For many years, to build a successful four-door sports sedan you'll have needed one important ingredient: a German badge to put on the trunk lid. But that is about to change… and it's the Infiniti G37 that's ready to upset the status quo.

At a glance

  • Distinctive and sophisticated styling
  • Rear-wheel drive driving dynamics
  • Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option available
  • Potent 3.7-litre V6 engine producing 235 kW (320 PS)
  • Six-speed manual or advanced seven-speed automatic
  • 4-Wheel Active Steer available
  • Full complement of standard equipment
  • High level of passive safety with:
    • Six airbags
    • Pedestrian-friendly pop-up bonnet
  • Five versions available:
    • G37
    • G37x (AWD)
    • G37 GT
    • G37x GT (AWD)
    • G37S

Overview Ironically, it's the huge success of models from the German ‘establishment' that's the biggest chink in their otherwise impenetrable armour. Their resulting ubiquity no longer appeals to buyers seeking individuality.

"The Infiniti G37 will be sold in one of the most competitive sectors in the market and there's no doubt it is up against some very impressive opposition with a fiercely loyal customer base," says Jim Wright, Vice President, Infiniti Europe.

"But not only does the G37 match or better the establishment when it comes to style, dynamic performance, equipment levels, value, and the entire ownership experience, it has genuine exclusivity on its side."

Infiniti G37 Saloon (2009)
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Infiniti G37 is a credible, confident challenger delivering substantial performance – top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph), while 0-100 km/h takes just 5.8 seconds (on M/T version) – and rear-drive dynamics in a convincingly individual package.

There are three main versions of the G37 Sedan on offer – the well equipped G37, the more luxurious G37 GT with leather upholstery, and the sport-oriented G37S with 4-Wheel Active Steer, a Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) and sports suspension settings among other changes. All-Wheel Drive option is also offered on G37 and G37 GT versions.

"The typical buyer of a G37 will be a free thinker, someone who appreciates quality and service and who doesn't want to follow the herd," says Bastien Schupp, Marketing Director, Infiniti Europe.

G37 in detail

Exterior styling With its long bonnet, long wheelbase and short overhangs, the G37 blurs the boundaries between a four-door saloon and coupé. As well as providing a classic silhouette, the long bonnet is a visual reference to the G37's ‘front midship' engine location: the compact V6 is mounted in the front of the car, but as low and as far back as possible, with most of the block behind the front axle line. The result lowers the centre of gravity and helps to deliver the optimum front to rear weight distribution.

The low nose flows, via a curving roofline, to a high trunk to provide a feeling of motion even when the car is static. This is accentuated by a strong rising beltline, the flowing C-pillar and the muscular rear wheel arches.

To the front, the L-shaped headlamps and double-arch grille – complete with sculpted "twisted" horizontal blades inspired by traditional Japanese swords – have become Infiniti design elements helping to give the brand a distinctive face. At the rear the distinctive wraparound LED tail-lights are another Infiniti signature design. A neat, upswept spoiler integrated into the boot lid contributes to zero lift aerodynamics over the rear axle and completes the sporting look.

The overall effect combines obvious sporting potential with an understated sophistication that together capture the essence of the Infiniti brand.

Interior environment The G37's interior is an environment designed to appeal to driver and passengers alike. Quality materials provide the warmth and comfort expected in a premium car, yet the driver's quarters have a ‘scooped-out' design to emphasise the concept of a cockpit in direct contrast to the open, spacious design of the passenger area.

The dashboard and centre console adopts Infiniti design DNA with a ‘double wave' upper section linked to a central vertical spine for a feeling of solidity. With roots in Japanese design, ‘Washi-style' aluminium accents can be found through the cabin. Washi is a form of elegant Japanese handmade paper and textured aluminium trim inserts can be found on the centre console, the instrument binnacle and the door panels. Automatic versions have the option of African Rosewood inserts.

At 2850mm, the wheelbase is longer than its key rivals which translates directly into class-leading interior space for rear passengers. The rear seats can also be reclined, hence adding even more comfort to the latter.

