Infiniti G37 Coupe, good looks and strong performance

My older brother is definitely not a car guy. He hasn’t purchased a new car in decades and is very content driving a used pickup truck or the aging mini-van that provides major transportation for his three children.

So when he came over for a visit and noticed the Infiniti G37 coup in the driveway and actually commented on its good looks, it was a signal here that this is one appealing vehicle. He rarely utters a word – good or bad – about cars.

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

⤥ Summer Fun Starts Here ⤦

And indeed, the G37 is a good-looking car. Redesigned in 2011 by Nissan’s luxury division and unchanged this year, the vehicle is an attractive, rather sleek model that blends the styling of the Nissan 370Z sports car and the Infiniti G Sedan. The G37 coup shares the same platform as the Nissan 370Z.

2012 Infiniti G37 Coupe IPL

• Performance: 3.7-liter, V6, 330 horsepower
• Mileage estimate: 19-27 mpg
• Price: $49,800
• Warranty: 4 years/60,000 miles; drivetrain 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance 4 years/unlimited miles

The rear-wheel drive, two-door coupe blends its curb appeal with a high-end performance and upper-end handling that makes it quite fun to drive. As I explained briefly to my brother, it’s a “cool car” in many ways.

There are a variety of different trim models in the G coupe class. The one driven here for a week was the top-of-the-line IPL (Infiniti Performance Line).

The G37 has its share of strong competition from the BMW 3 Series coupe, the stylish Audi A5, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe, and several other appealing luxury vehicles.

The G37 features a 3.7-liter, V6 engine that can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a rapid 5.7 seconds, thanks in part to its 330 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is smooth and the vehicle has excellent passing power for any driving situation.

While there are no complaints with the acceleration, this coupe is a bit noisy. However, some owners like to hear that somewhat coarse growl when stepping on the gas pedal to test its excellent performance. The G37 handles curves effortlessly, hugging the road surface, and also provides strong braking, making the driver feel confident and in control.

The G37 has a user-friendly interior, with intuitive, easy-to-reach controls that are both high tech and not a great chore to master. Even the navigational system is easy to use.

One major complaint regarding the G37 coupe is the interior room. Although the front cabin provides comfortable seating, both head and leg room are lacking. Like most coupes, this one is awkward to enter and exit for anyone confined to the back seat. And once seated, adults will be cramped and young kids will feel only marginally comfortable. The trunk is small and shallow; and a set of golf clubs won’t even fit.

At an asking price of $49,800, the G37 coupe IPL is not a bargain, even for a luxury car. But many car shoppers can justify the price due to its good looks, strong performance and excellent handling capability.