.jpg)
Since its introduction in 2002, the Infiniti G has been known for delivering one of the most rewarding combinations of fluid design and exhilarating performance in its segment.
For 2009, the Infiniti G also adds open motoring to its long list of virtues, with a new Convertible that is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2009.
Like its Coupe sibling, the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible comes powered by a 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 325 horsepower. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
Two Trim-levels
The 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible will be available in two models: G37 Convertible and G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.
The Infiniti G37 Convertible Sport Package and 6MT model features unique 19-inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels, port brakes, sport front bumper, sport-styled seats, aluminum pedals, and, with the 7-speed automatic, genuine magnesium paddle shifters.
A number of options and packages are available, including a Premium Package that features a Bose® Open Air Audio Sound System with 13 speakers, Audio Pilot 2™ with microphone optimized for both top positions, and Bose® Personal Headrest Speakers; Climate-Controlled seats with heating and cooling functions; and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.
The Technology Package adds Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and Pre-Crash Seat Belts with motion sensor on brake pedal. Also available are a Performance Tire & Wheel Package, Navigation Package, and Genuine African Rosewood trim on center console, instrument panel and doors.
In addition, an Infiniti G37 Convertible Premier Edition – with production limited to just 200 units – is offered exclusively through the 2008 Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog. Upon ordering the vehicle through the catalog, consumers will be referred to a participating Infiniti retailer. This special G37 Convertible features a custom Monaco Red Leather leather-appointed interior, handcrafted red-tone Maple Wood trim, Midnight Black front grille, and 9-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires.
Exterior
The Infiniti G37 Convertible retains the Infiniti’s G’s sporty long cabin / short trunk proportions through use of a three-piece steel hardtop, which allows for use of a shorter rear overhang and 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 Coupe-like proportions, the G 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) bifunctional xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps.
The G37S Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package include a unique front fascia/bumper design. In the rear, the taillights are unique to the G Convertible, incorporating an inner “circle of light” for added style. The chrome rear trunk finisher incorporates both an integrated highmount stoplight and the small camera for the standard RearView Monitor system.
The automatic top opening / closing sequence takes approximately 30 seconds from start to finish. The open/close switch is located on the center console, just behind the transmission shifter lever.
The G37 Convertible is offered with Infiniti’s advanced “self-healing” Scratch Shield paint in eight exterior colors: Vibrant Red, Athens Blue, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Moonlight White and two G Convertible-exclusive colors, Midnight Garnet, and Pacific Sky.
Interior
The G Convertible’s inviting interior includes standard leather-appointed seating, an available Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, top position and vehicle speed, an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed, and available Climate-Controlled seats that provide both heating and cooling functions.
The driver-oriented cockpit features an Infiniti signature “double wave” instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination, integrated multifunction information drive computer display and analog Infiniti clock.
The double handstitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Genuine magnesium paddle shifters are available for the 7-speed automatic transmission (Sport Package only).
Special aluminum interior trim, inspired by fine Japanese silk and unique to the Infiniti G37 Convertible, is located across the instrument panel, on the center console and on the door panels. Also available is Genuine African Rosewood trim.
Leather-appointed seating is standard and is offered in three colors – Graphite (black), Wheat and Stone. Heated 8-way power driver/8-way front passenger seats are standard, with Climate-Controlled Seats (with heating and cooling functions) available as part of the Premium Package.
The G37S Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package include special sport-styled front seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power thigh and torso support – along with sport stitching for the front seats and steering wheel, high-grip aluminum pedals and foot rest and, with the 7-speed automatic, magnesium paddle shifters.
A power walk-in device with 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). An available rear wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence when the top is down.
Other notable standard equipment includes Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System including an advanced air conditioning system that adjusts to provide optimal comfort with the top up or down.
Two audio systems are available, starting with a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/6CD system with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS), center console-mounted auxiliary input, 7-inch color display, and XM® Satellite Radio.
A second system is also available – a 13-speaker Infiniti Bose® Open Air Sound system combining a 24-bit 96KHz Burr Brown® Digital Analog Converter (DAC) with an Audio Pilot 2™ system with microphone that automatically optimizes EQ settings for open/closed top positions. The system’s special Bose® Personal Headrest Speakers, mounted in the front seat headrests, enable superior front audio quality regardless of the top position. An Interface System for iPod® is also included with this system.
Other available G37 Convertible features include a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and the Infiniti Navigation System with available XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic information, Infiniti Voice Recognition for navigation, audio and climate control functions, and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with Compact Flash® drive slot.
Performance
Like the G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan, the new Infiniti G37 Convertible is based on Nissan's rear-wheel-drive FM platform and powered by the company's awardwinning VQ 6-cylinder engine.
The G37 Convertible comes equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. 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). It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.
The Infiniti G37 Convertible is available with a choice of 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 available genuine magnesium paddle shifters; or a responsive, lightweight close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission on the G37 Sport 6MT.
The front suspension is a 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 inline with the wheel center. These designs help minimize alignment changes and reduce suspension friction for nimble handling and smooth riding characteristics. This setup works very well with the Coupe, so it should also work well with the Convertible, despite the added weight of the hardtop roof.
Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing system, with sport-tuned steering offered with the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package. Standard on all G37 Convertibles is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with cancel switch and Traction Control System (TCS).
Braking performance is provided by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The G37 Convertible with Sport Package and G37S Convertible Sport 6MT are further enhanced with and larger ventilated rotors (14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear) and aluminum four-piston calipers front/two-piston calipers rear, embossed with Infiniti lettering.
Also available is Infiniti’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, which assists in maintaining a consistent following distance from the vehicle ahead. It also identifies sudden braking situations with laser sensors to determine distance and relative speed of the vehicle ahead in the same lane and “pre-pressurizes” the Brake Assist system before the driver steps on the brake pedal.
Split 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Dunlop SP Sport MAXX A1-A P225/50VR18 front and P245/45R18 rear all-season tires are standard on the G37 Convertible, while the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT utilizes special 19-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high performance tires (P225/45WR19 front and P245/45WR19 rear). The 19-inch wheels and tires are also available on the G37 Convertible as part of the Sport and Performance Tire & Wheel Packages.
Safety
An Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors is standard, along with door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags for front and front-seat passenger protection, front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental airbags and front seat Active Head Restraints.
The rear seat includes fixed head restraints with a rear pop-up bar. The G Convertible also features reinforced front side members, front pillars and body sills.