Engine and powertrain Infiniti's latest 3.7-litre V6 is a potent, high revving, 24-valve twin cam unit producing 235 kW at 7,000 rpm (320 PS) and an impressive 360 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Constructed from lightweight aluminium, the engine features a two-part bed-plate construction which is more rigid than a single piece casting for reduced vibration levels. It also permits sustained use at higher revs: the V6 is red-lined at 7,500rpm.

The VQ37 unit features VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology to optimise efficiency and, in turn, the balance between power, response, fuel efficiency and emissions.

By continually altering valve lift and therefore the quantity of air in the combustion chamber it provides a more powerful combustion phase to increase torque and power. Best of all, as the valves control the intake rather than a conventional butterfly, response to throttle inputs is immediate.

The result is a more efficient combustion to the benefit of fuel economy and lower emissions compared to standard valve lift systems

Precise mapping of the engine control unit (ECU), meanwhile, helps the engine provide a progressive ‘swell' of power and torque, providing a ‘building wave' of acceleration rather than a peaky power delivery.

It delivers a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) taking 5.8 seconds (on M/T version). Fuel economy over the combined cycle is 10.5 l/100kms (26.9 mpg) while the Sedan has a CO2 figure of 249 g/km. The engine is fully compliant with Euro 5 emission level requirements.

In keeping with the performance profile of a sports sedan, Infiniti engineers have developed a special aural soundtrack for the car. Equal length tubular exhaust manifolds and a symmetrical exhaust and silencer system have allowed the engineers to create a linear sound with a good balance between low and high frequency notes.

As well as a smooth shifting six-speed manual transmission, the G37 is available with a new seven-speed automatic option with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

Chassis and driving dynamics Using the second generation version of FM platform, the G37 has an excellent front to rear weight balance thanks to its ‘front midship' engine location while its long wheelbase and wide front and rear track adds to the car's overall handling stability.

The fully independent suspension uses lightweight aluminium components to reduce weight as much as possible. With a racing-inspired double wishbone set up at the front, a multi-link arrangement mounted on a subframe behind and an extremely rigid bodyshell, the G37 feels agile and surefooted with a refined ride. All-Wheel Drive versions of the G37 and G37 GT – identified by an ‘x' badge – use Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) All-Wheel Drive system, as found on EX37 and FX models. The system uses an active torque distribution management system with an active centre clutch for smooth starts, greater grip and better manoeuvrability on slippery surfaces without compromising the vehicle's rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

By constantly adjusting the power – sending anything from 50 per cent to the front, to up to 100 per cent to the rear – the system generates greater control without sacrificing sportiness and true performance dynamics.

All versions of G37, whether rear- or all-wheel-drive come with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), helping to enhance vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions. A Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) is standard on the G37S.

Power-assisted four-wheel vented disc brakes have a four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The power steering system is a vehicle-speed-sensing type with a twin-orifice structure, which provides optimum steering effort at both high and low vehicle speeds.

The sports oriented G37S version has a number of chassis changes in keeping with its sharper profile. The principal enhancement is the addition of the 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system which helps improve handling performance still further by varying the front steering ratio and adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed.

Other standard features of the G37S include recalibrated suspension settings and an enhanced braking system with four piston front brakes and two piston rears. The G37S is not available with all-wheel drive.

Standard and optional equipment G37 Sedan has a full complement of user friendly – and above all, useful – standard equipment, plus options for those who want to make even more of a statement.

Standard features include the intelligent I-key with smart access and push button starter, a six-disc, seven-speaker audio system with an RCA AUX-in jack socket for MP3 players. Bluetooth phone connectivity and cruise control with speed limiter can all be operated via switches on the leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel.

Other features include power seats (with eight way adjustment on the driver's side and four way for the passenger), auto-dimming rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and integrated fog lamps. For the perfect driving position, the binnacle is attached not to the dashboard but to the steering column itself, and moves with the wheel when the latter is adjusted for reach and rake.

The Adaptive Front-light System (AFS) and "Scratch Shield" paint are also standard. Bi-Xenon headlamps are linked to steering inputs and automatically follow the path of the front wheels to provide a wide spread of light around corners and on winding roads. "Scratch Shield" paint incorporates a special highly elastic resin within the conventional clearcoat to increase the paint's flexibility. A car painted with "Scratch Shield" paint can exhibit up to five times fewer scratches that a conventional clearcoat when exposed to the same conditions.

