My current love affair with Infiniti began when I drove the G35 sedan. My passions flamed even higher when I hopped into the EX35 crossover — zipping around Detroit with a sense of entitlement.
Then I drove the G37 Sport coupe — an athletic little four seater with a six-speed manual slush box, big 19-inch wheels stuffed into the wheel wells, and a racy little body that looks like it was formed with mercury.
Walking up to her, I gave the G37 Sport an admiring gaze. This could be the beginning of something special, I thought.
That low front end and crisp pointed headlights push back along the edges of the trunk, giving the G37 a longer look. The big intakes under the body-colored bumper help feed the engine cool air. It has a powerful look.
The roof line starts with an elegant curve that flows gently to the back. Really, it’s a sharp profile, though the space between the door and the rear wheel throws off the proportions. Compared with its predecessor, it’s longer, lower and wider.
The wheels are pushed out to the corners, giving it a 112.2-inch wheelbase. This smoothes out the ride.
Inside, the G37 Sport coupe is refined and I liked the low riding seating position. However, this does mean you tend to fall into the seat when you get in, and you have to roll out of the cabin, using your arm to push yourself up. There’s nothing graceful about getting out of this vehicle.
Adjusting the eight-way power seats, I found the near perfect position — a little closer to the steering wheel, legs slightly bent, hand on the manual shifter.
I looked over the “double wave” instrument panel, pressed the start button and cranked the optional 11-speaker stereo by Bose (which includes three-way front door speakers and 10-inch woofers).
There’s loads of technology in the G37 sport coupe. Bluetooth connectivity to allow hands-free operation of your phone (something that is becoming more important as more states ban cell phone use while driving), a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic updates and even a 9.3 gigabyte music box that allows you to burn your CDs into the system.
There’s also a compact flash slot to load up even more music — if you still have a compact flash card lying around from 2004. A USB thumb drive would have made more sense.
The front is very comfortable, lots of leg room, and all of the controls are at your fingertips. While the car contains a lot of high-tech devices, the layout is user friendly and not intimidating.
Driving this sport coupe is pleasant. Launch is quick, the gearbox clicks through the gears smoothly and the suspension helps keep the tires stuck to the ground.
Really, the performance is excellent. Push hard into a turn and the stability control fixes any under steering or over steering. Go too fast and the independent suspension keeps the car in the turn. Accelerating is good, even at highway passing speeds, and braking is excellent.
The 3.7-liter V-6 pushes out 330 horses and you can feel the power in your stomach. But the car is so quiet — a cue you want in a luxury car — the engine never talks to you in that sporty, guttural kind of way. There was no fear in this car, something I like in a sports car. I never felt like I was a millimeter from pushing it too far.This carapproaches performance in a stoic, utilitarian way.
The first hundred miles felt sterile and unemotional. The next 100 didn’t win me over, though I thought it might.
Despite her gorgeous exterior and well-appointed leather interior, the G37 Sport coupe never connected with me the way the G35 and EX35 did. I wanted the ride of my life, but the chemistry just wasn’t there.
It’s not you, G37 Sport coupe, it’s me. I hope we can still be friends.
Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe
MSRP: $36,965
Engine: 3.7-liter V-6
Power: 330-horsepower; 270-pound-feet torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual
EPA mileage: 17 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
Steering: Turning radius: 36.1feet
Suspension: Front: Double wishbone
Rear: Independent multi-link
Brakes:
Front: 14-inch vented disc
Rear: 13.8-inch vented disc
Wheels: 19-inch aluminum alloy
Dimensions (inches):
Wheelbase: 112.2
Length: 183.1
Width: 71.8
Height: 54.9
Front track: 60.8
Rear track: 61.4
Drag coefficient: .30 Cd
Interior:
Seating: four
Leg room (inches):
Front: 43.8
Rear: 29.8
Trunk volume: 7.4 cubic feet
Fuel tank: 20 gallons
Curb weight: 3,668 pounds
Scott Burgess is the auto critic for The Detroit News. He can be reached at sburgess@detnews.com.
