By David Colman

For: Precision Responsiveness, Fiery Acceleration
Against: Choppy ride, Awkward Reach to Rearview Mirror Button

The FX37 is the latest evolution of the FX35, gaining a bit of punch, more fuel economy with little additional cost. It is an enigma however as it is a a very sporty car that is fast and firm like a Z car. Look for the comfort mode and you’ll find none. So read on and see if this is the right vehicle for you.

Having just spent the prior week driving a storied sports sedan, I was prepared to be under whelmed by the performance of this tall, rather ungainly looking sports utility.

But beauty is as beauty does, and what the FX37 does best is cover ground fast. Faster, in most instances than that storied sports sedan I thought I’d be missing so much. To the everlasting credit of Infiniti engineers, they have produced a lithe and agile package that belies its looks, its weight and its perceived station in life. If there’s a sporting award for SUVs, the FX37 is a clear first place winner.

Its efficient 3.7 liter V6 proves you don’t need a V8 to wring top drawer performance from such a sizeable vehicle. Despite the Infiniti’s curb weight of 4,156 lb., the 325hp motor is adequate to any acceleration need, and will also tow 3,500 lb. Just floor the throttle, or select the appropriate gear of the 7 available, and the FX flies into action like a Special Forces commando truck. Although you can also order a 390hp V8 version of the FX designated FX50, you’ll sacrifice the decent (17/24 MPG) gas mileage of the V6 for the voracious appetite (14/20 MPG) of the 5.0 liter V8. Thanks to the responsiveness of the V6, the V8 is more motor than you need.

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By David Colman

Hypes: Bahnstormer for the Mature
Gripes: Cheesy Belt Retractors, Shift Lever Jiggles At Idle

Let’s say you’re a born again racer who’s outgrown the trappings of the street pose down. You still like to drive hard and fast, but you no longer need to let the world in on your little secret. So you start scanning test reports with an eye for the understated rather than the obvious performance package. You’ve got some serious cash to spend on your acquisition, but you’re not quite ready for a full scale German pocket vacuuming. Well, in that case, I’ve got the perfect sports coupe for you. At a base price of $50,500, the Infiniti G Coupe undercuts the price of most anything from Bavaria, and better yet, outperforms many BMWs, Audis and Porsches costing up to twice as much.

The reason for this apparent discrepancy in the price/performance ratio? The G is really a revamped Nissan 370Z, devoid of the Z’s boy racer proclivity to overstate its case. You won’t find any of the Z’s rough edges, harsh ride, or buzzy exhaust in the grown up version Infiniti sells. But by the same token, you’ll give nothing away to the Z in terms of raw performance. If anything, the G Coupe in IPL trim, is easier to drive hard than the Z because it’s smoother, quieter and less demanding on you.

The IPL specification is a must if your G Coupe is going to compete with the best from Europe in handling dexterity and straight line acceleration. IPL tweaks output of the standard G37’s 3.7 liter V-6 from 330hp to 348hp. The package also includes a close ratio 6-speed transmission which feeds power to the rear wheels through a standard Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD). The VSLD insures that power is meted to the rear wheel with the best grip, so you never experience power loss through wheelspin. Infiniti beefs up the brakes on IPL cars with sport calibrated 4-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers on oversized discs. Finally, the steering ratio is quicker than that of a stock G37 at 14.7:1. There’s never a need to crank the steering wheel from lock to lock in this coupe because the quicker steering ratio requires less lock for directional change.

The G Coupe’s planted stance is due to Infiniti’s choice of premium rubber at each corner. The standard graphite finished 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels mount Bridgestone Potenza RE 050A tires measuring 225/45R19 front and 245/40R19 rear. Combined with IPL sports tuned shocks and springs, the G Coupe carves corners like a 370Z on steroids.

Yet none of the borderline cheap looking 370Z interior appointments are evident in this Infiniti. The interior is plush, padded and perfectly inviting. The driver’s seat is 12-way adjustable, with lovely under-thigh support that extends and retracts, coupled to fat side bolsters that can be configured as tightly or loosely as needed. The passenger’s seat is somewhat less adjustable, but both feature heating and nifty embroidered “IPL” logos in their headrests. The back seat is suitable only for small children, and its accessibility is suspect thanks to small doors openings and seatbelt interference.