The G37 GT version adds extra comfort with leather upholstery, a 10-way power driver's seat with power lumbar support and an 8-way powered passenger front seat. Heated front seats are also standard and the I-key incorporates memory positions for driver's seat, steering wheel column and door mirrors.

In addition to its chassis and dynamic changes, the G37S adds aluminium pedals and footrest and sports seats. The seats themselves are heated as well as upholstered in leather and have 14-way power adjustment (driver) and 8-way power adjustment (passenger). There's a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard, plus 18-inch alloy sports wheels.

The major option is the new seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and magnesium paddle shifter, enabling drivers to shift the transmission without releasing their hands from the steering wheel. With its additional forward gear, the new automatic transmission has a wider spread of ratios which benefits both fuel consumption and drivability. The seventh speed is effectively an overdrive ratio, returning improved fuel economy on a steady throttle without compromising in-gear flexibility for overtaking. Shift points are tuned to keep the engine in the largest part of the torque curve, ensuring there is always a healthy reserve when the driver wants to overtake. The linked Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) system switches between three different programs depending on input from the major control systems throughout the car.

Other options include Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) which uses brake, throttle and laser sensors to help maintain a set distance between the G37 and the car in front. In automatic transmission versions, the software reduces driver's workload even more allowing ICC to work from 0km/h to 180 km/h thanks to the "Full Speed Range" feature. An integral part of the ICC option for A/T models, the Intelligent Brake Assist system analyses closing speeds to a vehicle ahead helping to reduce damage caused by a rear-end collision. If the driver must take immediate action to avoid a collision, the system sounds a warning to prompt driver action or can even activates the brakes to decelerate the vehicle.

A custom-engineered Bose® sound system sets a new standard for stereo performance in a car. Its 10 high-performance speakers provide crisp musical detail, with impactful low notes bringing G37 owners closer to the power and emotion of a live concert performance. To achieve this, Bose® engineers used proprietary digital signal processing and multiple channels of custom equalization to help tune the sound specifically for the vehicle. The Bose® sound system is available as part of a Multimedia pack with also incorporates a DVD navigation system with voice recognition and a rear-view parking camera. Final options include an electric glass sunroof, metallic paint and a temporary spare wheel (replacing standard tyre repair kit), while a subtle African Rosewood trim interior is available on the G37 GT.

Safety High levels of passive safety were a priority at the design stage. As a result, the G37 has a full complement of six airbags, with dual-stage front airbags, seat belt sensors and passenger seat occupancy sensor. The front seats incorporate hip and thorax bags, while there are front-to-rear curtain airbags for protection in a side impact.

Also standard is a pop-up bonnet, designed to offer greater crash protection for pedestrians. In the event of a collision, a small pyrotechnic charge raises the trailing edge of the bonnet close the lower edge of the windscreen. This creates a larger buffer between the bonnet and the top of the engine, providing a more yielding surface which in turn helps to reduce potential injuries.

Quality Infiniti is synonymous with vehicle quality, and that's something that doesn't happen by accident.

On the Tochigi production line in Japan every vehicle – not just every tenth – is laser scanned to ensure that panel gaps are within prescribed limits.

During the design and development phase, new models are exhaustively tested not just at Infiniti's Hokkaido proving ground but also at the Tochigi and Motegi test and race complexes in Japan. Infiniti also has a vast 12.34 million square metre hot weather testing base in Arizona.

Testing every Infiniti in the harshest of conditions and over thousands and thousands of kilometres ensures the durability and peace of mind that buyers can expect from the products.

Conclusion Thanks to its power output alone – a figure way above other manufacturer entry points – the G37 Sedan is ready to take the spotlight from the establishment. But performance is only part of a story which includes a roomy interior, a long standard equipment list, excellent driving dynamics and sophisticated looks.

"The Infiniti G37 has the style, performance, quality and the equipment expected from a car in its class, but with the added bonus of exclusivity. The G37 is ready to stir things up," says Nicolas Tschann, Product Marketing Manager, Infiniti Europe.