The revamped 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe is even more of a viable rival to the long-popular BMW 3-Series.
The new G37's predecessor was pretty good, and stole BMW 3-Series sales. But the rear-wheel-drive G37 lacks the revered BMW nameplate, which is more likely to impress folks than the one from Infiniti, which is trying hard to get a more upscale image.
After all, BMW has quite a heritage that Japan's Infiniti lacks. The German automaker sold sporty coupes here decades before Nissan established its upscale Infiniti division. However, the G37 should give the 3-Series models a better fight than its predecessor-especially if price is an issue.
The 330-horsepower G37 in Sport trim that I tested with its slick 6-speed manual transmission and smooth clutch lists at about $5,000 less than its closest 3-Series rival, the 335i coupe, which has 300 horsepower.
Tardy Introduction
Infiniti should have come out with a new "G" coupe sooner because the 2003-07 coupe was basically unchanged. The new G37 coupe is slightly larger, heavier and roomier than its predecessor. It looks similar, but is sleeker, with a much higher-line interior. It comes in $34,250 base, $35,000 Journey and $35,550 Sport trim levels.
The G37 coupe is based on the Infiniti G35 sedan, which got major improvements for 2007 and thus is little changed for 2008. While more handsome and roomier than the G37, the G35 isn't as sporty, although it's fun to drive despite being more utilitarian with its extra doors and roomier back seat.
However, most coupe buyers know such a car is inherently impractical, compared to a sedan. They want a sporty, more stylish car, not one with a roomy back seat.
Four-Wheel Steering
The G37's quick steering has the right amount of power assist. Handling is sharp, and there's a $1,300 4-wheel Active Steer Package that makes it crisper by adjusting front steering gear ratios and the rear suspension geometry according to steering input and vehicle speed.
A progressive-action brake pedal activates strong brakes. The ride is supple, but gets jerky on rough roads with the available sport suspension.
Very Fast
The new Infiniti is plenty fast. All three G37 coupe trim levels have a larger new 3.7-liter 330-horsepower V6, which has a higher compression ratio and variable valve timing. The previous coupe's 3.5-liter V6 produced 275 horsepower with an automatic transmission and 293 horsepower with a manual gearbox.
The smooth V6 whisks the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and to 100 mph in 13.5 seconds.
Estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg in the city and 24 on highways with a 5-speed automatic transmission and 17 and 26 with the revised short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox that was in my test car and works with a smooth clutch.
The base G37 and Journey come only with the automatic transmission, while the G37 Sport just comes with the manual gearbox.
While the entry G37 version has 330 horsepower, the entry BMW 328i coupe with 230 horsepower is priced at $35,300.
The G37 Journey trim level has such items as a dual climate control system and heated seats. One can get the $1,850 Sport Package for the Journey, but not for the base G37.
That package-standard on the Sport-is a good deal for driving enthusiasts. Its features include sport seats, wider tires (45-series front, 40-series rear) on larger 19-inch wheels, a sport suspension, limited-slip differential and upgraded brakes.
Jerky Ride
However, while supple, the sport suspension delivers a jerky ride on rough roads.
It may seem like a small point, but tire stems have stylish metal (not the usual cheap rubber) caps, which will be noted by owners each time they check tire pressures. Chromed dual exhaust outlets help give the racy looking car even more of a sporty flair.
Enticing Extras
Attractive options include a $2,200 navigation package, $1,000 power sliding sunroof, a nicely integrated-but rather costly-$550 rear spoiler and a $650 performance wheel and tire package.
A $3,200 Premium package contains a killer "Infiniti Studio on Wheels" 11-speaker premium sound system by Bose and items such as a power tilt/telescoping wheel, Infiniti iPod interface system and the power sunroof.
My test G37 came with many comfort, convenience and safety items, including anti-skid and traction control-and front-seat side-impact and side-curtain airbags.
But long, heavy doors make it awkward to get in or out in tight spots. There's plenty of front room in well-bolstered seats in the quiet interior. Large outside mirrors allow rear visibility to be OK.
Mixed Rear-Seat Room
The back-seat area is roomy behind a passenger, but legroom is tight behind a driver even if he has his seat moved pretty far forward. Entering or leaving the back seat is a hassle. Also, the small rear windows are fixed and thus don't open or close.
Gauges can be easily read. Climate system controls are OK, but sound system controls work with a distracting dashboard screen. The glove compartment is tiny, but doors have decent storage pockets, and the console storage bin is moderately sized. Front cupholders have a cover when not being used, and there are pull-out dual rear cupholders.
Shallow Trunk
The trunk is shallow, but has a wide, but high, opening. Both the trunk lid and interior of the hood have sound-deadening insulation.
The Infiniti G37 and BMW 335i coupes have nearly identical performance, so let's see how far the Infiniti's considerably hefty price advantage gets it.