Our test vehicle was also outfitted with the optional wind deflector. With top down, and windows up, and this deflector in place (behind the heads of front-seat occupants), we were in a virtual dead-air cocoon, which allowed for easy conversation, uncompromised stereo playing, and no mussed-up hair. It might have even a bit too cocooning. A couple of times I almost forgot I was in a convertible! But you have the choice -- you can roll the windows down, chuck the deflector, and let it all hang out, whenever you want.
Random notes
The two rear seats are obviously tight and a "straight back" affair, but very useable. I was able to "sit behind" myself with still a couple of inches of knee room to spare.
The only time we got a little cowl shake was when we went looking for it, over very rough patches of road. Otherwise it feels as solid as the coupe.
While the coupe is now available with Infiniti's super-delicious AWD system, the convertible says no thanks. According to Forsyth, the extra 100 kilograms of weight would impact overall performance too much, which is hallmark of the Infiniti brand. (The G Convertible is already over 50 kilos heavier than the BMW Cabriolet.)
Like the coupes and sedans, the switchgear, like the whole vehicle, is very intuitive. Only "innovation that's useful" is the useful credo of Infiniti, and it shows.
New 7-speed automatic transmission features Downshift Rev Matching, a quick shift Drive Sport (DS) mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), with optional paddle shifters.
Lots of safety equipment on board, including rear pop-up bars.
Models and pricing
There are two models: Sport and Premier. Sport can be fitted with either the 6-speed manual or the 7-speed automatic transmission.
Sport models have bigger brakes and quicker steering than Premier, and various "sport" aesthetic touches, such as aluminum pedals, stitching on the seats and steering wheel, and aluminum interior trim pieces finished in a unique "silk-like" look.
Sport models can be equipped with the High Tech Package, which adds navigation, intelligent cruise control (ICC) with preview braking, adaptive front lighting System (AFS) and pre-crash seat belts with motion sensor on brake pedal.
In a somewhat unusual move, the top-shelf Premier model is only available in one colour combination: Dark gray exterior with an interior rendered in red leather and maple wood trim. Standard on Premier is the High Tech Package and those heated and cooled seats, and the only transmission available is the 7-speed automatic.Pricing will not be announced until closer to its June on-sale date. But Forsythe expects convertible models to be about 12 to 15 grand more than comparable-equipped coupe models -- translating to a range of about $55,000 to $60,000.
How many will they sell? "As many as we can get," notes Forsyth.
Apparently there are some capacity constraints at the plant in Tochigi, Japan. Forsyth expects the Canadian allotment to be about 800 for the remainder of 2009, and 1,000 a year after that. Currently Infiniti sells about 2,200 coupes per year in Canada.
photo:Michael Goetz
Random notes
The two rear seats are obviously tight and a "straight back" affair, but very useable. I was able to "sit behind" myself with still a couple of inches of knee room to spare.
The only time we got a little cowl shake was when we went looking for it, over very rough patches of road. Otherwise it feels as solid as the coupe.
While the coupe is now available with Infiniti's super-delicious AWD system, the convertible says no thanks. According to Forsyth, the extra 100 kilograms of weight would impact overall performance too much, which is hallmark of the Infiniti brand. (The G Convertible is already over 50 kilos heavier than the BMW Cabriolet.)
Like the coupes and sedans, the switchgear, like the whole vehicle, is very intuitive. Only "innovation that's useful" is the useful credo of Infiniti, and it shows.
New 7-speed automatic transmission features Downshift Rev Matching, a quick shift Drive Sport (DS) mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), with optional paddle shifters.
 |
| The two rear seats are obviously tight and a "straight back" affair, but very useable. |
Lots of safety equipment on board, including rear pop-up bars.
Models and pricing
There are two models: Sport and Premier. Sport can be fitted with either the 6-speed manual or the 7-speed automatic transmission.
Sport models have bigger brakes and quicker steering than Premier, and various "sport" aesthetic touches, such as aluminum pedals, stitching on the seats and steering wheel, and aluminum interior trim pieces finished in a unique "silk-like" look.
Sport models can be equipped with the High Tech Package, which adds navigation, intelligent cruise control (ICC) with preview braking, adaptive front lighting System (AFS) and pre-crash seat belts with motion sensor on brake pedal.
In a somewhat unusual move, the top-shelf Premier model is only available in one colour combination: Dark gray exterior with an interior rendered in red leather and maple wood trim. Standard on Premier is the High Tech Package and those heated and cooled seats, and the only transmission available is the 7-speed automatic.Pricing will not be announced until closer to its June on-sale date. But Forsythe expects convertible models to be about 12 to 15 grand more than comparable-equipped coupe models -- translating to a range of about $55,000 to $60,000.
How many will they sell? "As many as we can get," notes Forsyth.
Apparently there are some capacity constraints at the plant in Tochigi, Japan. Forsyth expects the Canadian allotment to be about 800 for the remainder of 2009, and 1,000 a year after that. Currently Infiniti sells about 2,200 coupes per year in Canada.
photo:Michael Goetz
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