When writing about performance coupes you usually have to overlook the fact that they are not very good at performing all-around driving duties. They are after all purpose-built machines designed to rise above such mundane exploits like taking the kids to school or picking up paint at the local improvement store.
Well, I actually did both -- and more -- while testing the 2008 G37 Sport 6MT.
With spring somewhere around the corner, hopeful thoughts turn to baseball and driving as something to begin enjoying once again. For the second-generation G37 Coupe, Infiniti “juiced up” this heavy hitter with a larger, more powerful 3.7-liter V-6 engine (thus the G37 designation), an available 4-Wheel Active Steer system, a new slippery exterior shape and an interior that means business.
Exterior styling combines flowing front fender curves, a wave-style aluminum hood, bold front fascia featuring a double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights with fogs.
The profile has a strong character line. G37 Coupe Sport 6MT models add a unique front fascia, special side sills along with 225/45WR19 front tires and 19x9-inch rear wheels with 245/40WR19 rear tires.
The rear of the G Coupe has huge rear fenders that roll into the large LED taillights that resemble units found on mid-’90s Thunderbirds. Finishing touches include rear underbody air diffusers and large dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips. The test vehicle came with the optional rear spoiler that is functional, providing the G37 with zero rear lift and matching the standard zero-lift front aerodynamics.
Under the attractive sheetmetal resides a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift). This little thumper is rated at 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. This is 37 more horses than the previous 6MT.
OK, this is where we get techy. The G37’s new VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side which helps turn up the performance and response levels. The VVEL intake camshafts, featuring continuously variable lift control teamed with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), permit a screamin’ 7,500 rpm redline.
A new, specially tuned dual-exhaust type system has equal length exhaust manifolds and low muffler exhaust backpressure to encourage deep breathing.
Infiniti offers the G37 Coupe with a choice of an upgraded electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, DS mode and ASC (Adaptive Shift Control) that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations and available genuine magnesium paddle shifters. Forget all that stuff -- if you want fast responsive shifts for performance driving, get the lightweight six-speed manual transmission.
With premium fuel soaring to new heights, keep in mind that the EPA pegs the G37’s mileage at 17 and 26. I averaged about 21 mpg during intense suburban driving and without my heavy shoes on.
Once the ice and slop are finally gone, you can get to the good stuff. The G37 Coupe’s enhanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform is new and improved in that it is 36 percent stiffer than gen-one cars. The G37 is also shrinking in its old age as it slightly lower in overall height and has a wider front and rear track width. Sounds like some people I know.
This coupe was ready to run from the turn of the key in the morning till late at night. The G37 Coupe’s four-wheel independent suspension design features lightweight aluminum components and large front and rear stabilizer bars, increased spring rates and optimized suspension damping. The G37 Coupe 6MT comes with a unique sport suspension including a Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD).
Acceleration is very strong from a standing start with plenty of low-end torque. There is an ample, steady stream of power up to redline.
On the road this rear-wheel drive car does not hop, float or glide. Only the harshest of bumps or a long string of pot holes intruded into the cabin. The low-profile 19-inch tires are not as forgiving as smaller diameter rubber, so watch those pot holes.
I had one dry, non-frigid day that I was able to test this car on some twisty roads. While I could not be as aggressive as I would have liked, this car had plenty of grip and was very nimble. The G37 does not exhibit any ill-behavior but you can easily get the tail to kick out on you with a hard stab at the throttle.
You’ll appreciate the standard Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which assists in enhancing vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions especially crummy winter road conditions.
Braking performance is stellar with four-wheel vented discs with four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The G37 Coupe Sport 6MT adds aluminum four-piston calipers (front)/two-piston calipers (rear) embossed with Infiniti lettering and large ventilated rotors – 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear. Fourteen-inch rotors … I once owned a car equipped with 14-inch tires!
Surprisingly, this coupe’s interior layout will accommodate more than two adults. Entry and exit to the rear seats, however, is a pain -- even with the express slide feature.
The design and layout is very contemporary and the leather seats in the test car came with 14-way sport-styled seats with thigh extensions and power adjustable torso and thigh bolsters – driver only.
The instrument panel featured Infiniti’s electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination that was oddly soothing and very easy to see.
The full-length center console comes swaddled in leather surrounding the aluminum-clad shifter. The aluminum-alloy interior trim is sprinkled on the instrument panel, on the center console and on the door panels. My test car came with aluminum pedals, which are not the right ticket for wet and sloppy weather.
While I took this car on a variety of errands, the trunk is tiny at just more than 7 cubic-feet. So, pack light. Paint cans or groceries? Yes. Three sets of golf clubs? No.
This sport bomb was fully instrumented with a multi-function information drive computer. The Infiniti Intelligent Key with push button ignition, Remote Keyless Entry system, a tilt/telescoping steering column with increased travel, illuminated glove compartment and automatic temperature control are standard.
The test car came with the optional 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels” by Bose, combining a three-way door speaker array using 10-inch woofers with an audiophile-quality head unit incorporating double oversampling 24-bit 96KHz Burr Brown Digital Analogue Converters (DAC). Great system!
My well-equipped test car barely passed the $40K mark at $40,015. It came with the premium package for $3,200 that added an array of power goodies, a sunroof and the Bose system, rear spoiler at $600 and $715 for destination.
The G37 stacks up very well against Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz luxo/sport offerings and should be included if you‘re shopping those makes for a coupe.
VIDEO: Jill's bloopers
