2012 Infiniti G37 Sport: Review notes
EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: We've said it before, but it's worth repeating: If your brain wants a Nissan 370Z, but your lifestyle requires a sedan, this 2012 Infiniti G37 is your machine. In this Sport trim, with the six-speed manual gearbox, this car runs the same powertrain as the Nissan Z car, and it shows in the G's spirited performance.
On the downside versus the Z, you lose a couple of horses and gain 400 pounds, and you can't get the Nissan's cool rev-matching electronics with the stick in the Infiniti. But you do get four doors, a usable back seat and a trunk to match. Price is comparable, especially if your Z Touring is similarly equipped with the Sport package and navigation.
Also comparable, and this goes to the heart of the G's fun factor, is exactly comparable 54/46 front/rear weight distribution, which makes the car a blast to sling hard into corners. The front end is weighted just enough to hold and track without plowing, while the back end is just light enough to give a little and allow for some tail wagging without getting too loose for comfort. Power comes on strong from the V6, and the close-ratio shifter with the short-shift linkage makes it a mechanical dream to drive hard. I sure wish the rev-matcher was offered here.
If sedan life is a shade too sedate, there's always the G37 coupe, which gives you some back-seat space and a trunk but suffers the same weight penalty. But it's an option.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: I am a huge fan of the Infiniti G37 coupe; it's well balanced, powerful and makes great sounds. As Bob said, the sedan gives you all of that, plus an adult-size back seat.
The styling is pretty sexy compared with competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz C-class and the BMW 3-series. It has curves in the front and the rear and looks slippery all over. The coat of fire-engine red paint doesn't hurt, either. The wheel wells are a little large for my taste; if this car was dropped an inch or two it would look mean. The coupe is still sexier, but if you need that extra space, here it is.
Power is more than adequate from the 3.7-liter V6 and is spread wide across the rev range. It pulls strongly all the way up to its 7,500-rpm redline. The six-speed in the G is one of my favorites. It has a short throw, feels thick and heavy in the hand and snaps into each gear with a click. The clutch effort is just hard enough to give the pedal some feel, which is important when taking off from a light. Turn the traction control off, and this thing will light 'em up. Spinning the rear tires doesn't require much more than flicking your right foot as you slip the clutch. Infiniti's electronic nanny is semi-invasive. It won't allow the driver much slide when it's turned on and will quickly quash a decent launch as soon as the tires give way.
The interior is top notch, as Infinitis' usually are: clack leather all around, sporty-looking seats and brushed aluminum on the dash. It's very classy. And an iPod connection and navigation are included in the price, and the system is easy to use.
A comparable BMW 3-series or Mercedes C-class both have a base price of about $42,000, but Mercedes doesn't offer a manual right now and BMW will add $2,500 if you want navigation. Also, the G37S has them both beat in power at 328 ponies, 300 hp for BMW, 302 hp for the C-class.
2012 Infiniti G37 Sport
Base Price: $41,495
As-Tested Price: $41,495
Drivetrain: 3.7-liter V6; RWD, six-speed manual
Output: 328 hp @ 7,000 rpm, 269 lb-ft @ 5,200 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,709 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 19/17.8 mpg
Options: None
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