sharp-edged performance as well as luxury-car comfort. Infiniti has positioned the G-series to compete with BMW's 3-series luxury performance cars. This means the G37 features great seats, an elegant interior with attractive materials and very impressive audio systems. Both G models stand out for offering overall performance near the top of its class.

The new G37 manages to step up its performance capabilities without reducing driver comfort by including a rear limited-slip differential, 4-Wheel Active Steer system and sport brakes on the options list.

 

Overview

The 2009 Infiniti G37 has a starting price of just over $33,000 for the sedan, the coupe starts at about $36,000 and the convertible's starting price begins at around $44,000.

For 2009, The G-series features a new 3.7 liter V6 engine that is paired with an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission. The convertible is available only in rear-wheel drive, but both the coupe and sedan are available in either rear wheel or all-wheel drive drivetrain.

Available only on the coupe is the 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system, which not only turns the rear wheels, but adjusts the steering gear ratio and rear suspension geometry depending on vehicle speed and steering input to improve handling. A rear viscous-slip differential is also available.

The interior of all G37s feature electroluminescent instrument lighting, a standard 7-inch in-dash monitor and leather seating. There are also several distinctive options to dress up the interior of the coupe, including "Washi" paper trim and African Rosewood trim.

2009 models are equipped with Infiniti's advanced airbag system, driver and front-passenger side impact supplemental air bags, and 3-point front and back seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, driver's seat Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) and front passenger's seat ELR and Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR).

The coupe and sedan are available in Base, Journey and Sport models. Journey models add several key interior conveniences, such as Infiniti Intelligent Key with push button entry, automatic climate control, power seats, heated front seats and a 6-disc in-dash changer, while the Sport model brings performance equipment that includes 19-inch wheels (18-inch on the sedan), a sport-tuned suspension, the limited-slip differential and aluminum pedals. A Sport Package is also available on the Journey, including many of the features of the Sport model.

The convertible is available only in Base and Sport trim. Both feature a 3-piece power-folding hardtop that goes from open to closed in 25 seconds. The Sport trim adds more powerful brakes, 19" wheels as well as aluminum pedals.

Noteworthy options include an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with bi-xenon lamps to help illuminate into dark corners, a rearview monitor, intelligent cruise control with preview braking, a touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic function, a Bluetooth hands-free interface and a Bose "Studio on Wheels" audio system, with subwoofers and a 9.3-gigabyte hard-drive.