May5
Nissan’s recent launch of the Infiniti luxury brand in Europe is set to include four models: the EX37 and FX50 crossover as well as G37 coupe and sedan. While the the key difference from the U.S. model is evident in the badge of the sedan, new details emerged on the Euro-only G37 sedan’s specs.
The G37 will use the same 3.7-liter V6 found in the coupe here and abroad, with a power rating of 306hp, but also mated it to the maker’s new seven-speed automatic transmission, which debuted Stateside in the 2009 FX35 and FX50.
A prototype version of the G37 sedan was driven by Autocar, and is reported to include other changes from U.S.-spec cars, such as a more opulent interior. For one, the leather seating surfaces will be richer, with higher-quality materials used elsewhere. A rotary heater switch will replace the plastic two-position switch.
Like the G35, the Euro version will offer all-wheel drive as an option. The report also claims Infiniti engineered the car for Europe’s higher speeds, with details like a more powerful windshield wiper motor as part of the changes.
The G37 sedan is due to go on sale in the U.K. in 2009, with pricing close to the BMW 330i sedan, though in typical Infiniti fashion, offering more standard equipment. Europeans are also promised a diesel version of the car in a couple of years.
Strange that the European version wouldn’t get the 330hp version of the 3.7 V6. What better way to introduce yourself into a new market than with a powerfull rev happy engine. Unfortunate we don’t get the 7speed transmission. G37 is an amazing machine but it just looks to similiar to the G35. Hopefully next year they do some restyling and throw in that 7 speed.
Rumor has 7-speed and interior upgrades both in by next year.
I wonder how it will compete with European diesel powered cars. They all have higher torque and 50% better fuel economy then V6. I could see M competing with gasoline powered large luxury sedans, but Nissan/Infinity will have to create its own market. 7 speed auto transmission is not something you’ll see Europeans clamming for.
In Greece no one likes automatic transmissions except a few cabbies here and there. Who knows though, as the country gets richer that might change. All roads converge on western excess.
Is that 7-speed auto connected through slushbox, or a dual-clutch?
Seeing as how the GT-R (that name, again?!? Too much!) has a dual-clutch gearbox, should be easy enough to put one in, with paddle shifters.
And ummmm … hahaha … why the hell did they detune the 3.7L to 306hp, the same output as the North American 3.5L in the G35 sedan? I’m hoping they managed to increase torque or increase fuel efficiency, and it wasn’t just a detuning!
Deanster, Greece is least likely market for Infinity. My guess Nissan would want to harness UK, German and French markets. Greece holds largesses for Korean automakers and probably by now Chinese. Those are my observations, not scientific ones.
Very odd that Nissan chose to sell their larger displacement engine in Europe where many European countries charge taxes based on displacement, and the U.S. does not. Based on that, you would think they would sell the smaller engine in Europe.
Xyunya, true about Hyundais - very popular. I’ve yet to see a Chinese car, although I’m going on a vacation to Greece in June. I’ll let you know what I find.
Infiniti is uncommon in Greece, mainly because the luxury stratum is in a headlock by Audi/MB/BMW.
Deanster, I guarantee that you’ll find a decent souvlaki and not a single Infinity or Lexus, unless some tourister drive them from north and that’s highly unlikely. I’ve been to Greece last year and found 115 heat in July and lousy air conditioning (to be expected). A lot of Korean and cheapest Japanese hardware sprinkled with Fiats and Renaults. I thought sportiness is expressed by Alfa Romeo more then BMW.
well well the u.s market misses again with this car, why dont bring what we want, as the past will tell when we get what we wont from europe it always sold out in hours (gt-r)