This Infiniti is solidly constructed, with a smattering of real brushed aluminum trim across the dash and center console. There isn’t an abundance of room in the cockpit, but you do at least enjoy a usable glove box plus small storage pockets in both doors. The cumbersome front seat belt valets are molded in ivory to match the color of the headliner. But they look cheap and out-of-place in this otherwise simple Zen interior.

For the money, it’s hard to match this sports sedan in terms of finish, performance or luxury. In fact, the G Coupe in IPL trim is one of the best driving cars on the market regardless of price.

2013 Infiniti G Coupe IPL

• Engine: 3.7 Liter DOHC 24 Valve V-6
• Horsepower: 348hp
• Torque: 276 lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: 17 MPG City/25 MPG Highway
• Price as Tested: $51,395
• Star Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars

By David Colman

For: Agile, Quick, Understated
Against: Harsh Ride, Tight Cabin, Shoulder Belt Difficult to Access

In order to keep pace with the high performance niche market created by BMW (M brand) and Mercedes-Benz (AMG brand), Infiniti introduced their own line of tweaked models (IPL brand) last year. IPL is shorthand for Infiniti Performance Line, and like its competitors from M and AMG, IPL means more power, better handling, and more driving fun. It also means more expensive. While you can buy a base Infiniti G37 Coupe for $37,150, the IPL G Coupe will run you $51,250.

But if you’re interested in agile handling, quick acceleration, and a distinctively mature appearance, the IPL is the perfect velvet hammer. Although it will seat 4 in a pinch, the Coupe is really a two seater with overdraft protection. The rear seat entry drill becomes tiresome after one try thanks to small doors, fat front seats, and shoulder harness entanglements. But the G makes up for its inhospitable back seat by paying extra special attention to the lucky twosome occupying the front seats. These overstuffed, richly upholstered thrones feature 12 modes of adjustment for the driver and 8 for the passenger. If all that rearrangement proves insufficient, there’s also a manual thigh extender on the driver’s side to help prop your legs on long freeway runs.

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By David Colman

Hypes: Up-market Interior, Command Seating Position
Gripes: Whiny CVT Transmission, Erratic Cruise Control

You could buy a brand new Hyundai Accent for $12,445. Or, you could spend the same amount of money just to add 4 accessory packages to the Infiniti JX35. When you opt for the Technology Package ($3,100), the Theater Package ($1,700), the Deluxe Touring Package ($2,550) and the Premium Package ($4,950), then throw in a pair of Roof Rails ($370), you’ve added a whopping $12,670 to the $41,550 base price of the JX35. Are all these additions really worth the price of a new Hyundai?

Far from it. In fact, some, like the Technology Package, are enough to drive you to distraction. If you’re unable to turn your head, look in the rear view mirror, or pay attention to traffic, you might want to consider investing in this option. But if you have enough breath to fog a mirror, forget it. Does anyone really need “Backup Collision Intervention,” “Distance Control Assist” or “Lane Departure Warning and Intervention”? The latter “feature” is remarkably intrusive and annoying, issuing a constant flurry of beeps every time you change lanes. Despite the fact that the Owner’s Manual suggests the possibility of over-riding Lane Departure Warning, we were unable to accomplish the reprogramming needed for this task.

All these preventative devices conspire to saddle the JX with the jerkiest cruise control imaginable. I always thought that my Uncle Joe, who lived in NYC, was the worst driver in the world, stopping and starting so often that you wanted to upchuck after 2 blocks in the passenger seat. Well, the JX’ “Intelligent Cruise Control” is so dumb that it puts Uncle Joe to shame. Set your desired speed, and the JX35 accelerates and brakes with mind-numbing frequency. After a few minutes of this bizarre ritual, we deselected cruise control and took care of the throttle our self.

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By David Colman

For: Whopper V8, Airy Cabin, Finely Crafted Finish
Against: High Climb-In, Small Sunroof

Only ex-tank commanders or moonlighting semi drivers will find this QX to be beautiful. But if beauty is as beauty does, then a lot of potential buyers who need to tow trailers or haul lots of people will also discern the inner beauty of the QX. Let’s start with trailer towing, a task for which this Infiniti is ideally suited. Since it’s based on Nissan’s rugged Titan truck platform, and powered by a 5.6 liter V8, you’ve got enough horsepower (400hp) and torque (413 lb.-ft.) to pull 8,500 pounds of deadweight. Infiniti assists this task by including an integral Class IV tow hitch, and 7-pin wiring harness (with cover) in the basic specification of the QX. Standard self-leveling rear suspension also aids the drayage process. The 7 speed automatic gearbox keeps the engine working at top efficiency, with manual override and rev matching available via the console mounted stick. Normal dry weather operation calls for 2WD selection, with 4WD offered for extra traction in inclement conditions. The 4WD setting consists of both high and low range all-wheel-drive.

