2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe: More comfort than sport

The G37 Coupe is without any doubt one of the most elegant models of the Infiniti line. It’s true that the hardtop convertible version is almost the same, but I find that the regular coupe model has somewhat purer lines. Moreover, what’s the point of offering a hardtop convertible that’s the spitting image of the coupe? No doubt it’s for people like me who don’t appreciate hardtop convertibles much since they’re not only heavier, but they have inferior structural rigidity. So I have a slight bias toward the coupe, which I had for a week-long test drive, and that I took from Montreal to Quebec City and back again to get an idea of this Japanese car’s touring capabilities.

I don’t remember which text it was in, but a car reviewer had highlighted this model’s sport features: We’re talking rigidity of the body, agility and performance. I had that in my head when I took the wheel of this Infiniti for a seven-day test. But as time went on, I found it to be a comfortable car, pleasant to drive, but not necessarily sporty like that journalist suggested. I’ll tell you how I found out about this car’s somewhat conventional nature a little later.

Truly elegant!

It doesn’t have the design punch of some German cars, but this is undeniably a great looking car. Although the front grille looks a little common with its twisting insignia located dead centre, the lines are harmonious, the roof inclines elegantly toward the back and the small spoiler mounted on the trunk lid helps dynamics of the body shape. What’s more, the raised wheel wells are just prominent enough, but not so much that they look cartoonish. Despite this balance and harmony, I would have liked a little something that would have helped it stand out more. But as I’m not a stylist, I have no answers, so I have to settle for affirming that “it’s one nice car”. Some may find it worrisome that the trunk is big enough for but two golf bags. There’s even a small poster in the trunk to indicate how to organize them. Before you bemoan the fact that it only accommodates two bags, remember that it’s appropriate since the back seats are made only for occasional use.

Unlike with a lot of coupes, the seat cushion isn’t too low so it’s easy to get inside. These seats seemed comfortable at first contact and they remained that way even on long drives. Finding a good driving position is relatively easy since the instrument pod and the steering wheel move together for optimal positioning relative to the driver. However, winter drivers beware the aluminum pedals, which become very slippery if the soles of your shoes are covered with snow. The instrumentation is very simple, with two dials with white numbers on a black background that are very easy to consult.

The rest of the dash is uncluttered with a central console in brushed aluminum that extends onto the dashboard itself and includes the famous analogue clock that is the interior signature of all Infiniti models. This console also includes a very deep storage space for lots of items. The navigation system’s display screen is a good size and is easy to read. What’s more, it’s simple to set and to program and is efficient.

Finally, the quality of the materials and finish is noteworthy in the interior. However, although an arm on top of the seat moves the seat belt forward to make it easier to grab in theory, it’s not easy at all, and you almost have to be a contortionist to get a hold of it.

The 3.7-litre V6 engine, of course!

Other manufacturers are often criticized for only having a few engines and using them in all their vehicles. This represents a flagrant weakness for some automobile reviewers, who recommend engine diversity even if some of the engines aren’t very good. Nissan prefers to offer less engines and more quality. For years, the word V6 at Nissan was synonymous with the legendary 3.5-litre that had a spot reserved for it every year on the list of the planet’s best engines. Not long ago, it was replaced by a progressive version that benefits from several mechanical improvements and an increase in engine capacity to 3.7 litres. Our model featured 330 horsepower and was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, which was equipped with downshift rev matching that helps adapt the engine speed automatically when downshifting. Of course, this is a manumatic transmission that drives the back wheels, since it’s a rear-wheel drive.

More comfort than sport

On the highway, this Infiniti turned out to be very comfortable and very pleasant to drive. The suspension isn’t overly firm, the steering is reasonably assisted and variable according to the speed. As previously mentioned, the seats are very comfortable and the driving position has no major flaws. Although this engine makes a guttural purring sound in low gear, the soundproofing in the cabin is good enough that it doesn’t get irritating over time. This engine’s performances are very good considering it takes less than six seconds to go from 0-100 km/hr, and pick-up is equally vigorous, as evidenced by the less than one second it takes the car to go from 80-120 km/hr. Although it runs on Super, fuel consumption in reasonably cold weather was almost 12 litres per 100 km, which is still alright for a car this powerful.

For long rides, the cruise control with radar that automatically manages the distance selected between our car and the one ahead of us ended up being a real blessing. On the trip between Montreal and Quebec City, the traffic was dense and I was able to check the effectiveness of this system several times.

The G37 coupe is impressive in normal driving conditions. Moreover, the fact that it’s a rear-wheel drive adds that little something to the fun of driving. But is it a sports car? Not entirely...

Indeed, driving a little faster than the speed limit allowed on a highway, I suddenly realized that my exit was approaching and I had to turn the wheel quickly to the right to take the ramp. But it was downhill and banked, two features that are hard on a car’s platform. That’s when I felt the platform bend and the car became mortal. I had found its Achilles heel: this Infiniti loves the open road and long gentle turns, but if you turn the wheel hard too suddenly the limits of its platform and its relative lack of rigidity will come to the fore.

In any case, I don’t think that the powers that be at the brand wanted to make a pure sports car; rather, they wanted a Grand Touring car capable of offering a fun ride and above average performance while offering a comfortable and luxurious passenger compartment. In this regard, mission accomplished.