Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible, drop the top and enjoy the sound

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible - Main

When releasing a convertible version of a luxury-performance coupe, there is much risk that the aesthetics of the car will suffer. This crisis was averted however, by the Infiniti design team with regards to the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. From certain angles, the convertible looks better than its sibling, the coupe.

The three-piece power retractable roof provides for an extremely stylish and sharp looking vehicle with roof either up or down. “This new G has dual beauty ““ it looks as good with the top up or down ““ along with a beautiful, leather-appointed interior that is meant to be experienced wide-open,” said Brian Carolin, senior vice president, Sales and Marketing at Nissan.

The G37 Convertible is Infiniti’s answer to the BMW 3-Series Convertible and the Lexus IS-C. How does it compete? Let’s take a look:

Click through to read more and to view the high-res image gallery (at the bottom of the post).

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible:

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible:

Base Price: $43,850.
Price as Tested: $51,865.
Engine: 3.7L DOHC 24-valve VVEL V6 ““ 325-hp/267 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with Drive Sport and Manual Shift mode.
Curb Weight: 3,642 lbs.
0 to 60 mph: 5.3 seconds.
Fuel-Economy: 17/25 mpg (city/highway).

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible - Exterior

Exterior:

We were not impressed by the styling of the Lexus IS-C. When compared to the BMW 3-Series Convertible however, the G37 Convertible stands up fairly strong. Both cars are hard top convertibles and offer sleek drop-top designs.

With the top up, the G37 Convertible is not very discernible from the Coupe. With the top down however, the Coupe barely stands in comparison to the Convertible. The roof retracts in about 30 seconds with the simple push of a button located just below the gearbox. We did however, have one gripe with the retraction process; instead of a simple one-touch button, the motor requires the driver to hold the button down throughout the entire retraction process.

Infiniti’s Scratch Shield paint, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, dual chrome tip exhaust, chrome front-grille, LED taillights, and HID bi-functional head-lamps all come standard on the G37 Convertible. Our test car came equipped with a $1,350 optional Sports Package which upgrades the 18-inch wheels to 19-inch ones and adds W-rated performance tires, sports tuned steering, sport brakes, and aluminum pedals. Our test-model was also equipped with optional illuminated kick plates, available for $300.

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible - Interior

Interior:

The interior does not sway much from that of the Coupe, save for the optional Bose Open Air Sound System designed to dynamically change the equalization settings based on outside noise coming into the car. The system offers great sound quality via its 13 speakers, two of which are embedded into the driver and front-passenger headrests.

When compared to the 3-Series Convertible and the IS Convertible, the G37 Convertible Coupe takes best-in-class, hands down. Interior features that come standard on the G37 Convertible include:

  • 8-way power heated front leather seats with adjustable lumbar support
  • Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
  • Adaptive Climate Control System
  • Rear-seat heater ducts under front seats
  • Power windows with one-touch auto-up/down Remote power door locks with auto-locking feature
  • Illuminated entry system with delayed fade-out
  • Dual front cup holders and door bottle holders
  • Front and rear carpeted floor mats
  • 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM, AUX audio jacks, in-dash 6-disc CD changer with MP3 playback capability and XM Satellite Radio.
  • Infiniti Controller with 7-inch color display for audio, fuel economy, maintenance and comfort and convenience systems. It also acts as a display for the Rear View Camera.

The $3,250 Premium Package adds:

  • Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System.
  • The Bose Open Air Sound System featuring noise adaptive technology with 13 speakers, including Bose front seat personal speakers with iPod connectivity
  • Advanced Climate Control System with the cleaner Plasmacluster air purifier.
  • Memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors.
  • 2-way power lumbar support for driver’s seat.
  • Cooled-seats.
  • Auto-dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver.
  • Rain-sensing wipers.

The Navigation Package, which runs $1,850 and is available with or without the Premium Package will get you:

  • Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with Lane Guidance and 3-D building graphics
  • XM NavTraffic with Real-Time Traffic information
  • 9.3GB Music Box hard drive with CompactFlash slot
  • Infiniti Voice Recognition for climate control, audio and navigation systems

Infifniti also offers for the G37 Convertible, the Technology Package, which is available without the Navigation Package, but (ridiculously enough) not without the Premium Package. This package adds:

  • Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking
  • Adaptive Front lighting System
  • Pre-Crash Seat Belts

The only real complaint we have concerning the interior of this car is the structure of the options package. It is a bit ridiculous that the the most expensive options package is a prerequisite for the least expensive. Aside from that, the power seat switches are a little hard to access without the door closed.

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible - Performance

Performance:

Dropping the top of the ’09 G37 Convertible really enables the driver to experience the sounds put out by the 325-hp, 3.7L V6 engine that puts out a maximum torque of 267 lb-ft. Either the 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic will see this car through to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. That’s .2 seconds faster than the BMW 335i Convertible and a full half-second faster than the Lexus IS-C.

As is generally an issue with any hardtop convertible, the weight of the 457 pound folding steel top compromises handling in spite of the revised rear-suspension.  Structural rigidity is also compromised – another common issue with convertibles – with the top down, and this makes for a very noticeable (though not terrible) rattle when driving with the top down.

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible - Overall

Overall:

One thing is certain; the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible is one good looking topless vehicle, compared to the competition.

Given the starting price $43,850 (before the $865 Destination and Handling fees) the G37 Convertible is a car definitely worth checking out. This is the best price in class as the BMW 335i starts at $50,700, and the Lexus IS-C starts slightly above the Infiniti at $44,390.

Review: 2009 Infiniti G37 S Convertible:

– By: Stephen Calogera

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana ““ egmCarTech.