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2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe Bottom Line

May 4, 2009

By Rex Roy's avatar Rex Roy, Detroit EditorRex Roy

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the new Infiniti G37 Coupe in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Infiniti G37 Coupe to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other reviews might differ.

Likes:

  • Interior appointments
  • Attractive styling
  • Plenty of power

Dislikes:

  • Strange feel of power steering
  • Road noise
  • Stability control is always on

Buying Tips:


If you’re looking to conserve during these days of economic uncertainty, consider the mechanically related Nissan 370Z and its cheaper price tag.

Introduced last year and available in three different models (base, Journey, and Sport), the Infiniti G37 Coupe is joined by a fourth model for 2009, the G37x Coupe AWD. The new coupe utilizes Infiniti’s ATESSA E-TS all-wheel-drive system found on other Infiniti models.

The 2009 coupe's engine received a boost to 330 horsepower last year; redline is a high-revving 7,500 rpm. A new seven-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching enhances the driving experience, working with electronic controls that help the box shift smarter, especially on the track where the downshift rev-matching keep the chassis balanced and the engine in the power band.

Compared to the Nissan 350Z, with which the G37 shares some unseen mechanicals, the G37 is far more suave outside and inside, with two additional seats in back. But honestly, while the G37’s front seats are very comfortable, the rear ones are nearly useless.

The 2009 Infiniti G37 comes with a stiff chassis, double-wishbone front suspension, a multilink arrangement out back, and stabilizer bars at both ends. At the corners are massive disc brakes. Base models get 13-inch platters all around, while 14-inch (front) and 13.8-inch units are used on the Sport 6MT variant. Covering the discs are aluminum 18-inch rims on the base, and 19-inch rims for the Sport 6MT.

Directing all this high technology is rack-and-pinion steering gear with electric, as opposed to hydraulic, assist. The feel of the steering isn’t ideal, however. On the track, it sometimes varies the effort unexpectedly, which is disconcerting. Roadholding is fantastic, while the ride is a bit nervous, thanks to big tires and a short wheelbase.

The 2009 G37 Coupe is as well-equipped as luxury coupes typically come, and the standard feature list includes automatic climate control, an intelligent key, and leather upholstery. Journey models get upgraded audio and a dual-zone climate system, and enable tech options like intelligent cruise control, adaptive front lighting, a hard-drive based nav system, and four-wheel active steering. A self-healing clearcoat finish called Scratch Shield paint helps make the G37 more appealing. 2009 models also feature a redesigned dial-type seat heater switch and automatic speed-sensing power door locks.

Other Choices:

If you're interested in the 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe, also consider:

Reason Why:

Experts from TheCarConnection.com have compared the new G37 to the BMW 3-Series coupe as well as the 1-Series. This will be difficult for some readers to accept, but the 2009 Infiniti G37 coupe may be the equal of a couple of BMW coupes out there. While Bimmer enthusiasts may be aghast, they will be forced to admit that the G37 is, at the very least, a darn good competitor. If you can go without the Infiniti owner experience and the extra seats, Nissan's own 350Z has handling that's just as brilliant. Compared to the beautifully styled 2009 Audi TT, the G37 is a more dynamic performer. The Audi is front-wheel drive, and this blunts the car's moves. However, if all-wheel drive is something you're looking for, the Audi (and the BMW 3-Series) offers it, while the G37 does not. The new Audi TTS might not be thought of on the same high-performance page as the G37, but it’s actually quite the sportscar.

The Bottom Line:

The Infiniti G37 Coupe isn’t just incredibly fast and nimble; it's good-looking in a well-heeled way.

TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the new Infiniti G37 Coupe in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Infiniti G37 Coupe to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other reviews might differ. Likes:Interior appointmentsAttractive stylingPlenty of powerDislikes:Strange feel of power steeringRoad noiseStability control is always onBuying Tips: If you’re looking to conserve during these days of economic uncertainty, consider the mechanically related Nissan 370Z and its cheaper price tag. Introduced last year and available in three different models (base, Journey, and Sport), the Infiniti G37 Coupe is joined by a fourth model for 2009, the G37x Coupe AWD. The new coupe utilizes Infiniti’s ATESSA E-TS all-wheel-drive system found on other Infiniti models. The 2009 coupe's engine received a boost to 330 horsepower last year; redline is a high-revving 7,500 rpm. A new seven-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching enhances the driving experience, working with electronic controls that help the box shift smarter, especially on the track where the downshift rev-matching keep the chassis balanced and the engine in the power band. Compared to the Nissan 350Z, with which the G37 shares some unseen mechanicals, the G37 is far more suave outside and inside, with two additional seats in back. But honestly, while the G37’s front seats are very comfortable, the rear ones are nearly useless. The 2009 Infiniti G37 comes with a stiff chassis, double-wishbone front suspension, a multilink arrangement out back, and stabilizer bars at both ends. At the corners are massive disc brakes. Base models get 13-inch platters all around, while 14-inch (front) and 13.8-inch units are used on the Sport 6MT variant. Covering the discs are aluminum 18-inch rims on the base, and 19-inch rims for the Sport 6MT. Directing all this high technology is rack-and-pinion steering gear with electric, as opposed to hydraulic, assist. The feel of the steering isn’t ideal, however. On the track, it sometimes varies the effort unexpectedly, which is disconcerting. Roadholding is fantastic, while the ride is a bit nervous, thanks to big tires and a short wheelbase. The 2009 G37 Coupe is as well-equipped as luxury coupes typically come, and the standard feature list includes automatic climate control, an intelligent key, and leather upholstery. Journey models get upgraded audio and a dual-zone climate system, and enable tech options like intelligent cruise control, adaptive front lighting, a hard-drive based nav system, and four-wheel active steering. A self-healing clearcoat finish called Scratch Shield paint helps make the G37 more appealing. 2009 models also feature a redesigned dial-type seat heater switch and automatic speed-sensing power door locks. Other Choices:If you're interested in the 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe, also consider:Audi TTBMW 1-Series coupeBMW 3-Series coupeNissan 350ZReason Why:Experts from TheCarConnection.com have compared the new G37 to the BMW 3-Series coupe as well as the 1-Series. This will be difficult for some readers to accept, but the 2009 Infiniti G37 coupe may be the equal of a couple of BMW coupes out there. While Bimmer enthusiasts may be aghast, they will be forced to admit that the G37 is, at the very least, a darn good competitor. If you can go without the Infiniti owner experience and the extra seats, Nissan's own 350Z has handling that's just as brilliant. Compared to the beautifully styled 2009 Audi TT, the G37 is a more dynamic performer. The Audi is front-wheel drive, and this blunts the car's moves. However, if all-wheel drive is something you're looking for, the Audi (and the BMW 3-Series) offers it, while the G37 does not. The new Audi TTS might not be thought of on the same high-performance page as the G37, but it’s actually quite the sportscar. The Bottom Line:The Infiniti G37 Coupe isn’t just incredibly fast and nimble; it's good-looking in a well-heeled way. TheCarConnection.com's editors drove the new Infiniti G37 Coupe in order to give you an expert opinion. TheCarConnection.com also researched available road tests on the new Infiniti G37 Coupe to produce this conclusive review and to help you find the truth where other reviews might differ. ...

Other Choices:

Experts from TheCarConnection.com have compared the new G37 to the BMW 3-Series coupe as well as the 1-Series. This will be difficult for some readers to accept, but the 2009 Infiniti G37 coupe may be the equal of a couple of BMW coupes out there. While Bimmer enthusiasts may be aghast, they will be forced to admit that the G37 is, at the very least, a darn good competitor. If you can go without the Infiniti owner experience and the extra seats, Nissan's own 350Z has handling that's just as brilliant. Compared to the beautifully styled 2009 Audi TT, the G37 is a more dynamic performer. The Audi is front-wheel drive, and this blunts the car's moves. However, if all-wheel drive is something you're looking for, the Audi (and the BMW 3-Series) offers it, while the G37 does not. The new Audi TTS might not be thought of on the same high-performance page as the G37, but it’s actually quite the sportscar.

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See the Infiniti G37 Coupe in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008

Comments (1 total)

  1. By R.D. Lancaster #1, Posted: 7/27/2009

    Where do you get your information about the G37 coupe NOT offering all-wheel drive? I believe that you are misinformed here.

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