The G37 Coupe Convertible was introduced as Infiniti’s ‘Seductress’. Marketing hype, or does it live up to the promises? We took one for a spin to find out. A new convertible from Infiniti is a rare occurrence - and when the spec-list is examined it’s clear that we’re about to take a truly extraordinary vehicle on the roads. A look at the headline figures of 328 horsepower from a 3.7-liter V6 engine, a seven-speed gearbox and a 0 - 100km/h time of a little over 5 seconds shows that the G37CC has a beauty which is more than just skin-deep.
Viewed from any angle the G37CC is clearly Infiniti. Designed from its conception as a convertible, the body shape suffers none of the aesthetic compromises so often imposed on buyers by other marques.
It’s a car to climb down in to, and gives the driver feeling of being wrapped-around. Firm and confidence inspiring seats in the front are slightly let down by those in the back - they are comfortable enough but the rear lacks the legroom for continental journeys - this is a sportscar and not a tourer.
The refined engine note turns deliciously raucous as the revs approach the red-line. The splendidly slick gearbox managing seamless changes, and the solid chassis and quick reacting suspension soaks up all of Kuwait’s roads bumps and holes whilst maintaining superb grip.
As you’d expect from a convertible today the roof retracts with the flick of a switch - the only debate to be had is whether the G37CC looks even more gorgeous with its top down or not.
Were we seduced? Absolutely.
Seductive Styling Inside and Out
The G37 Convertible maintains a coupe-like silhouette with the top up through use of a special three-piece ‘clamshell’ retractable hardtop, which allows for both a stylish shorter rear overhang and a low trunk lid. Compared to G37 Coupe, the G37 Convertible utilizes all-new body panels from the A-pillar back, along with a 1.1-inch wider overall width, wider rear track and modified rear suspension.
Along with its stunning G37 Coupe-like proportions, the G37 Convertible offers signature Infiniti styling cues such as flowing front fender curves, a wave-style aluminum hood, expressive front fascia with double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights.
In the rear, the taillights are unique to the G37 Convertible, incorporating an inner “circle of light” for added style. The chrome rear trunk finisher incorporates both an integrated high -mount stoplight and the small camera for the standard Rear View Monitor system.
The automatic top opening / closing sequence takes approximately 25 seconds from start to finish. The open / close switch is located on the center console, just behind the transmission shifter lever.
The G37 Convertible’s interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features has a high quality appearance with an Infiniti signature instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white illumination color scheme, integrated multi-function information drive computer display and signature Infiniti analog clock.
The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls.
The G37 Convertible will be offered in eight exterior colors with a choice of black or beige leather seating complimented by polished wood trim accents. For customers with even sportier tastes, red leather seating matched with red wood accents can be specially ordered.
Climate-Controlled front seats with 8-way power driver/8-way front passenger adjustment are standard. A power ‘walk-in’ device with seat position memory provides easy access to the 2nd row seats (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats). A rear wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence when the top is down.
The 2010 G37 Convertible’s long list of comfort and convenience features includes standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System air conditioning system that adjusts to provide optimal comfort with the top up or down.
The audio system is a 13-speaker Infiniti Bose® Open Air Sound system with AudioPilot® 2.0 technology that automatically optimizes EQ settings for open/closed top positions. The system’s special Bose® Front seat Personal Speakers, mounted in the front seat head restraints, enable superior front audio quality regardless of the top position. A USB connection port for iPod® and other compatible devices is included and a standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System is also fitted.
Liberating Dynamic Performance
Like the G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan, the G37 Convertible’s outstanding dynamic performance credentials start with a combination of its advanced FM platform and award-winning V6 engine.
The G37 Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 328 horsepower at 7000rpm and 37.0kg-m of torque at 5,200rpm. The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, helping to improve not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency (over a non-VVEL system).
The engine is mated to an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations and solid magnesium paddle shifters.
The G37 Convertible’s responsive handling and ride performance is provided by its advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform design, which optimizes front/rear weight balance and creates a rigid, stable foundation for the 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension is an independent double -wishbone design, with a single pivot lower wishbone and a long upper link. The multi-link rear suspension separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber in line with the wheel center. These designs help minimize alignment changes and reduce suspension friction for nimble handling and smooth riding characteristics.
Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing system, with sport-tuned steering. Also standard on the G37 Convertible is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with cancel switch and Traction Control System (TCS).
Braking performance is provided by 4-wheel vented 14 inch front and 13.8 inch rear discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
10-spoke 19-inch x 8.5-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels are standard fitted with high performance tires (P225/45R19 W-rated front and P245/40R19 W-rated at the rear).
An Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensor is standard, along with door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front - seat passenger protection, front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and front seat Active Head Restraints.
The rear seat includes fixed head restraints with rear Pop-up Roll Bars. The G37 Convertible also features reinforced front side members, front pillars and body sills. With the top up, the G37 Convertible delivers a useable 293 liters of trunk capacity.
The Infiniti G37CC is available in Kuwait through the Infiniti dealer - Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain.