2011 Infiniti QX56 – Drive Time Review. This video is brought to you by Steve Hammes

If it’s human haulage you’re after, you couldn’t do better than the QX without buying a school bus. Like many other SUVs, this one has 3 rows of seats (accomodating , but unlike most others, all 3 rows are eminently accessible and comfortable. Order the optional ($2,900) Theater Package and you’ll turn your QX into a mobile entertainment center that offers 2nd row occupants a pair of 7 inch DVD screens, and wireless headphones with which to follow the action. Best of all, the Theater Package also includes remote tip-up controls for the 2nd row seats to ease entry for passengers in the 3rd row. Of course no one boarding this magic bus has it any better than the 2 front seat riders. The QX features standard 10 way front seat adjustment for the driver, 8-way ditto for the passenger, and 2-way lumbar support for both front seats. In addition, the combination leather/wood steering wheel rim is heated, and the wheel itself tilts and slides at the push of a button. The driver’s command position offers excellent forward, side and rear vision.

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This car pretty floored us. Infiniti M Hybrid did not get us all excited in the email exchanges but as soon as the car was delivered to us, it was a week of bliss.  They styling is simply incredible as it has leapfrogged all other Infinitis and all other hybrids before it.

Driving it was a delight as this hybrid seems to have all the torque of a V10 engine.  But then it really has the economy of a small car so you can have fun burning up the tires or hypermiling a getting over 30 mpgs.

The one remarkable advancement of this car is the hybrid engine integration.  It is truly an engineering wonder to see this engine shut off at 50 mph, cruise on electric power and then come back on as power is needed. The driver sees the tachometer needle go up and down but that is pretty much the only sign that the gas engine is shutting on and off.

2012 Infiniti M Hybrid Specs:

• Engine: 3.5-liter V6 with Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid® utilizing a lithium-ion battery and 50 kW electric motor
• Horsepower: 360 hp @ 6,500 rpm (Hybrid System Net Power)
• Torque: Peak engine 258 lb-ft and peak electric motor 199 lb-ft
• Fuel Consumption: 27 mpg city/32 mpg hwy
• MSRP: Starting at $53,700

Infiniti M35h Hybrid. This video is brought to you by Fully Charged

2012 Infiniti M35h: First Test. This video is brought to you by Motor Trend

Premium Package:

• Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with 8-inch WVGA color touch-screen display, Lane Guidance and 3-D building graphics
• Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio, navigation, and vehicle information systems
• NavTraffic with detailed traffic information provided by SiriusXM
• NavWeather with current weather updates and 3-day forecasts provided by SiriusXM[
• Zagat Survey® Restaurant Guide
• Bose® 2-channel, 10-speaker Premium Audio system, AM/FM/CD/DVD with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and speed-sensitive volume
• Climate-controlled front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• $3,450

Deluxe Touring Package:

• Bose® Studio Surround® sound system with 5.1-channel decoding, 16 speakers
• Forest Air® system with Advanced Auto Recirculation, Breeze Mode, Plasmacluster®Air Purifier, and Grape Polyphenol Filter
• Power rear sunshade
• Semi-aniline leather-appointed seating
• Unique quilted seat pattern and additional seat bolstering
• White Ash silver-powdered wood trim
• Suede-like headliner
• Premium soft-touch material for armrests, door inserts, center console and knee pads
• Premium stitched meter hood
• $3,900

Technology Package:

• Intelligent Cruise Control (Full-Speed Range)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Distance Control Assist (DCA)
• Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW) and Blind Spot Intervention^™ (BSI®) Systems
• Front Seat Pre-Crash Seat Belts
• Active Trace Control (Adjusts vehicle braking and engine torque to help enhance cornering feel)
• Eco Pedal
• Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) with auto-leveling headlights
• Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• $3,050

18-inch Wheel Package:

• 18 x 8.0-inch, tri-split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with 245/50R18 V-rated all-season tires
• $650

