A balance of power and poise makes this white-on-white convertible a worthy road companion.
Spell It Out
The IPL acronym associated with the 2013 Infiniti G37 Convertible stands for Infiniti Performance Line. And it's the second model in the Japanese automaker's family to sport this badge. The first offering was the G37 IPL Coupe. And while both are equally nice to drive, this model can go topless! Now, where did I put my sunscreen?
Why IPL?
What constitutes an "IPL" designation? Well, a few things, but the key ingredient is performance. Before getting to the good stuff -- i.e., the performance aspect -- there are some differentiating characteristics of this model over its other G siblings.
First, the special emblem on the two-door drop top's effervescent three-coat Aspen Pearl exterior is a dead giveaway. Then there are the exclusive IPL aerodynamics with front fascia and side sills, along with the large diameter dual exhaust pipes with chrome finishers.
Jump inside the stone-coloured cabin and there are a few more hints. For example, the red-stitched steering wheel gives it a sportier feel. Furthermore, the sport front seats are engraved with the IPL logos. Look down and the floor mats also have the same embroidery.
What really caught my eye, though, is the Silk Obi aluminum trim finish. Set against a black backdrop, it really popped. Sometimes, carmakers can overdo the metallic trim to compensate for a lack of interior character. Not in the IPL. The balance of shades and hues not only make it look classy, but make it come alive a little more.
Also helping the vehicle come to life is the addition of a Bose premium stereo system. What makes it special is that it's specifically designed for open-air driving. That said, it still sounds fabulous with the top up, but the AudioPilot 2.0 noise compensation technology and Personal front seat headrest speakers help create optimal sound quality when the wind is travelling through the cabin.
Let There Be Light (and hair tousling!)
Allowing the wind to liberally flow through your hair requires only the push and hold of a button conveniently located on the centre console, just behind the gearbox. Then, the three-piece power retractable hardtop will fold elegantly into the trunk and, voila, the world is your oyster. It takes approximately 30 seconds for the opening/closing sequence of the roof.
For the full hair-tousling experience, roll the windows down. This is especially nice on a warm summer evening while driving into the sunset. But ladies (and some guys?!), for the full experience, you might want to tie your hair back and perhaps put on a hat so your hair doesn't disrupt your vision, or get in your eyes.
Performance Time
Through a series of recalibrations, system management modifications and more engineering sorcery, the IPL G Convertible's 3.7L, V6 generates 343 horsepower -- an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models -- and 273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 6 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is then channelled through an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission.
But wait, there's more: The transmission is equipped with Downshift Rev Matching and quick-shift Drive Sport (DS) mode with magnesium paddle shifters and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Regardless of whether you select the gears through the paddle shifters or just let the engine work its magic, its smooth sailing all the way.
Not to mention with the downshift rev matching, and of course the acceleration, comes the magnificent sound that's generated through the dual exhaust. Top up or down -- mind you, it sounds way better with the top down -- the sound that comes from the rear end is sure to please.
When on the road, the specially tuned suspension matched with 19" IPL aluminum-alloy wheels creates a ride that has potency, but comfort at the same time. At no point did I feel that the IPL was too abrasive. If anything, I would have liked it to be a little stiffer. But that's the inner racer in me talking, so I'll tell her to be quiet!
Trunk Talk
A query that almost always arises when talking about convertibles is trunk space. With the roof up, there's 210 litres (7.4 cubic feet) of storage around back. With the top down, it's severely reduced. However, most people who are buying a convertible know that it's a trade-off they have to make. If you want to use what little space is left with the top down, I suggest loading your items in before going topless. The space to get large-ish items in is not very forgiving.
And while on the topic of space, although the IPL Convertible has room for four inside, the rear seats can get a little squishy for those with longer legs. Also, if there are taller individuals sitting up front, legroom is further reduced. But in regards to comfort, no spot is too bad when inside.
