Infiniti G37 (Automotive)

Infiniti has stepped up their game with the new G37 coupe, and rightfully so. The competition is fierce. Obviously, the new BMW 335i coupe is quite a beast. Acceleration numbers powered from the highly underrated 3 liter twin turbo motor have been amazing. (4.8 seconds to 60, although I'm guessing the real world car will be closer to the low 5's) Quality and luxury values are high, and the handling is BMW amazing. The only complaint I have heard about so far is the lack of an LSD (which had to be saved for the new M3) and a problem overheating on the track. I passed this off as a freak incident initially. However, after reading Edmunds recent short take on the G37, where they compared it to a 335i and found it overheated on the track, it seems to be a very real problem. Then again, overheating on the race track is a problem very few people will experience. The few people that do track their car, don't do it with there 335i coupe. The M3's are for that.

The 335i is the best of the competition, so it's used as the benchmark appropriately, although I know quite a few people that will pick a Lexus or Mercedes over the BMW couple despite it being the "best reviewed."

The Infiniti coupe now has a bigger, more powerful motor with a higher redline (7,500rpm). The brakes are bigger as well.(An incredible 14" in front and 13.8" in the rear) The suspension is better tuned, and there is available four wheel steering.(reminiscent of the Nissan 300zx) The interior is supposedly of an even higher quality, which I can't verify quite yet. My overall "expert" prediction of the new G37 coupe is that it will be amazing, especially with the sport package. The G coupe has always been gorgeous with very good performance for it's price point. These basic qualities remain, but everything is improved. If the coupe stays at approx. $38,000 like the previous model, then it will be a source of very cheap horsepower, not to mention luxury. I loved the previous body style so much that I am resistant to the change in styling, but I do believe they were successful in evolving the now classic Infiniti coupe styling.

l look forward to giving the G37 a full road test when it hits dealers August 21st. I will report back then.