Coupes and convertibles are funny machines. Despite having four seats (though the nice ones are mostly two-seaters), they are not cars you would use to ferry your wife to the market or your kids to soccer practice. Your sexy car would even leave you neglected when your sister decides to call your baby brother (who owns a Kangoo) instead of you to help her move to her new apartment.
But on the bright side, a coupe or convertible is an escape artist at its best, satisfying the driver who spent three quarter of his day fighting fire with water in the office. The car, with or without the top, is a heavily sought after machine, giving the driver the endless imagination that he shares that very same attribute.
This brings me to the Infiniti G37 Convertible. Introduced only in June 2009, the convertible from Nissan's luxury brand is only the second Infiniti we have tested here on our sunny island (the FX50 was the first) and it already feels like the Japanese marque deserves a pat on the back for creating cars that are constantly 'big' and 'stunning'.
Exterior
This has largely to do with its sheet metal. The overall form is clearly in line with its 'nature-based' designed language which allows the car to stand out from its competitors. It's a pleasing form too, when in its convertible form, with clean fluid lines flowing across the exterior like waves on an open ocean.
In the coupe-like profile, however, the G37 has a tad more touch of aggressiveness without losing its gentle appeal. It's not going to float everyone's boats, but the car has the essential flair of extravagant desire that is unfound in its competitors such as the 3 Series Cabriolet and Audi A5 Cabriolet.
But on the bright side, a coupe or convertible is an escape artist at its best, satisfying the driver who spent three quarter of his day fighting fire with water in the office. The car, with or without the top, is a heavily sought after machine, giving the driver the endless imagination that he shares that very same attribute.
This brings me to the Infiniti G37 Convertible. Introduced only in June 2009, the convertible from Nissan's luxury brand is only the second Infiniti we have tested here on our sunny island (the FX50 was the first) and it already feels like the Japanese marque deserves a pat on the back for creating cars that are constantly 'big' and 'stunning'.
Exterior
This has largely to do with its sheet metal. The overall form is clearly in line with its 'nature-based' designed language which allows the car to stand out from its competitors. It's a pleasing form too, when in its convertible form, with clean fluid lines flowing across the exterior like waves on an open ocean.
In the coupe-like profile, however, the G37 has a tad more touch of aggressiveness without losing its gentle appeal. It's not going to float everyone's boats, but the car has the essential flair of extravagant desire that is unfound in its competitors such as the 3 Series Cabriolet and Audi A5 Cabriolet.
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Speaking of flair, the car changes its silhouette in 25 seconds with a touch of a button located on the centre console. The only setback is that the machine can only do its magical tweak when it's stationary. Still, the three-piece retractable roof is a smooth operator that alters the mood of the car from beefy coupe to sunny convertible.
Additionally, the luxury Japanese convertible also sports a chrome rear boot-lid which houses an integrated high-mounted brake light and camera for the parking monitor system which comes standard.
The chrome bootlid that houses the rear camera and brake lights  |
Interior
Once inside, drivers will be happy to know that their money is well-spent. At $298,000 (as of 8th March 2012), the cabin of the G37 Convertible is clean and clear and exudes a suitably expensive look.
Aside from the thick and sporty three-spoke steering wheel, drivers will be faced with Infiniti's signature 'double wave' instrument panel and a standard 7-inch multi-information display monitor.
That thick steering wheel and the double wave instruments panel
With a wheelbase of 2,850mm, rear benches are adequate for adults but not over long hauls - a common feature found in various two-door convertibles. The electric front seats, on the other hand, are much alike to what you'd find in a business-class plane.
Once inside, drivers will be happy to know that their money is well-spent. At $298,000 (as of 8th March 2012), the cabin of the G37 Convertible is clean and clear and exudes a suitably expensive look.
Aside from the thick and sporty three-spoke steering wheel, drivers will be faced with Infiniti's signature 'double wave' instrument panel and a standard 7-inch multi-information display monitor.
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With a wheelbase of 2,850mm, rear benches are adequate for adults but not over long hauls - a common feature found in various two-door convertibles. The electric front seats, on the other hand, are much alike to what you'd find in a business-class plane.
They are ventilated and well-bolstered, with Bose speakers integrated into each head restraint. Unlike its German peers, the buttons and knobs are not overwhelming and are very straightforward and intuitive in operation. Seating in the driver's seat with all these coming to mind gave us a sense that this is a car built selfishly for the driver.
