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By Sam Moses
All-new, second-generation high-performance coupe.
Introduction
The 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe is all new, a second-generation redesign, building perfectly on the G35 Coupe that was outstanding in its time (and still is). The chassis is stiffer, lower and wider, for an improved ride and handling. The engine has been increased to 3.7 liters, and uses the latest electronic valve systems to make 330 horsepower with improved fuel economy. The five-speed manual automatic transmission is superb and beautifully obedient, using downshift rev matching, meaning the throttle blips on its own when you downshift. The Sport Package doesn't make the ride too stiff, and offers bigger brakes.
The G37 has a full complement of standard safety features, including six airbags, a tire pressure monitor, Vehicle Dynamic Control that invisibly keeps you on the road, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, and crush zones in the front and rear.
The exterior styling has been freshened, and the interior has been totally redesigned as well. Perforated leather seating is standard. With little legroom in the rear seat, two adults will not be happy back there for long, so the G37 is no car-pool vehicle; but, up front, we loved the instrumentation, in particular the ease with which the navigation, climate control, and sound systems could be operated. The optional navigation and sound system have exceptional features; the nav monitors traffic conditions on the road ahead, and the sound system uses a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive with compact flash drive slot.
There are three distinctive models of the G37 Coupe: the Coupe, Journey, and Sport 6MT. Their biggest differences are in the styling twists and suspensions. They all use the same award-winning Nissan aluminum V6, redesigned for 2008 with 3.7 liters and VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) camshafts, which boost it to 330 horsepower at 7000 rpm with a redline at 7600, and that's pretty awesome for a V6. The Journey is the touring version, and the Sport 6MT (stands for six-speed manual transmission) is the racy one, but under the hood they're all the same.
The Coupe and Journey come with a wonderful five-speed manual automatic transmission, having downshift rev matching, meaning the engine blips just before the car drops a gear; and Adaptive Shift Control, which sharpens the shifts when sensors say you're driving sporty. Paddle shifters, made of magnesium, are optional.
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