Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

''Infiniti Performance Line'' Launches With Dramatic New 348-Horsepower IPL G Coupe

|
Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectTecnic
Khatir Soltani
About the IPL G Coupe
The 2011 IPL G Coupe builds on the foundation of the second-generation Infiniti G Coupe rear-wheel drive model with extensive modification throughout the vehicle. The IPL G Coupe’s unique exterior includes a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. Each part is shaped to accent the G Coupe’s aggressively seductive styling. Combined with the exclusive 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires, the IPL G Coupe projects a confident stance and road-ready attitude. The IPL G Coupe is offered in just two exterior colours: Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.

The IPL G Coupe interior is designed to harmonize with the exterior styling, offering two colour treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red (red interior only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission). All IPL G Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.

Photo: Infiniti

Other standard interior features include Infiniti Studio on Wheels by BoseÒ premium audio system, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and moonroof (these items are optionally available on non-IPL G Coupe models).

The IPL G Coupe’s enhanced performance comes from the synergetic effects of three technology areas – engine tuning, dynamic tuning and sound quality/acceleration feel tuning. Engine performance modifications were selected not only for increased horsepower and torque levels, but also for acceleration feel and exhaust sound without compromising fuel economy or noise standards.

The IPL-tuned high-flow exhaust is a full dual exhaust design with independent left and right large diameter pipes. The muffler’s inner structure and materials have been maximized to reduce pressure and provide an appropriate performance exhaust note. The result is a 30% reduction in exhaust pressure versus a base G Coupe’s Y-pipe exhaust system design.

The IPL G Coupe’s advanced VQ37HR 3.7-litre V6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity. As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque (+6 lb-ft).

“When you drive the IPL G Coupe, the first thing you notice is the surge in sound and acceleration feel. The inspiring swell of sound is in complete harmony with the acceleration feel as engine speed increases,” said Durward. “The sound is clean and inspiring, adding to the fun-to-drive sensation provided by the 348 horsepower under the hood.”

Equally inspiring is the IPL G Coupe’s dynamic vehicle performance, which focuses on providing confident handling, flat ride and smooth ride comfort. The IPL suspension tuning and damping management philosophy is designed to optimize each aspect of the suspension, effectively connecting the driver to the road surface while removing uncomfortable vibrations. Front spring rates have been increased 20% over the base G Coupe and rear spring rates increased 10%. Shock tuning has also been adjusted to reach a new premium performance standard.

The IPL G Coupe also offers a sport-tuned steering gear and large 4-wheel sport brakes with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD).

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada