Test Drive: 2013 Infiniti G37x Sport

The G37x operates mainly as a rear-drive car, and thus its engaging personality. Accelerating from a stop, the system’s active electro-magnetic centre clutch splits front to rear torque 25/75, changing to 100 percent rear-wheel drive once at speed. Up to 50 percent of power can be sent to the front wheels if needed. A rocker switch just aft of the console shifter calls up Snow mode, which puts the system into an initial 50/50 torque split and reduces throttle sensitivity. Once under way, it locks in a 25/75 ratio.

2013 INFINITI G37x SPORT. Click image to enlarge

The seven-speed auto is a smooth unit. Tap the shifter to the left and you get sport mode with a more aggressive shift map. The tranny responds reasonably well to paddle shifter commands and there is cool rev matching on downshifts.

Fast, poised, and communicative, it’s easy to find a rhythm in the G37x Sport Coupe.

Putting all this performance-speak aside for a moment, the coupe still manages a supple ride and plays the part of a luxury vehicle (with a bit of attitude) convincingly.

The G37’s interior is well crafted and uniquely presented, although it’s starting to look dated. A touchscreen, in conjunction with the angled keypad below, make accessing and programming the car’s functions quite easy. An integrated multi-function information computer can be cycled to display average fuel consumption, real-time fuel economy, average speed, elapsed time, running distance, distance to empty, and outside air temperature.

The $3,750 High-Tech Package added navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth audio streaming, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, “Pre-Crash Seatbelt” system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS).

The electroluminescent “Fine Vision” gauges are exceptionally clear and the cluster tilts with the steering wheel so they’re always in full view. A head-slapper solution that seems so obvious in its simplicity.

2013 INFINITI G37x SPORT. Click image to enlarge

At night, the calm violet and white illumination of the dash and controls is a thing of beauty.

Things aren’t so rosy in the back. Leg room is tight (1.4 inches less than in the G37 Sedan) and anyone approaching six feet will have their ‘do firmly pressed against the rear backlight.

The trunk is a shallow affair, although the one-piece back seat does flip down, offering up a decently sized pass-through.

The Infiniti G37 is getting long in the tooth, and the observed 11.7 L/100 km posting of this rip-snorting big-capacity V6 Coupe is just so “retro”. Another retro characteristic (no doubt contributing to that fuel figure) is its fabulous hydraulic steering system, which in these times is a rare and welcomed holdover.

I reviewed this car back in 2010 (it has changed very little) and at that time noted the steering was very good, but not quite up to BMW 3 Series standards. Sure as heck can’t say that now. The G puts the current 3 on the trailer in that department.

If anything, buy the G37 for its tactile hydraulic helm. You know the next G ain’t gonna’ have one.

Pricing: 2013 Infiniti G37x Coupe Sport
Base price: $51,800
Optional equipment: High-Tech Package $3,750
A/C tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,995
Price as tested: $57,645

Competitors:
Audi A5/S5
BMW 3 Series Coupe
Lexus IS C
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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