A list of features for you now that you’ll find on the 2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe’s window sticker: AABS, DS, HID, ALR/ELR, ABS, EBD, VDC, TCS, TPMS, VSS, ICC, AFS and finally, ATTESA E-TS. The last one, at first glance, might be a launch code to a submarine-based Trident II nuclear ballistic missile.
What is it?
Infiniti’s G37x Coupe is quite like the standard G37 Coupe in the “Journey” trim level. In fact you’d never tell the two apart without looking at the badge on the rear. Under the X, however, lurks Infiniti’s Intelligent All-wheel drive system. If you think that essentially makes this an Audi-ized G37 quattro, think again.
What’s it up against?
Infiniti’s engineers were thinking specifically about the BMW 335i xDrive coupe and the Audi A5 quattro when they bolted the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system to the G37.
Any breakthroughs?
For the record, ATTESA E-TS stands for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split. That’s engineer-speak for a torque-vectoring, all-wheel-drive system. The heart of the system is a microprocessor that monitors all four wheels a zillion times a second, watching for wheel spin or slippage. Once it detects that bit of nastiness, the system sends power to the appropriate wheel to correct it. The result of that techno-symphony is more grip in the corners and faster launches.
Behind the wheel, ATTESA E-TS is like a mother that steps in at the last second with a subtle “you’ll break your neck if you do that” as you ready yourself for a jump off the roof of the garage. Infiniti’s all-wheel-drive system only kicks in when you really need it and will never send more than 50 percent of the power to the front wheels. More importantly, the front wheels will often get much less than 50% percentor no power at all since the system’s default is to route 100 percent of the power to the rear. This makes for an all-wheel-drive car that, quite often, drives and feels like rear-drive. It certainly has a more rear-drive feel than Audi’s Quattro system. More on that in a minute.
The other big feature on the list is the seven-speed, semi-automatic transmission. It sports downshift rev-matching as well as drive-sport mode and a full manual mode. What doesn’t sport, however, are paddle shifters, a must, in our eyes, if we are stuck with a semi-automatic transmission. And you ARE stuck with it. The seven-speed slushbox is currently the only way you’ll get into a G37x. On the bright side, you could be stuck with worse. The seven-speed rips off smooth, quick shifts throughout the range. For what it’s worth, we hear paddles are probably on their way to the G37x. Watch for them to appear as part of a sport package in the next 12-18 months.
How does it look?
A bit off, I think. But before I launch into why, if you’re already sold on the exterior design, then by all means, skip the next paragraph and go place your order. The rest of the car certainly won’t let you down.
Does the last-generation, G35 coupe have a better look? I tend to think so. Though, in the case of the particular G37 I drove, the blue slate paint job didn’t do it any favors. Bright red or silver are the colors you want – at least in this writer’s eyes.
There’s no denying that the G37 has a sporty look with a nice stance, but, I feel like it’s gotten too round, bubbly even. Somehow the bulges on the top of the fender have gone from a nice element on the G35 to quite unappealing on the G37. Anchored by a pair of taillights that cast an angry, LED glare on any car approaching from behind, the more angular rear end of the G37 is the Infiniti’s good side. Though that might say more about me than the car…
And inside?
The Infiniti’s updated cockpit is one you won’t want to deplane from. Expect your eyes to be pleased, from the illuminated door sills (optional) on the ground floor to the aluminum accents feeding into a simple, elegant center stack on the top floor. A stack that houses the interface for the navigation, sound system and vehicle setting controls. Reaching the interface is a bit of stretch physically, but mentally, it’s pretty intuitive. Use it for an hour or two and you’ll learn everything you need to know. Now if it were only a bit closer to the driver. Fortunately you’ll be reaching for those buttons from a sport seat that adjusts 12 different ways and is very comfortable and supportive once it is dialed in to your backside.
The aluminum trim earns a special mention, and not because its shape is inspired by a katana. It is the fiber-like finish on the aluminum, said to resemble Japanese Washi paper, that makes it stand out. While there are no paper cranes in the G, it’s nice to see aluminum used a little differently than the flat finish we’re accustomed to seeing.
But does it go?
The word for the power coming from Infiniti’s 3.7-liter V6 is brutal. Cutting right to the chase, hand-timed 0-60s were pretty consistently in the 5.5 second neighborhood. There was a 5.4 in there once or twice as well. That puts it right on the doorstep of the more expensive BMW 335i xDrive coupe.
Overall, the steering, and the car as a whole feel just a bit on the heavy side. When it comes to bolting through the esses, however, the steering feel is sharp and communicative. If you do get a little over eager getting back on the “go” pedal at the exit of the corner, it’s not hard to kick the rear end out assuming the traction control is off. If it’s on, don’t expect any leniency from the computer as the traction control kicks in at even the first hint of fun.
