First Drive: 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible

Story and photos by John LeBlanc BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.–Unofficially, many an Infiniti has been sold on what the cars are not: they're sporty vehicles without a BMW badge and all the baggage that comes with it. A less status-worthy badge than Bavaria's finest, Infiniti instead offers its customers a sporty and luxurious driving experience, coupled with a reputation for Japanese reliability and a simple formula of more features per luxury car dollar. But is the "anti-BMW" strategy really paying off? Judging by recent sales figures, Nissan's premium brand still has its work cut out for it. After two decades of chasing Bimmers, Infiniti still sold fewer than half of the 17,000 BMWs sold in Canada last year. One of the reasons for the German automaker's greater success is the fact it has a wider variety of models within its 3 Series lineup – sedans, coupes, convertibles and wagons, plus four-engine options. Not surprisingly, about seven out of 10 BMWs sold here has a 3-something badge on its metal rump. Though Infiniti offers seven versions of its G sedan or G coupe, they all have the same engine. Which is one reason Infiniti is launching a G37 Convertible (i.e., more models means more sales). With shrinking stock portfolios, price is an important consideration for new-car buyers – even those looking for an irrational luxury convertible. Therefore, as per Infiniti's game plan from day one, the G37 Convertible is an excellent value proposition compared to its Teutonic competition. For now, Infiniti says it expects a "$12,000 to $15,000" premium for the Convertible over the G37 Coupe, which starts at $45,200. That's still less than a BMW 328i/335i Cabriolet ($48,900/$55,600) or Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 AMG Edition Cabriolet ($78,400). Like the BMW and Benz, the Infiniti comes with a six-cylinder engine. In fact, it's still the only engine in the entire G lineup, a mellow-sounding and sweet-revving 3.7-litre unit. Also carried over from the Coupe is a seven-speed automatic transmission. With available magnesium paddle shifters, it's standard on the base model G37 Convertibles and the limited volume Premier Edition. A six-speed manual is the gearbox of choice on G37 Convertible Sport models. The G37 Convertible's V6 runs a healthy 325 hp and 268 lb.-ft. of torque. Compared to the G Coupe, those ratings are down an imperceptible 5 hp and 2 lb.-ft. Infiniti blames the drop on the rerouting of the G Convertible's exhaust to deal with the more complicated back end of the car's folding three-piece metal top. It still has gobs more juice, though, than the 230hp BMW 328i, 300 hp 335i model, or 268 hp Merc CLK 350 Cabs. From the A-pillar back, the G37 Convertible relies less and less on the donating Coupe's bits and bolts. To accommodate the new folding roof's hardware, the Convertible's rear track is wider, its suspension has been modified, and the bodywork and tail lights are all unique. As in the 3 Series Cabriolet, when the G 37 Convertible's metal top is up, there's little to distinguish it from the regular fixed-top coupe on the inside. It's rattle-free, four-season, stave-off-the-elements driving experience is the main reason these types of coupe/convertibles are becoming more popular. Even with its top down, the G37 Convertible does its best to offer a comfortable driving experience. With the side windows up and the optional rear-seat wind deflector in place, nary a hair on my head was ruffled during a pleasant day's driving in and around Beverly Hills. The standard kit on the G Convertible has features the Coupe doesn't get. They include: a sound system with headrest speakers that "dynamically change equalization based on outside noise, top position and vehicle speed," climate-control system that adjusts fan speed according to top position and vehicle speed and climate-controlled seats that provide heating and cooling functions on the Premier Edition. Despite the 205 kg of extra curb weight, its driving experience is pretty much G37 Coupe – sans top. Particularly in the Sport model (the suspension setup of the base model is tuned more softly), firm-yet-communicative steering, excellent handling, and the smooth and mellifluous mill put the G37 Convertible near the top of this admittedly small class. Convertible coupes are really meant for relaxed drives. But a G Coupe takes a little under six seconds to go from 0-to-100 km/h. Expect the weightier convertible to be a couple of tenths slower, or way quicker than the 328i, which takes 7.2 seconds. Of course – and just like the 3 Series Cab – the price you pay for the convenient metal top is a compromise in rear-seat and trunk space. Compared to the G Coupe (and even the BMW and Benz Cabriolets) there's less shoulder, hip and legroom in the back seat. And the trunk, a respectable 292 L with the top up, shrinks to a measly 57 L when the three roof panels are stored. Not only is that less than its two rivals (the CLK has 390 L, top up or down), it wasn't even enough to hold my laptop bag. I guess that's what the back seat is for. Will the addition of the G37 Convertible vault Infiniti over rival BMW this year in sales? Unless the forecast calls for 20 C and sun from now until New Year's Eve, er, probably not. But as part of Infiniti's plan to go toe-to-toe with the best in Bavaria, the 2009 G Convertible scores well in the value, driving and comfort departments. Ultimately, it's not as smooth and refined as the class-leading BMW 335i, but the Infiniti is considerably less expensive. Just remember to pack light. 2009 INFINITI G37 CONVERTIBLE PRICE: est. $57,000 - $62,000 ENGINE: 3.7 L V6 POWER/TORQUE: 325-hp/267 lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: (7-speed) City 12 L/100 km (23.5 mpg), hwy 7.8 L (36.2 mpg); (6-speed) city 12.9 L (21.8 mpg); hwy 8.3 L (34 mpg) COMPETITION: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz CLK 350, Volvo C70 WHAT'S BEST: Excellent value and performance, top-down comfort features, ride and handling (Sport only) WHAT'S WORST: Roof cuts interior space; heavier, more expensive and complicated than the G37 Coupe WHAT'S INTERESTING: Compared to the G37 Coupe, the Convertible is all-new from the A-pillar back

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