By contributing editor David Colman
Hits:
- Inconspicuously Fast
- Affordable
- Handsome
Misses:
- Pretext back seat
- Weak XM SAT reception
- Stick Shift Vibrations
The Infiniti G37 Sport is Nissan’s gentrified version of the 370Z. Its defanged appearance is the perfect antidote to the Z’s frontal overbite. Its Gentleman’s Club interior reconstitutes the Z car’s objectionably plastic cabin into a mature environment replete with dual zone climate control, power adjustments for steering wheel position, and infinitely configurable leather sport seats . But the G37 coupe has lost none of the Z’ intense sporting character as a result of the cosmetic transformation. The Infiniti’s 3.7 liter V6, good for 330hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque, rivals the identical power plant in the Z for brisk acceleration. The 6-speed manual transmission shifts with precision and alacrity. The stick is short, the leather festooned knob a pleasure to hold. The G37S will run the quarter mile in under 14 seconds at over 105mph, and complete the 0-60mph sprint in just 5.4 seconds.
Not only will the Infiniti keep a 370Z in sight on the straights, but it will stick with one through the twisties. Fat Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires (225/45R19 f., 245/40R19 r.) grace equally fat alloy rims which measure a generous 8.5 x 19 inches front and 9 x 19 inches rear. The rims are finished in a subdued matte chrome that enhances the coupe’s svelte look. The only notable brightwork on the G37 is the chrome front grill and the Jaguar-like horizontal finisher on the trunk. The coupe is as inconspicuous as the Z is garish, yet it accomplishes the same mission as its corporate sibling: quick and efficient transportation at a reasonable cost.
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