Road Test: 2012 Infiniti M35h. This video is brought to you by MotorWeek

By David Colman

For: Hard-Edged Driver’s Package
Against: Goofy Top-Down Trunk Space

Even in Vibrant Red, Infiniti’s G37 Convertible looks innocuous enough to be confused with other low boiling point drop tops like Chrysler’s 200, VW’s Eos and Volvo’s C70. But unlike that trio of rather lethargic performers, the G is more wolf than sheep because it’s based on the Nissan 370Z, its hereditary brother. Thus, when you’re feeling the urge to crank on the speed, the G Convertible is more than up to the task because it shares its 3.7 liter V6 with Nissan’s ultra-quick 2-seat Z car. The G’s standard 7-speed automatic gearbox insures there’s a cog for every situation. Finding the right one is as easy as blipping the elephant-ear sized magnesium paddles fitted to the steering column (not the wheel), or popping the floor-mounted stick fore and aft. When dropping down a gear, you’ll instantly slot into the appropriate lower gear set, thanks to rev-matching throttle blips provided automatically on each downshift.

Infiniti G Sport Convertible Automatic Review. This video is brought to you by Drivin’Ivan

If you opt for the $1,700 Sport Package, 19 inch alloys replace the standard 18 inch wheels. Ultra-sticky Bridgestone RE050A tires (225/45R19 front, 245/40R19 rear) mounted on smoked chrome 19 inch alloys afford excellent bite when cornering hard. Sport brakes and sport-tuned steering further elevate the driving experience. Although the G remains softly suspended for a comfortable ride, the extra body roll in switchback maneuvers never seems to detract from grip level at the Bridgestones’ contact patches. When pressed hard, the normally benevolent G morphs into a surprisingly adept back road tiger. Just be sure to deactivate the Traction Control System (TCS) via a dash-mounted button, located rather inconveniently out of sight left and below the steering column. Otherwise the TCS nanny will interrupt your progress at the most inopportune moments.

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More than just focusing on engine power and acceleration, the Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, product design philosophy focuses on “total vehicle performance,” including unique driving attributes and exclusive exterior and interior features.

Announced today at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in California, made by Infiniti Americas Vice President Ben Poore, the addition of a new 2013 IPL G Convertible to the Infiniti Performance Line model lineup. The IPL G Convertible Concept features unique aerodynamic styling, the dynamic performance of an IPL-tuned V6, exhaust and suspension, 19-inch IPL aluminum-alloy wheels, three-piece retractable hardtop and a unique red leather-appointed interior set against a Malbec Black exterior – a level of equipment and performance modification expected to be shared with the production IPL G Convertible.

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Infiniti used the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event to premier their 7-passenger, luxury crossover concept, the Infiniti JX Concept. The JX Concept is designed to excel in three areas – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and innovative luxury features. The JX Concept was unveiled by Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura prior to its display throughout the weekend’s activities at the famed Lodge at Pebble Beach.

The interior, for example, the production Infiniti JX will offer what is expected to be class-leading roominess, along with a 2nd row seat design that tilts and slides forward providing exceptionally easy 3rd row access.

An example of an innovative safety feature is the Backup Collision Intervention that helps the driver detect crossing objects behind the vehicle and, if necessary, engage the brakes to help avoid a collision when the transmission is engaged in reverse.

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By contributing editor David Colman

Hits:

• Feels invulnerable
• Tour bus front seats
• Swallows bikes

Misses:

• Mismatched door-to-dash trim
• Hard rear seats
• Middling fuel mileage
• Rearview mirror adjustment button inaccessible when seated

The QX56 comes alive when the sun sets. With its brilliant directional headlights scanning the countryside, its 3/4 overhead navigation tableau reeling off street names as you pass them, and the dual movie screens of the optional ($2,450) rear “Theater Package” blasting pixels into the dark, this Infiniti is the wonder of the digital age. While it’s not much to look at from outside, this boxy, heavy SUV gains all its momentum inside, where a palatial interior cocoons up to 8 occupants with Air Force One attention to detail. The BarcaLounger-sized front seats allow you to survey a jungle-like swath of Mocha Burl trim covering the outer rim of the steering wheel, the center stack of the dash, and the front quarters of all 4 doors. The driver’s seat adjusts in 8 ways, the passenger’s in 6.

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