Space be damned, the engine more than makes up for it
By lengthening the stroke in their award-winning VQ-series 3.5-litre V6, Infiniti upped the mill's displacement to 3.7 litres. The increased capacity combined with advanced valve-timing technology boosted output from 306 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm to a whopping 330 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm. Torque also got a hand-up, rising from 268 pound-feet @ 5,200 rpm to 270 pound-feet @ 5,200 rpm.
Not only is this engine mightily capable, it ranks in my audio diaries as one of the hottest-sounding V6 powerplants on the planet. It's not particularly loud but it generates a throaty, deep turbine-like howl capable of crystallizing blood.
A six-speed manual stick is available; unfortunately my tester didn't have it. Despite the absence of a clutch and stick, I grew to appreciate the five-speed autobox connecting that sweet engine to the correct pair of wheels--those at the rear.
A set of paddle shifters worked flawlessly when the urge to take command of the cogs arose. A wonderful blip of the throttle to increase the engine's rpm accompanied downshifts. Gear changes under acceleration hooked up quickly and tightly whenever the paddles were tapped.
Sport-tuned suspension sharpens handling
A quick dive into a corner with a dip into the throttle at the apex affirms the existence of a true "sports car" soul beneath the G37's newly stamped sheetmetal. My tester was equipped with the optional sport-tuned underpinnings, which also included 10-spoke rims shod in 225/45R19 W-rated performance rubber in the front and 245/40R19 W-rated boots in the back.
I have little doubt that the conventional G37 suspension setup delivers taut, crisp handling that's up there with the competition but I can guarantee this: the sport-tuned arrangement catapults Infiniti's super-coupe into the realm of Bavaria's best.
Steering inputs were reacted to instantly without feeling twitchy or strained or inducing a dram of body lean. Worthy of specific praise is the balance and predictability this car exudes in the corners, which really enhance the driving experience, thanks to a connection with its driver that's so precise it's uncanny.
By lengthening the stroke in their award-winning VQ-series 3.5-litre V6, Infiniti upped the mill's displacement to 3.7 litres. The increased capacity combined with advanced valve-timing technology boosted output from 306 horsepower @ 6,800 rpm to a whopping 330 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm. Torque also got a hand-up, rising from 268 pound-feet @ 5,200 rpm to 270 pound-feet @ 5,200 rpm.
 |
| By lengthening the stroke in their VQ-series 3.5-litre V6, Infiniti upped the mill's displacement to 3.7 litres. |
Not only is this engine mightily capable, it ranks in my audio diaries as one of the hottest-sounding V6 powerplants on the planet. It's not particularly loud but it generates a throaty, deep turbine-like howl capable of crystallizing blood.
A six-speed manual stick is available; unfortunately my tester didn't have it. Despite the absence of a clutch and stick, I grew to appreciate the five-speed autobox connecting that sweet engine to the correct pair of wheels--those at the rear.
A set of paddle shifters worked flawlessly when the urge to take command of the cogs arose. A wonderful blip of the throttle to increase the engine's rpm accompanied downshifts. Gear changes under acceleration hooked up quickly and tightly whenever the paddles were tapped.
Sport-tuned suspension sharpens handling
A quick dive into a corner with a dip into the throttle at the apex affirms the existence of a true "sports car" soul beneath the G37's newly stamped sheetmetal. My tester was equipped with the optional sport-tuned underpinnings, which also included 10-spoke rims shod in 225/45R19 W-rated performance rubber in the front and 245/40R19 W-rated boots in the back.
I have little doubt that the conventional G37 suspension setup delivers taut, crisp handling that's up there with the competition but I can guarantee this: the sport-tuned arrangement catapults Infiniti's super-coupe into the realm of Bavaria's best.
Steering inputs were reacted to instantly without feeling twitchy or strained or inducing a dram of body lean. Worthy of specific praise is the balance and predictability this car exudes in the corners, which really enhance the driving experience, thanks to a connection with its driver that's so precise it's uncanny.
 |
| The G37 Sport isn't punishing but it can become wearisome on bumpy roads. |