Review: 2011 Infiniti G37 - Making Its Mark as a Drivers Car

Turning points for manufacturers in a segment can often start with one product. A star model; for Infiniti, that was no doubt the original G35 that launched in 2003.

For a brand that never really got traction during the 1990s, the G35 represented a big change, being a rear-wheel drive car that vaulted Infiniti into serious contention with long-time segment champions like the BMW 3-Series.

As with anything though, there was room for improvement. Infiniti introduced a redesigned G35 for the 2007 model year and it addressed some criticisms lobbed at the previous car, such as the substandard interior. In 2009, the G got an upgraded 3.7-liter VQ powerplant that bumped the designation up to G37.

For 2011, the car has been refreshed further, with a mid-cycle enhancement.. With Infiniti working to constantly refine the existing formula, where does the G37 stand in the segment today? CarThrottle spent a week with the G37 to find out.

The original wasn't a standout from a styling standpoint. The significant redesign brought about in 2007 added some much-needed panache and style to the G, showing the beginnings of Infiniti working out a design language.

For 2011, the car's freshening aims to make it stand out even more, aligning it with the new Infiniti M flagship. There are new, larger headlights, a more defined front end and a redesigned grille framed with a new chrome surround.

The front end of the G37 is undoubtedly our favorite view. It is all about surfacing, with a fluidic design that results in a rippled hood. Behind the drivers seat, the curves of the hood can be clearly seen and appreciated.

There are a few awkward lines out back, but the look is handsome overall. The particular model we tested was the Sport Appearance Edition, which sports (no pun intended) a front and rear chin spoiler. Surprisingly, we actually like the cleaner look of the standard model sans the sport package. It was something we noticed while parked alongside a standard G37, which is more balanced in appearance.

The G37 is undoubtedly good looking. What it doesn't do is immediately define itself as a luxury product. Infiniti still has yet to define a strong design language for itself, being a bit anonymous as a brand.

The main selling point with Infiniti isn't about the badge on the hood though. It's about something else….the driving experience behind the wheel, and we'll get to that after the interior.

The first-generation G didn't definitely didn't have the interior down as one of its strong points. With the resurgent new Infiniti, the driving experience clearly dominated the conversation. With the redesign in 2007, Infiniti entirely reworked the interior, intent on rounding out the whole package.

The interior's design is conservative, aiming for a quiet competence. The G takes a different tack than other competitors with a wide, upright center stack and center tunnel. It is refreshing for its thoughtful layout and lack of confusing buttons.

The car's simple but classy approach in the interior is exemplified by its analog center clock. Interior materials are at a good level, although we would have liked to see a little more use of leather on dash and door panel surfaces like other cars in the segment.

Our particular tester came with an all-black interior color; as suckers for two-tone interiors we would have liked a two-tone combination for an added luxury feel. The real-wood trim was very nice and is an upscale touch. There is a a black plastic cap surrounding the HVAC vents and navigation area that would have been nice covered in aluminum.

A standout is the car's packaging; space in the interior is copious, making the rear seat a particularly pleasant place for passengers to spend time. Rear space is an important factor that is often overlooked and the G succeeds here where many other competitors do not.

The navigation system and most controls operated by your choice of either a touch-screen or a circular control system. We appreciate Infiniti's offering of either method. The buttons and screen are right near each other however, making it a bit redundant. Operating the system takes a bit of getting used to. With the screen sunken into the dash, the setup isn't the best for driver ergonomics. It worked well enough however once you got acclimated.

The navigation system's route guidance was top notch, with the voice guidance being quite realistic and unobtrusive. The user interface was also nicely done; we liked the fact that when hooked up to our iPod for music, the Track, Artist and Cover Art showed up perfectly. Well done, Infiniti.

On our particular G37 S model, the effort is taken to lean heavily toward the performance spectrum rather than the luxury one. The ride is on the firm side and the low-profile tires produce a drone in the cabin at highway speeds. Wind noise is kept in check, but road noise can come through quite loudly.

For those looking for that in a car of this segment, the G37 S clearly succeeds. It is not unlike a four-door sports car.

The steering is excellently weighted and communicative, which aids when hustling the G37 around corners. The suspension proves to be a willing partner, buttoned down and confident. There isn't a hint of float or body-roll to be found in the suspension; it relays feedback from the road to the driver. Confidence-inspiring would be a good description; the G37 tracks true and hustles around corners with ease.

There is a reason the G37 has often been pitted right alongside the BMW 3-Series for driving experience - it really is that good.

The VQ engine hasn't been always known for exhaust note, but in this application it emits a very nice wail throughout the cabin. As as expected in most Japanese products, it is a rev-machine, and we enjoyed every minute of it.

The particular VQ version under the hood is Nissan's VQ37VHR 3.7-liter V-6 making 330 horsepower and 270 foot pounds of torque. Power provided is ample - in fact, its sports car-like. Customers (particularly women) have said to have been scared about the abundance of power.

That has led to the introduction of the new entry-level G25 model, powered by a 2.5-liter V-6 making just 218 horsepower and 187 pound feet of torque. Price of entry for that car checks in at at $30,950.

The G37 offers a genuinely fun-to-drive experience. Yes, FUN. And very much so; it is a joy of a car to throw around. A balanced, rear-wheel drive platform mated to Nissan's fantastic naturally-aspirated VQ V-6 proves to be a winning formula.

The G37 makes its mark as a drivers car first and foremost. In that respect it is right up there with the segment-leading BMW 3-Series, and for less cash too. It depends what you are looking for a in a car of this class; if it is the driving experience, the G37 should rank at the top of your list. Behind the wheel is where the G37 makes its mark.

2011 Infiniti G37 Specifications

Base price: $35,400Price as tested: $41,550Options: Sport Appearance Package

Body: 4 doorsDrivetrain: Front mounted, rear-wheel driveAccomodations: 5 passengers

Engine: Nissan VQ, six-cylindersDisplacement: 3.7 litersAspiration: NaturalFuel delivery: Port Fuel InjectionCompression ratio: 11.0:1Horsepower: 330 horsepowerTorque: 270 pound feetRev limit: 7600 rpm

0-60mph: 5.2 seconds (estimated) 1/4 Mile @ ET: 13.7 seconds (est)EPA fuel mileage estimate: 18 city, 25 highwayRecommended fuel: PremiumFuel Tank Capacity: 20 gallonsTheoretical Range:

Wheelbase: 112.2 inchesLength: 187.9 inchesTrack (F/R): 59.8/60.2 inches Width: 69.8 inchesHeight: 57.2 inchesCurb weight: 3,812 pounds