2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Nissan used the New York Auto Show in April to showcase the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe - the successor to the popular G35 Coupe.

Leading the enhancements to the second-generation G Coupe is the first-ever application of the new VQ37VHR VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The newest iteration of the VQ-series engine puts it on Ward's Ten Best Engines list for 14th year.

The G37 Coupe's refined platform and chassis includes an available advanced 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system, while braking and handling is targeted to be among the best in the luxury sport coupe class. The discs are 13 inches in diameter all around.

Offered in three trims -- base, Journey and Sport -- the G37 is powered exclusively by the new engine. The base and journey models feature an electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with a Drive Sport mode, Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode that matches revs on downshifts. Solid magnesium paddle shifters for the gearbox are optional only on the Journey trim. As a matter of fact, the base model doesn't offer any options whatsoever.

For a $750 premium over the base model, the Journey adds a six-disc CD changer and dual-zone climate control.

The two models roll on 18-inch, split-spoke wheels, with the Journey getting 19s as options. Those same wheels shod in staggered W-rated summer performance tires come as standard on the range-topping Sport model which only comes with a six-speed manual transmission equipped with a limited slip differential. The brakes are more capable on the Sport as well, with 14-inch front rotors squeezed by four-piston calipers, while rear rotors are 0.8 of an inch larger that in lesser G37s.

Available technological features include a touch-screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic real-time traffic function and a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive, RearView Monitor and an 11-speaker Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose audio system with 24-bit Burr Brown DAC and 3-way door speaker arrays with 10-inch woofers.