Though they haven’t received as much attention as the Nissan 350Z, plenty of buyers know that the Infiniti G35 coupe and sedan are, under the skin, essentially deluxe versions of the Z, and deliver a comparable driving experience. A driving experience that is, as a matter of fact, among the best available.
Interesting, then, that the Nissan 350Z, which is entering its sixth model year, will be substantially overshadowed this year by the 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe: Fluid, warmed-up styling, coupled with a new 3.7-liter V-6 engine with 330 horsepower — the 2007 G35 coupe had 275 or 293 horsepower, depending on the transmission — launches the G37 into new territory. No longer is it a luxury version of the Nissan 350Z — suddenly, it’s faster and better-looking.
Under the skin, the G37 coupe (the G35 sedan is carried over from 2007) is lower and has a wider wheelbase. The chassis has been strengthened to the point that it is 36 percent stiffer than last year. Handling, especially with the optional Sport package, is excellent. Overall, the feel is very BMW-like, and that’s good.
The engine is a much-updated version of last year’s 3.5-liter V-6, introduced in the G35 sedan. This 3.7-liter contains 35 percent new parts, including a new variable-valve-timing system. Even with the extra horsepower, EPA-rated fuel mileage is up; a 2007 G35 coupe with an automatic transmission was rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway (those numbers represent the same testing method used for 2008 models). A 2008 G37 with an automatic transmission is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway. Both year models like premium fuel.
The 2008 G37 comes in three models: A base coupe; the Journey, which has a few more luxury features; and the Sport, which comes with a six-speed manual transmission instead of a five-speed automatic. The test model was a Journey, but it had the Sport package, which added bigger tires and wheels, a stiffer suspension and several other features. Base price is $34,250, with an as-tested price on our car of $38,565. There are other options offered, including genuine rosewood interior trim, a navigation system, and an “Active Steer” system that allows the rear wheels to steer just slightly left or right.
On the road, the G37 has all the acceleration you’d need, with the automatic transmission (shiftable by paddles behind the steering wheel) a perfect match to the engine. Inside, the cockpit looks and feels right, as long as you’re up front: The 2008 actually has less rear seat room than the 2007, which had precious little.
Bottom line: This is a very successful update to an already solid car. I’m very eager to see the next-generation Nissan Z.