This 2013 Infiniti G37 Convertible IPL review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.
Spell It Out
The IPL acronym associated with the 2013 Infiniti G37 Convertible stands for Infiniti Performance Line. And it's the second model in the Japanese automaker's family to sport this badge. The first offering was the G37 IPL Coupe. And while both are equally nice to drive, this model can go topless! Now, where did I put my sunscreen?
Why IPL?
What constitutes an "IPL" designation? Well, a few things, but the key ingredient is performance. Before getting to the good stuff -- i.e., the performance aspect -- there are some differentiating characteristics of this model over its other G siblings.
First, the special emblem on the two-door drop top's effervescent three-coat Aspen Pearl exterior is a dead giveaway. Then there are the exclusive IPL aerodynamics with front fascia and side sills, along with the large diameter dual exhaust pipes with chrome finishers.
Jump inside the stone-coloured cabin and there are a few more hints. For example, the red-stitched steering wheel gives it a sportier feel. Furthermore, the sport front seats are engraved with the IPL logos. Look down and the floor mats also have the same embroidery.
What really caught my eye, though, is the Silk Obi aluminum trim finish. Set against a black backdrop, it really popped. Sometimes, carmakers can overdo the metallic trim to compensate for a lack of interior character. Not in the IPL. The balance of shades and hues not only make it look classy, but make it come alive a little more.
Also helping the vehicle come to life is the addition of a Bose premium stereo system. What makes it special is that it's specifically designed for open-air driving. That said, it still sounds fabulous with the top up, but the AudioPilot 2.0 noise compensation technology and Personal front seat headrest speakers help create optimal sound quality when the wind is travelling through the cabin.
Let There Be Light (and hair tousling!)
Allowing the wind to liberally flow through your hair requires only the push and hold of a button conveniently located on the centre console, just behind the gearbox. Then, the three-piece power retractable hardtop will fold elegantly into the trunk and, voila, the world is your oyster. It takes approximately 30 seconds for the opening/closing sequence of the roof.
For the full hair-tousling experience, roll the windows down. This is especially nice on a warm summer evening while driving into the sunset. But ladies (and some guys?!), for the full experience, you might want to tie your hair back and perhaps put on a hat so your hair doesn't disrupt your vision, or get in your eyes.
Performance Time
Through a series of recalibrations, system management modifications and more engineering sorcery, the IPL G Convertible's 3.7L, V6 generates 343 horsepower -- an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models -- and 273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 6 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is then channelled through an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission.
But wait, there's more: The transmission is equipped with Downshift Rev Matching and quick-shift Drive Sport (DS) mode with magnesium paddle shifters and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Regardless of whether you select the gears through the paddle shifters or just let the engine work its magic, its smooth sailing all the way.
Not to mention with the downshift rev matching, and of course the acceleration, comes the magnificent sound that's generated through the dual exhaust. Top up or down -- mind you, it sounds way better with the top down -- the sound that comes from the rear end is sure to please.
When on the road, the specially tuned suspension matched with 19" IPL aluminum-alloy wheels creates a ride that has potency, but comfort at the same time. At no point did I feel that the IPL was too abrasive. If anything, I would have liked it to be a little stiffer. But that's the inner racer in me talking, so I'll tell her to be quiet!
Trunk Talk
A query that almost always arises when talking about convertibles is trunk space. With the roof up, there's 210 litres (7.4 cubic feet) of storage around back. With the top down, it's severely reduced. However, most people who are buying a convertible know that it's a trade-off they have to make. If you want to use what little space is left with the top down, I suggest loading your items in before going topless. The space to get large-ish items in is not very forgiving.
And while on the topic of space, although the IPL Convertible has room for four inside, the rear seats can get a little squishy for those with longer legs. Also, if there are taller individuals sitting up front, legroom is further reduced. But in regards to comfort, no spot is too bad when inside.
This 2013 Infiniti G37 Convertible IPL review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.
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