First Drives, Infiniti

First Drive: 2009 Infiniti G37 convertible

April 20, 2009

The Sport model’s adaptive dual-zone climate control is an interesting feature that compensates for the ambient temperature and vehicle speed when the top is down. When it’s colder outside, the system speeds up the fan to put more warm air in the cabin, and when it’s hotter (or when the car slows for an intersection, for example), cool airflow is increased. In the Premier Edition, the adaptive climate control is integrated with the heated/ventilated front seats.

2009 Infiniti G37 convertible. Click image to enlarge

Standard audio is a 13-speaker, Bose Open Air sound system. The system includes speakers built into the head restraints and a Bose digital amplifier that automatically adjusts for premium performance with the top up or down.

On the road the G37 Convertible is a pleasure to drive. The seats are comfortable and supportive; the engine is powerful when required and docile when not. The Bose audio system is spectacular, emitting full-spectrum sound with crisp highs and deep lows. The cabin interior with the top down is quiet, even with the windows and optional rear-mounted wind block down. With the windows and windblock up, the interior is tranquil, although with the top up, a few creaks and rattles were noticed.

Cornering is sharp and precise, matched in responsiveness by the G37 Convertible Sport’s Brembo brakes. The seven-speed automatic transmission is something of a revelation, behaving very much like a manual transmission when negotiating the steep and twisty canyon roads inland from Malibu. This “intelligent” transmission holds gears, blips the throttle, and seems to know exactly what the driver needs to match road conditions, which it then executes (using the paddle shifters, you can take over whenever you want).

Ergonomics are perhaps the vehicle’s weak point. Getting in and out is a bit tricky with the top up or down, due to the length and rake of the A-pillar. And when behind the wheel, the header rail can be uncomfortably close to your forehead, depending on seat position.

2009 Infiniti G37 convertible. Click image to enlarge

The trunk is perfectly suited for accommodating the convertible hardtop, and although Infiniti describes the rear seating area as “useable”, I’d suggest its best use is as a trunk.

Visibility to the side and rear is restricted with top up or down, so you have to be particularly careful when backing up or changing lanes. Mirrors could be larger. A side proximity warning system as found in Audi or Mazda would be appreciated.

The G37 Convertible’s engineering, performance, luxury features and creature comforts are all there; the driving experience, design and execution don’t disappoint. Overall, this is a worthy competitor to the German brands, and will appeal if you like the styling and Infiniti exclusivity.

Infiniti expects to sell 800-1000 of these vehicles per year in Canada, mostly Sport models (the Premier Edition’s single exterior colour will make it rare, for sure). Pricing is expected to be $10-15,000 above the G37 Coupe, putting it in the high-$50,000 range. The car will be available in June, 2009.

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