TheCarConnection.com's sportscar enthusiasts have read reviews of the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe to bring you this conclusive review. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have driven the Infiniti G37 and added driving impressions and details where they help you figure out which vehicle is right for you. This review also compares the 2008 Infiniti G37 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.
Likes:
- Smooth coupe style
- Lots of smooth power
- Comfortable interior
Dislikes:
- Can't turn off stability control
- Feel of electric power steering
There are three different flavors of the all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe: the base, the Journey, and the Sport. Following the pattern Infiniti employed when the company introduced its new G35 sedan in 2007, the team added more power and technology to its new coupe.
This will be difficult for some readers to take, but the 2008 Infiniti G37 coupe may be the equal of a couple of BMW coupes out there. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have compared the new G37 to the BMW 3 Series coupe as well as the new-to-the-U.S. 1 Series. While Bimmer enthusiasts may be aghast, they will be forced to admit that the G37 is, at the very least, a darn good competitor.
The 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe shares some mechanicals with the Nissan 350Z, but the comparisons are mostly under the sheetmetal. The G37 is far more suave outside and inside, with two additional seats in back. The front seats are very comfortable, the rears nearly useless.
The chassis under the 2008 Infiniti G37 is stiff. Up front are double wishbones, and a multilink arrangement brings up the rear. Both ends get stabilizer bars. At the corners are massive disc brakes. Base models get 13-inch platters all around, while 14-inch (front) and 13.8-inch units are used on the Sport 6MT variant. Covering the discs are aluminum 18-inch rims on the base, and 19-inch rims for the Sport 6MT. Directing all this high technology is rack-and-pinion steering gear with electric, as opposed to hydraulic, assist. One criticism focuses on this steering. On the track, it sometimes varies the effort unexpectedly, which is disconcerting but never dangerous. Most drivers will never notice this flaw.
The 2008 coupe's motor, while based on the 2007 G37 sedan's, gets a boost to 330 horsepower this year. This is 24 hp more than the 2007 G35 sedan, and a full 55 hp more than the outgoing 2007 G35 coupe. Redline for the 2008 coupe's V-6 engine is 7,500 rpm. Torque peaks at 5,200 rpm with a twisting force of 270 pound-feet.
Two transmissions back the 3.7-liter V-6: a five-speed automatic and a six-speed manual. The automatic works with electronic controls that help the box shift smarter, especially on the track where the downshift rev-matching helps keep the chassis balanced and the engine in the power band. Roadholding is fantastic, while the ride is a bit nervous, thanks to big tires and a short wheelbase.
For the record, the 2008 Infiniti G37 6MT has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.
The Bottom Line:
The Infiniti G37 Coupe is the best-selling coupe in the segment for a number of good reasons: it's incredibly fast and handles well, and it's good-looking in a well-heeled way.
Other Choices:
If you're interested in the 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe, also consider:
- BMW 3-Series coupe
- BMW 1-Series coupe
- Nissan 350Z
Reason why
BMW knew that its 3 Series coupe had grown pretty big. This growth left room for the 2008 1 Series coupe to make the trip across the Atlantic to these shores. This gives BMW two coupes, both of which are capable machines. Right off, if you're looking for a convertible, BMW has the Infiniti G37 covered, as both the 3er and 1er come with dropping tops. Dynamically, however, the G37 gives either BMW a run for its money. If you like automatic gearboxes, the editors of TheCarConnection.com prefer the Infiniti's to the BMW's.
Compared to the beautifully styled 2008 Audi TT, the G37 is a more dynamic performer. The Audi is front-wheel drive, and this blunts the car's moves. However, if all-wheel drive is something you're looking for, the Audi (and the BMW 3 Series) offers it, while the G37 does not. There is a new Audi TTS coming for 2009 with more power than today's car. Lastly, if you can go without the Infiniti owner experience and the extra seats, Nissan's own 350Z has handling that's just as brilliant.
Buying Tip:
Checking too many option boxes on the order sheet of a 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe easily adds $9,000 to this $34,000 vehicle. If you must conserve in these days of deprivation, try out the Nissan 350Z and its cheaper price tag.
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