2009 Infiniti G-Series Lineup

In 2008, Infiniti went BMW hunting with the new 2008 G37 coupe. In a highly argued comparison, Motor Trend magazine ranked the G37 coupe over the 2007 BMW 335i and concluded “More muscle and technology deliver BMW brilliance on a budget”. Definitely something the BMW loyalists disagreed with. Kudos to the new model were not limited to Motor Week as AutoWeek stated the G37 is “lively and fun, giving way just enough when pushed to keep us interested while maintaining that balance and comfort necessary to keep the car great to live with as a daily driver.” Automobile magazine went one giant step further. “We can now say the words that BMW fans (your humble author included) will hate to hear: Infiniti has set its sights squarely at BMW, and the new G37 is a shot that hits the 3 Series square in its Angel Eyes.” The Detroit News summed the G37 story up quite nicely. “On the luxury car checklist, the Infiniti G37 coupe checks almost every box. It’s got the power, the class and the sophistication its competitors possess.”

Not one to sit on its laurels, Infiniti keeps improving the G-Series in a relentless quest for class supremacy. In 2008, a new G coupe was released, offering a new 330hp 3.7L V6 with 270 lb/ft of torque and a Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) system that makes the most of it. The G37 transmissions received high praise. The Los Angeles Times said, “Characteristic of the current generation of smart-shifters, the automatic will vigorously blip the throttle on downshifts and will refrain from up-shifting while cornering hard to avoid upsetting the car’s balance.” On Sport models, the automatic transmission is controlled manually via two paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. A reviewer for the Boston Globe reported, “This current generation of paddle shifting automatics has grown on me, especially when the transmission does not interfere before the red line is bumped and can smoothly handle RPMs on quick downshifts.” The stick shift remains a favorite with Car and Driver, however. They report, “The shift throws are short, and so is clutch-pedal travel, which engages with a smoothness that BMW is only beginning to approach with the latest 3 Series. “With sexy new lines, more power and greater sophistication, 2008 was the year for the Infiniti G37 coupe. For 2009, Infiniti is building on a winning combination and expanding the G37 lineup.

2009 G37 Coupe

For 2009, the basics of the G37 coupe stay the same with two major upgrades coming soon. For the first time since the G-coupe rolled off the assembly line it will be offered with Infiniti’s intelligent ATESSA E-TSÔ (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system. ATESSA E-TSÔ uses an advanced torque split control strategy which transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions resulting in outstanding handling due to optimum torque distribution from front to rear (50:50 up to 0:100). It also provides high starting traction performance and smooth and stable acceleration with a 50:50 torque split when launching from standing start. Additionally, the automatic 5-speed transmission is upgraded to a new 7-speed unit. The new 7AT should allow for quicker performance and reaction times while also having the capability of slightly increasing estimated miles per gallon.

2009 G37 Convertible

Months ago, the internet rumor mill started talking about the possibility of Infiniti releasing the G37 with a convertible model for 2009. While you can usually count on one hand the number of internet rumors which come to fruition, this particular rumor has been proven to be true as Infiniti has recently announced a new convertible to be added to the G37 lineup. Per Infiniti,the new convertible will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop, to keep a coupe-like roofline, and will feature a unique interior treatment. Audio and HVAC systems will be enhanced to provide an “inviting experience with the top up or down”. The convertible should be offered with similar configuration options as the coupe and will make its world debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show this November.

2009 G37 Sedan

The 2nd generation G35 sedan was offered with the VQ35HR power plant, which pushed power output to 306 hp, and similar sport options as the current G37 coupe. For 2009, the sedan steps up to the same VQ37VHR motor as the G37 coupe. Receiving a name change, the new G37 sedan will step up to 328hp and will receive the same 7-speed automatic transmission offered in the G37coupe. Furthermore, the sedan will be available with sport brakes using 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and large 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors. To top off the upgrades, a new sport 18-inch wheel design will be offered along with Infiniti’s Scratch Shield paint which uses a new technology in which a scratch-resistant resin is applied to the paint in order to allow it to “self heal”. Dependent on the depth and the outside temperature, scratches may repair themselves within a week’s time frame.

Conclusion

When you have an award winning design that is beating the “big boys” at their own game you can either stay where you are or keep pushing to be the top-dog. Infiniti is pressing forward to be at the top of the hill by offering superior packages with a lower price tag. 2009 looks to be exciting with the release of the AWD and 7-speed automatic upgrades for the G37 coupe, a first-ever open-top iteration of the successful platform and a world-class luxury sport sedan that is stepping up to blow out the competition. Watch out world, Infiniti is hungry!

Author:Matthew Moody (audtatious), NICOclub Administrator