Since you’ll surely have traction control turned off, you’re going to find this is a car that doesn’t mind getting wily. Once the rear end does start to let go, the AWD system gets the front wheels digging into the pavement just enough to make you look like a hero. On-lookers will know you planned to powerslide that corner, with the rear of the car mere inches from the guardrail.
An Audi would definitely have more grip and speed through a corner than the G37x, but the Infiniti is still very controllable, very stable and very fun.
In the end, it depends on what makes you smile more. Speed or slides?
Why you would buy it:
A 330-horsepower car that slides with great control and confidence that costs way less than its competitors. Need we say more? Yes, actually. If you think you can’t drive a fun car during the winter, think again. Powersliding on a dry road is always fun and this Infiniti will do it. What’s more fun is taking the G37x to an empty snow-covered High School parking lot and seeing just how long you can drive a car sideways before the principal gives you detention.
Why you wouldn’t:
You might not be sold on the exterior design. In an ideal world, you’d want an Audi A5 body on a G37x powertrain and chassis. Unless you have your own automotive engineering firm, that’s not likely. You may also want a car that grips the corner harder. Quattro-hard.
There is also the matter of fuel economy. The sticker says 18/25. Assuming you keep the transmission in its regular, automatic mode and drive like a normal person might, those numbers are doable. I didn’t do that. I did the opposite of that and the computer told me I was averaging about 13. Ah well, entertainment this good is rarely free.
2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe base price, $38,700. As tested, $47,845.
Technology package, $1,150; Premium package, $3,000; Illuminated door sills, $330; Navigation package, $2,200; 18-innch alloy wheels, $1,650; Destination, $815.
Words and photos by Chris Doane.
01/08, 11:47 AM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
It’s still a Nissan, and their nothing wrong with that…
01/08, 12:01 PM
posted by:
Jon Luc
Looks ok.
01/08, 12:02 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
48k is steep for this. Also, did the base go up 5k?
01/08, 12:13 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
If Buick releases a Lacrosse coupe, this thing is toast. Infiniti is junk next to Buick. All GM needs to do is expand the Lacrosse and Infiniti will be obliterated.
01/08, 12:21 PM
posted by:
coolguy8157
if I were to pick 1 of 335xi, A5, G37x…I would definitely pick the G37x..more for really less money and technologically leaps and bounds advanced when compared with the beemers ****pit…cant speak of the A5 though.
01/08, 1:37 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
I think Nissan has really found a sweet spot for Datsun.
not quite a BMW, but you can’t go wrong with one
01/08, 1:40 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Contrary to Chris’ opinion I find the rear of this to be the worst aspect of its styling. It somehow looks cheap from the back, almost like an econo-coupe, and the squared off rear bumper fascia looks out of place compared to the front. No matter, this is primarily a sports car for women and the odd guy who feel it is enough that their car look and sound sporty even if the tach needle is unlikely to ever get halfway to redline.
01/08, 2:13 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
The G6 Coupe is better looking and higher quality. It’s no surprise that Amercians would choose a Pontiac over a lowly Infiniti.
01/08, 2:24 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
“The G6 Coupe is better looking and higher quality” dude stop talking! you are making yourself look like the biggest frikin idiot on the planet! you must be retarded and on crack to think that the sh!tty g6 is more reliable. show us all some proof that the g6 is even remotely reliable to infiniti and I will shut you you worthless piece of sh!t!!!!!!
01/08, 2:25 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I would just like to state to everyone(even though you people already know) that Need More Oil For GM is the biggest f-in retard to walk the planet!
01/08, 2:46 PM
posted by:
Impulsive
Women of the world rejoice!!!
Uh, just make sure you a have sugar daddy covering your gas bills.
01/08, 2:53 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Showme where the Infiniti has better reliability than the G6. Good luck with that.
01/08, 2:56 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
idrinorbarsaku, where’s your prrof huh? That’s right, because you don’t have any. YOu can go off spewing crap all you want, but your just masking the fact that you don’t know a damn thing about cars outside of your pathetic bias.
01/08, 3:00 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Is the Allroad version of this coming out with body cladding and a higher ground clearance? I mean, if they want to copy Audi, might as well…
I agree with the writer on this too, the G35 Coupe and Sedan (especially the 05-06) looked much better than the current forms. They almost look cheap, and I know they are great cars, but they look like they are akward. Maybe the Japanese hit their peak already, and it’s downhill for design. I loved the last G35, Acura TL-TSX, and the 350Z – The new ones are all disapointing design-wise. It appears to be Detroit and the German’s time to shine.
