2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan
Infiniti’s G Sedan was launched in 2003 as a powerful rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports sedan and it was positioned as an alternative to the BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Audi A4. In contrast to the competition, the Infiniti sedan not only offered more interior space, but it also trumped the others with Nissan’s powerful VQ-series 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
In 2009, though, the G has gotten a little too interesting to be the value leader. It’ll still be priced competitively, of course, as Infiniti estimates a base 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan with the seven-speed automatic will come in around $33,000 — less than a grand more than the ‘08 G35 sedan with the five-speed auto.
The Infiniti G37 has been fine-tuned to cope with European demands and expectations. To meet those demands, a special Infiniti team working within Nissan’s Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) has developed a package of changes to ensure the Infiniti G37 can compete with Europe’s finest on level terms.
With its long bonnet, long wheelbase and short overhangs, the Infiniti G37 blurs the boundaries between a four-door sedan and coupé. To the front, the L-shaped headlamps and double-arch grille - complete with sculpted “twisted” horizontal blades inspired by traditional Japanese swords - have become Infiniti design elements helping to give the brand a distinctive face.
As its name suggests, 2009 G37 sedan gets the coupe’s larger six, tuned to 328 hp at 7000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque at 5200, an ever-so-slight drop from the coupe’s 330 hp and 270 lb-ft. Arguably as notable as the bigger engine is the sedan’s new seven-speed automatic, which made its debut in the 2009 FX crossover.
The seven-speed is standard for all-wheel-drive Gs, including the newly available G37x coupe. The seven-speed G37 should also deliver better fuel economy than the G35. In fact, the car promises gains of 1 mpg in the city and 2 on the highway to 18/26 for rear-wheel-drive cars and 18/25 for the all-wheel-drive G37x. The seven-speed G37 should also deliver better fuel economy than the G35. It has an extra overdrive gear, and the final-drive ratio is 3.357:1 compared to 3.692:1 on the automatic G35. Same goes for the G37 Sport with the six-speed manual, which should cost about $34,000. Put the sport package on an automatic-equipped 2009 G37 Journey and you’re looking at about $37,000.
The acceleration times have been much improved: zero to 60 now takes only 5.0 sec, with the quarter-mile obliterated in just 13.5 at 105.3 mph.. Utilizing the same Bridgestone tires and suspension setup as its G35 S predecessor, which put up 0.91 g lateral acceleration and 25.9 sec at 0.69 g, the G37 S delivers comparable handling performance, recording 0.90 g and 26.4 sec at 0.68 g — likely a byproduct of the G37 S’s extra 98 pounds of curb weight over the G35 S.
Suspension design is fully independent and uses lightweight aluminium components to reduce weight as much as possible. With a racing-inspired double wishbone set up at the front, a multi-link arrangement mounted on a sub frame behind and an extremely rigid bodyshell, the Infiniti G37 feels agile and surefooted with a refined ride.
Moreover, four-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) is available as part of the Infiniti G37 Sport model. An AWD version, known as the Infiniti G37x, uses Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system, as found on EX37 and FX models will be available. In fact, all versions of Infiniti G37, whether rear- or all-wheel drive come with Electronic Stability Program (ESP).