From the driver's point of view, there isn't a lot of difference between the convertible and the coupe profile from inside the cabin. It remains true to its high build quality standards and an even higher standard of fit and finish.
More often than not, you'd get the sense that build quality is on par with Lexus and perhaps even better than its competitors. Simply put it - it's immaculate.
Premium Bose speakers for front passengers to enjoy while on the go
From the driver's point of view, there isn't a lot of difference between the convertible and the coupe profile from inside the cabin. It remains true to its high build quality standards and an even higher standard of fit and finish.
More often than not, you'd get the sense that build quality is on par with Lexus and perhaps even better than its competitors. Simply put it - it's immaculate.
Premium Bose speakers for front passengers to enjoy while on the go  |
The Drive
Developed from Nissan's 370Z, the Infiniti G37 Convertible is muscled by a charismatic 3.7-litre V6 powerplant and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission gearbox that will transmit 320 horses and 360Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Thus, despite its heft of close to 1.9 tonnes, the G37 will hurtle to the 100km/h end point in 6.4 seconds, just half a second slower than the BMW 335i Convertible but remains faster than the E-Class Cabriolet.
Regardless of whether you're piloting the car in a gentlemanly pace or with conviction, the Infinity convertible is a refined automobile, with cogs changing seamlessly from one to another. In fact, the mellow burble of the engine pulls with total linearity throughout the rev range and it never feels harsh when accelerating from a standstill. Road and wind noise is well-kept at bay and is never distracting even at high speeds. Other than excellent insulation, it's also due to the fact that the audio volume increases according to the car's speed and revs.
For the enthusiast, then, lowering the audio volume is necessary should there be a need to enjoy the workout soundtrack from the V6 residing underneath. Drive the car with conviction and the Infiniti G37 Convertible will give out a stirring engine note that will send shivers down your passenger's spine as it guns towards the redline.
Developed from Nissan's 370Z, the Infiniti G37 Convertible is muscled by a charismatic 3.7-litre V6 powerplant and is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission gearbox that will transmit 320 horses and 360Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Thus, despite its heft of close to 1.9 tonnes, the G37 will hurtle to the 100km/h end point in 6.4 seconds, just half a second slower than the BMW 335i Convertible but remains faster than the E-Class Cabriolet.
Regardless of whether you're piloting the car in a gentlemanly pace or with conviction, the Infinity convertible is a refined automobile, with cogs changing seamlessly from one to another. In fact, the mellow burble of the engine pulls with total linearity throughout the rev range and it never feels harsh when accelerating from a standstill. Road and wind noise is well-kept at bay and is never distracting even at high speeds. Other than excellent insulation, it's also due to the fact that the audio volume increases according to the car's speed and revs.
For the enthusiast, then, lowering the audio volume is necessary should there be a need to enjoy the workout soundtrack from the V6 residing underneath. Drive the car with conviction and the Infiniti G37 Convertible will give out a stirring engine note that will send shivers down your passenger's spine as it guns towards the redline.
There's also an option to get a good 'feel' of the car via the huge svelte magnesium paddle shifters when going round bends and corners. The heft of the car can be felt but because the steering is direct and has a generous amount of feedback, it responds with a solid feel giving drivers the confidence to push the car harder every time there's a bend. Its chassis is indeed a wonderful blend of handling and comfort.
Conclusion
Although the G37 weighs heavier than most in its class, Infiniti makes no bones about it. We reckon that while no car is perfect, the G37 comes relatively close to it, with its distance-swallowing ability being its strongest advantage. More relevantly, it has plenty of usable horses and torque to ferry the car around town in a refined and fuss-free manner. And when there is an urge for a hit, the car has an aurally pleasing engine when extended.
It's double happiness if you ask us.
Conclusion
Although the G37 weighs heavier than most in its class, Infiniti makes no bones about it. We reckon that while no car is perfect, the G37 comes relatively close to it, with its distance-swallowing ability being its strongest advantage. More relevantly, it has plenty of usable horses and torque to ferry the car around town in a refined and fuss-free manner. And when there is an urge for a hit, the car has an aurally pleasing engine when extended.
It's double happiness if you ask us.
