2011 Infiniti G37
by Jim Prueter -12/2010

G37 still tops in its class

Last year, for 2010, Infiniti gave its G lineup, consisting of coupe, sedan and folding hardtop convertible, a modest face-lift. The changes are subtle enough as to require a side-by-side comparison with 2009 models to discern.  The grille was a bit larger with darker headlights, more aggressive bumper air inlets and dedicated fog lights.  In back, designers darkened the taillights and re-contoured the bumper.  Xenon headlamps were included as standard equipment. 

Interior changes were harder to pick out as most of it was limited to trim pieces like replacing the Washi aluminum trim with Shodo aluminum.  The former inspired by Japanese Washi paper; the latter Shodo calligraphy.  To my eye the new Shodo looked the same, just not as scratchy. 

For 2011 Infiniti adds new Limited Edition sedan and convertible models, featuring unique exterior and interior trim treatment.  But, the biggest news is the addition of a brand new model for 2011, the G25 sedan with a base price of  $30,950.  Available with rear- or all-wheel drive, the G25 sedan employs a smaller engine, a 2.5-liter V-6 with 218 hp and 187 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. Base and Journey trim levels are available. Taking roughly the place of last year's G37 base trim (now discontinued), the G25 base comes standard with leather upholstery, power front seats, single-zone automatic climate control and a CD stereo with an auxiliary MP3 jack. The Journey has similar equipment to the G37 Journey, which now represents the G37's base trim. Upgrades include dual-zone climate control, additional power seat controls, USB/iPod stereo integration, a backup camera and heated front seats. A moonroof is optional. The all-wheel-drive G25x carries Journey-level features.

For the third consecutive year, we again gave the edge to G37 over the BMW 3 Series as our Top Pick in the $25,000 to $35,000 category. The BMW is a terrific car and it was a flip of the coin decision. However, we chose the G37 primarily because you get so much content for the money, while everything on the BMW seems to be an extra cost option.

The G37 sedan is powered by a 3.7-liter328 horsepower V-6 based on the same 3.7-liter used extensively in numerous Nissan and Infiniti products. Sedan models come standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission, optional six-speed manual shifter and rear or all-wheel drive (G37x).

Coupe and convertible models use the same 3.7-liter V-6, but the horsepower is upped to 330 in the coupe and drops to 325 in the convertible.  Both coupe and convertible offer the choice of seven-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmissions.  The convertible is not offered in all-wheel drive.

We tested a G37 Sport 6MT sedan with a base price of $39,450.  There are two other G37 models, the Journey, $35,050 and the G37xAWD, $36,650.

So remarkably near perfect is the G37, it comes close to rendering most competitive models in this class irrelevant. It offers as much cachet, more performance and attention to quality and less deprivation, all at a downright bargain price.

The G37 is seductively athletic in appearance with a style that’s more evolutionary than revolutionary. The chrome slat grille with the prominent Mt. Fiji logo is meant to resemble the razor sharp edges of samurai swords.

The windshield is steeply raked and flows back to a short rear deck with a chrome-edged spoiler built into the trunk lid.

Tight-fitting wheel openings, LED taillights and chrome-tipped dual exhausts add to the terrific looking stance. It’s classic rather than extreme, yet attractive enough to turn plenty of heads.

A large knob on the dashboard intimidates with visions of BMW’s dreadful iDrive system. Instead, the multi-function control located just below the navigation screen is easy to use with a simple menu of controls. The climate control and audio systems have their own knobs and buttons on the instrument panel. Gauges have a fine dress-watch appearance with white-on-black illumination trimmed in violet hues. Gorgeous

If you like tech gadgets, there’s enough to satisfy: intelligent cruise control package, rearview monitor camera, lane guidance system, compact flash slot for playing MP3 files, XMÒ Satellite radio and a 9.5GB music hard drive with Gracenote ÒCD database, and keyless entry/start system.

Performance is incredible. The G37 will get to 60 miles per hour from a dead stop in about five seconds and cover the standing quarter-mile in just 13.7 seconds. This car screams.

Handling is remarkable with well-controlled body movement. Brakes are flawless. Some may find the ride too firm on Sport models.

The sedan seats five, but save the rear seat for kids or smaller adults. Trunk space is adequate for this sized vehicle.

In terms of safety, Infiniti includes all the expected seat belts and airbags including full-length curtain and front-seat side bags, anti-whiplash front head rests, and even a first aid kit. It earned the highest government safety rating of 5 stars in driver front and side impact crash tests and vehicle rollover.

We rate the G37 high on the surprise-and-delight scale; it’s a vehicle that’s easy to fall in love with. It is close to perfection. Looks, quality, handling, acceleration, equipment and price — all exceptional to the competition. Move over BMW, I’ll take the G37.