Test Drive: 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe
“Sample” cars will be used to lure buyers.
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A couple of words best describe the 2008 G37 Coupe: seductive, thrilling…and “WOW” comes to mind as well. Gunn Infiniti in San Antonio received it’s first car a few days ago, so I decided to stop by and have a look. The photo is the actual window sticker with the word “SAMPLE” printed across it, and there are no prices listed.
I was immediately greeted by salesman, Adam Castillo. Adam’s knowledge of this car juxtaposed the credentials of the owner’s manual, and his sales pitch was about as thorough as any magazine review of the car with one exception in his favor: this would be a hands-on tutorial. He was quick to point out how the name was different from its “G35″ predecessor. If you’re not car saavy, the “G37″ moniker represents the larger engine (i.e. 3.5-liter vs 3.7-liter). And even if you already knew that like I did, you may not know what else the name signifies. In addition to added displacement comes Infiniti’s Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology. This innovation allows the car to take advantage of the car’s power at every point of the powerband while maintaining optimal fuel economy and reduced emissions. Add to that a redesigned exhaust and intake…the result is 330 horsepower and 270 lb/ft of torque, which is about 20 more horses and 2 more lb/ft of yank. With that said, current G35 Coupe drivers may not notice a huge difference.
Although the car looks similar to the G35, Infiniti claims all new body panels.
What they will notice are all of the techno-geek features such as the touch screen nav system. The system includes XM® NavTraffic, which displays real-time traffic information to enhance your GPS. While San Antonio does not yet feature real-time traffic flow data, that capability is available for those communities that do, which equals 24 of 79 XM® markets in the U.S. and Canada. The “SAMPLE” also featured RearView Monitor and an available 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels”â„¢ by Bose® audio system, three-way door speaker arrays with 10-inch door-mounted woofers. The 20GB system splits storage equally devoting 9.3 gigs of the hard drive to the car’s music storage. It even has a compact flash drive slot.
Put the Auto in “DS” mode for some F1 fun.
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“I’ve seen enough. Get me some keys, Adam!”
It’s a miracle I even paid any attention to Adam’s presentation. As I slid into the seats, I couldn’t help but imagine driving this car down a track. I rudely began tugging on the magnesium paddle shifters and making engine noises. No doubt Adam was distracted by my giddiness; he immediately suggest I press the brake and push the Auto Start button. Suddenly the G37 was alive, and the sound it emitted was hypnotic. Responding to my delighted gaze, Adam exclaimed, “Wait until you open it up”. How can I pass up that offer?
My Maxima SE features a sport shift that allows me to up and downshift as I please. However, as it pegs the redline, it automatically shifts into the next gear. The G37 does not. So, on my first attempt at “opening it up”, I repeatedly nailed the 2nd gear rev limiter. After apologizing profusely to Adam, I didn’t hesitate to try again. As the five-speed automatic transmission neared its 7500 rpm redline, I tugged on the right paddle…a couple of times. 
And he was right…the car sounds tons better than the previous model. Very nice.
After gettting that out of my system, I decided to test out the automatic cruise control feature. When engaged, you can preset your desired speed…no acceleration necessary…and let the car do its thing. In the photo above, you’ll notice what looks like an infrared sensor in the front air dam. The G37 Coupe will slow down as you approach cars in front of you, and can apply up to 30% braking if necessary. There are three distance levels you can choose.
Steering response is great partially due to the 4-wheel active steering system. The car feels sure-footed in the bends. And the Akebono brakes worked great with virtually no fade in the pedal. That estimation is good from about 75 mph. With 4-piston calipers and 14.0-inch rotors in front, and 2-piston calipers on 13.8-in rotors in the rear, I think it’s safe to say this thing has ample stopping power beyond that.
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The 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe is available in three trim levels: G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT. The car I drove was the Journey model with the Sport package. If you’re in the San Antonio area, go see Adam Castillo at Gunn Infiniti or schedule an appointment with him at (210) 824-1272. A $500 deposit will ensure you get one this month…provided the one you want matches a model already ordered by the dealership.
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August 11th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Very nice. My S2000 has 240 HP and 153 torque. It’s an older, 2002 model so it redlines at 9000; I think the newer ones are 8000.
We’re shipping the S2000 to my son in Hawaii since he’ll get more use out of it there than we will here in WV. The G37 might be a nice replacement for me when I hand down my Malibu to my almost 16 year old.
Excellent review.
August 11th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Great car, Marisa! I’ve always like S2000s. It will go perfectly with your son’s surroundings. And you’re right. I think the redline change was in ‘03 or ‘04.
Thanks for the Digg…and step away from the Malibu!
August 11th, 2007 at 8:44 pm
[…] Coupe is available in three trim levels: G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT…read more | digg […]
August 11th, 2007 at 10:54 pm
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August 11th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
Beautiful car…more aggressive yet even more refined than the preceding G35 Coupe.
August 12th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Good write up D. When you decide to buy one, you should orde it from a Houston area dealer so that I can wait around for several hours and then drive it up to you. I guarantee this car, unlike your current one, will not be defiled in any way. Are they still going to make the G35? Mikey and Matt came out last night. My liver hurts. Go out an drive a new Vette for you next installment.
August 15th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
[…] was lucky enough to take the all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe out for a test drive. This car is so new that the dealership didn’t even have any for sale […]
August 16th, 2007 at 6:55 pm
Still a overweight car. 3700-3800lb no thanks. Give me a 350z with 3300lb weight and that same engine and it will kick that cars butt.
August 17th, 2007 at 8:43 am
No doubt, Pimp. That is, if we’re talking about drag racing. But if you want to show up in style, this is your car.
August 16th, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Now, I know what I’m going to do with my adsense money…
August 17th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
This car has a wonderfull look. I wish it were a woman i would have married her.
Daffe.
August 22nd, 2007 at 5:38 pm
Man, if I were getting a coupe I would definitely be getting this. I’m actually looking at the G35 sedan right now…
August 27th, 2007 at 12:48 am
[…] G37 Coupe Review I had the opportunity to test drive an Infiniti G37 Coupe about 2 weeks ago. I wrote all about the experience and included some pictures. Since then, my […]
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:04 am
I would love to own this can NICE!!!!
I did read in some forums that It’s not to hard to mod. this car to your personal specs
August 20th, 2008 at 8:24 am
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