01/08, 3:23 PM
posted by:
MurcieMe
I too find the design of the G37 coupe not quite as nice as the G35 it replaced. The G35 coupe was jaw dropping gorgeous. It was a very, very original design and the taillights were my favourite part. When the new model came out I was impressed with the front end design, but I don’t like the rear very much (Too Angry), and the roofline looks kinda like a Monte Carlo – which is NOT a good thing.
At least the interior is a vast improvement.
01/08, 3:33 PM
posted by:
miket
“If Buick releases a Lacrosse coupe, this thing is toast. Infiniti is junk next to Buick. All GM needs to do is expand the Lacrosse and Infiniti will be obliterated.”
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Sorry for the childish post….thought it would fit in well.
I also prefer the design of the previous generation G35’s….This car just looks a little awkward for some reason.
Although, it might be cool to put this AWD in the new Z as an option. I’m guessing it could sell for just under 35k. Might be more attractive to new car buyers up north for all season utility in a sports coupe.
01/08, 3:38 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
NMOFG, look at the CONSUMER REPORTS!! it doesn’t get more believable than that! what your damn proof??
I only state what i know from cars that my family and I have had the chance to own/lease/drive for a long time. I don’t comment on any other car unless i state my opinion in which case i state “imo, blahblahblah” all you do is reply about every single gm car there is as if you have them all. Seriously, just shut the Fnck up because i’m sure everyone imagines you being a compete frikin retard, sitting on your compute,r jerkin off to some fat chick on a magazine, with grease all over it from burger king!
01/08, 4:39 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
****To those Internet lurkers***
If you happen to stumble onto this site by accident and find yourself reading about this Infiniti, do yourself a favor and check out the Pontiac G6 coupe. With 260hp and class leading quality and dependibility, the G6 far surpasses any Nissan. Check one out at your local Pontiac dealer quick before they are all gone.
01/08, 4:42 PM
posted by:
ASIMO
The G37 looks mostly like ass compared to the svelte, elegant, non-hostile, more compact-appearing G35. I know it was a difficult task to improve upon the G35, especially when considering the need to comply with pedestrian safety codes, but some design elements on the G37 are questionable at best and down-right nasty at worst. The bulbous fenders, the overly squared off shoulders and rear — nasty. All of this and more leads to a porcine evolution of an otherwise sexy piece of machinery.
What’s with Infinity making their cars look more and more like sea mammals? The G37 sedan now looks like a beluga whale, particularly in lighter colors. And this G37 coupe looks like its angry still-born. Then the new FX suv looks ridiculously hopped up on ‘roids. When viewed in a vacuum amongst their contemporaries, I guess they all look alright, but compared to their predecessors, they look kinda like ass. But c’mon. I want my machine to look more like machines rather than animals, let alone fat sea mammals.
01/08, 4:47 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Infiniti – Influenced by Sea mammals. Sushi anyone?
01/08, 4:58 PM
posted by:
A4
who makes the shocks for this thing, skyjacker?
01/08, 5:14 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
I completely agree with this article’s comments regarding the styling. I used to own an ‘03 G35 Coupe 6MT, and I think it was a better looking car than the new G37. The new one does look too round and bubbly. And its best angle is the back.
The interior is certainly an improvement over the old G35’s, but it comes across as a bit plain looking when compared to a CTS or an A4 interior, but it is nicer than a 3-series interior.
What’s funny is this car has 50 more horsepower than my ‘03 had, yet it’s only 0.2 seconds quicker 0-60. I guess an already heavy car got even heavier with the AWD.
01/08, 5:45 PM
posted by:
miket
“Check one out at your local Pontiac dealer quick before they are all gone.”
He means pontiac as a brand…not the car….
01/08, 9:21 PM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
I agree, the G37 really screws up the lines and curves that made the G35 coupe work. I hate the door divots, the high rear end and the headlights; the G35 was such a nice, classy shape without any fuss. In black they are real stunners. The G37 is a great car, but I don’t see enough improvement to explain the price hike.
01/08, 11:29 PM
posted by:
Got Handling?
Wiow, a LLN reviewer who knows what matters to enthusiasts! Give this Chris dude a raise immediately. Don’t worry about where the money’s coming from LLN, you can fund it by laying off Meliass.
Great work Chris, nice to read a review on here that doesn’t read like a press release and shows some evidence of having taken the test car further than the nearest freeway.
p.s. I also think that the G35 was much better looking, and the used values where I live suggest that a lot of others agree.
01/09, 12:08 AM
posted by:
Architect
Girl’s car.
01/09, 9:42 AM
posted by:
JC88
I prefer the G37’s exterior styling, interior could use an upgrade though, especially since they put a nearly identical nav unit in the 370.
01/09, 2:09 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
while the exterior looks look kinda weird at first, the instantly grow on you once you drive the car. the only thing you will be caring about is the sweet engine and great sound it makes.