ge5515968181923147676
Carsales Staff17 Oct 2012
NEWS

AIMS: Infiniti gets a G up

Infiniti G coupe and convertible bow in Sydney as Nissan's luxury brand introduces itself

The next step in Infiniti’s Australian launch campaign will be made at the Sydney motor show tomorrow, when the G37 coupe and convertible take centre stage on the Japanese luxury brand’s Darling Harbour stand.

No pricing or specification details will be unveiled, as the cars don’t go on sale until December, but if the already launched FX crossover and M large sedan are any guide, then expect the Gs to undercut equivalent German opposition on price and be “generously appointed” - as Infiniti itself puts it.

But they won’t be right at the technological cutting edge; the coupe’s been around since 2008, the convertible 2009 and the G37 sedan they are based on is about to be superseded by an all-new generation that bows at the Detroit motor show in January.

As their name suggests, both G37s are powered by a 3.7-litre petrol V6 rated at 235kW and with a peak torque of 360Nm. The engine is backed by a seven-speed automatic transmission and features a performance-oriented Drive Sport Mode and Downshift Rev Matching.

The engine’s variable valve event and lift (VVEL) system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side for claimed performance, emissions and fuel efficiency improvements.

While no Australian figures are yet available, official European Infiniti specs credit the G37 coupe with a 5.9-second 0-100km/h time and a fuel consumption average of 10.5L/00km. The heavier convertible is a little slower and thirstier.

The G37s are underpinned by the FM (Front Midships) platform, which positions the engine aft in the engine bay to improve weight distribution. FM is shared with the FX and M Infinitis as well as parent Nissan’s 370Z sportscar.

The G37 Coupé will be available with a four-wheel active steer system (4WAS), which adjusts both the front steering gear ratios and the rear suspension geometry according to steering input and vehicle speed. Infiniti says this results in more agile handling.

The G Convertible is fitted with a retractable hard-top roof which can be opened or closed in 25 seconds. When closed, the car’s lines mimic those of its coupé sibling. When open, it cruels luggage space.

The Sydney show will represent the first opportunity for many people to get up close and personal with Infiniti’s range, as the FX and M only went on sale in September and there are dealerships only in Sydney and Brisbane. A Melbourne showroom opens soon.

According to VFACTS figures, eight Infinitis were registered in September, although Nissan/Infiniti Australia Managing Director and CEO Bill Peffer says he is happy with initial progress.

“Early on it’s not about volume,” he said. “But the way people have reacted to the FX in particular has been outstanding. People look at this car and they are amazed. It is a good car.”

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site…

Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.