2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan Performance Review

Sport sedans are, first and foremost, judged by their performance credentials, and on paper the 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan is well equipped to hang with its main target, the BMW 3-Series. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that Infiniti's 2009 incarnation of the G37 sedan is no mere paper tiger either, and 3-Series numbers are easily within reach of this four-door rocket.

Under the hood of each and every 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan is a "3.7-liter V-6" that Road and Track calls "the latest iteration of the highly regarded VQ family," capable of delivering "328 hp at 7000 rpm and 269 lb.-ft. of torque." Those familiar with the Infiniti lineup will recognize the engine as the same one that propels the Infiniti G37 coupe, albeit with 2 fewer horsepower. Reviewers are unanimously impressed by what Edmunds labels the Infiniti G37's "fierce acceleration," while ConsumerGuide reports that the engine "satisfies at any speed" and makes "passing maneuvers...a breeze." Motor Trend reviewers clock the fastest acceleration times of any review magazine, stating that "zero to 60 now takes only 5.0 sec, with the quarter-mile obliterated in just 13.5 sec at 105.3 mph."

In addition to the new higher-output engine, the Infiniti G37 gets a transmission upgrade for 2009. Road and Track says that the Infiniti 2009 G37 lineup picks up a "new 7-speed automatic transmission on base, Journey, and awd models," while "a 6-speed manual gearbox is standard on the G37S." The automatic is also "available with steering-column-mounted shift paddles," according to Automobile Magazine. Reviews of both transmissions are mixed, but the automatic seems to draw more than its fair share of criticism. Edmunds cautions that "upshifts are never luxury-sedan smooth, even in Drive," and once you "switch to Driver Sport or manual, forget about it—you've got yourself a veritable Lurch-o-Matic." Car and Driver agrees, noting that "upshifts in manual mode could be smoother and more quickly effected." On the positive side, ConsumerGuide calls the auto "alert and responsive," and while it "seems busy in some situations," they find it "generally smooth and prompt" overall. Car and Driver reviewers characterize the Infiniti 2009 G37's manual transmission option as "better behaved" than on previous versions, with "throws [that] remain short but high-effort, the latter a trait shared with the clutch."

Many drivers who plan on commuting daily in the Infiniti G37 sedan will gladly live with the sometimes harsh automatic transmission simply because it manages to boost overall fuel economy for the sedan. According to the official EPA estimates, the Infiniti 2009 G37 sedan with the seven-speed automatic should return 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, compared to the manual's 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive version suffers from the expected fuel economy penalty and serves up 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Reviewers are very enthusiastic about the 2009 Infiniti G37 sedan's handling capabilities, which are among the best in the sport-sedan class. In particular, ConsumerGuide reports that "steering feel is precise and direct," while the "available Four-Wheel Active-Steer System provides particularly sharp moves." Edmunds agrees, proclaiming "one aspect of the 2009 Infiniti G37 that deserves unequivocal praise is its handling," especially the steering wheel, which is "alive with information." Motor Trend lists some of the 2009 Infiniti G37's traits as "well-balanced, easy to induce oversteer, taut ride," and calls it "a step quicker" than its predecessor. ConsumerGuide also finds that "braking is strong and secure" on the Infiniti G37. Kelley Blue Book calls the 2009 Infiniti G37 a marvel of suspension engineering, noting that the "finely-tuned suspension delivers [an] impressively balanced ride and handling," making for a car that, when "driven normally...coddles, comforts, and entertains."