It’s everything you wanted in an Infiniti G…and less. That’s the new 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. Of course we’re talking about roof and then only when it’s not wanted.
The all-new 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible debuted appropriately in sunny Southern California at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s the first-ever Infiniti G convertible and the first Infiniti convertible since, well, since Infiniti doesn’t want to remember.
Saying “all-new” is something of an exaggeration. It’s based on the lust-worthy G37 Coupe, with the same chassis, engine and the same body panels except those involved with the convertibilization of the G37 Coupe, mostly the rear quarters and trunk lid.
And of course the roof. Note that Infiniti refers to the G37 Convertible as a convertible, rather than a roadster. As such, it keeps the more luxurious side of the street. It has a three-section folding steel roof and comes standard with a “leather-appointed”—i.e., leather in strategic areas—interior.
The top is there because into every life a little rain—or sleet, or snow—must fall, not to mention the unfortunate need to consider security (if only the world were like you and I). However, the Infiniti G37 Convertible is truly designed to be enjoyed with the top down. For going topless, the two-seat Infiniti has a Bose Open Air Sound System that’s specifically designed to change sound equalization based on top position, vehicle speed and even outside noise. The Convertible’s adaptive climate control also varies depending on top position and vehicle speed.
A RearView Monitor is standard equipment on the G37 Convertible. Optional features include a touch-screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic traffic information with 9.3GB Music Box hard drive, pre-crash seatbelts, and adaptive cruise control with “preview braking,” and adaptive (steering) headlights.
As the name suggests, the Infiniti G37 Convertible is powered by 3.7-liter V-6, the essentially the same at the G37 coupe, though three ponies less at 325 horsepower. There’s a choice between an electronically-controlled seven-speed automatic transmission with optional magnesium paddle shifters on the steering wheel or a clos-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
Two models will be available, the standard G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertibe Sport 6MT. Along with the six-speed manual transmission, this model with the long name has sport-turned steering, larger sport brakes, bigger (sport) 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated (sport) tires. It’s sportier than the basic G37 Convertible.
For those who act quickly, a special 200-unit run of G37 Convertibiles dubbed the Premier Edition will be available only through Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog,
see page 64. The limited edition of 200 cars will have its trimmed in special Monaco Red Leather with hand-crafted red-tone Maple Wood trim. Automotively aware neighbors will notice the Midnight Black front grille and nine-spoke 19-inch aluminum wheels. If they don’t, tell them.
Bloomingdale is quoting a price at “below $60,000” for the Premier Edition, by the way. Infiniti hasn’t released a specific price for the standard G37 Convertible either, but with the top G37 coupe pushing $40k, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the topless G37 in the mid to upper-forties, depending on equipment.
Bloomies customers who place an order now won’t have a car for Christmas, just a promise under the tree. Their Premier Edition will have to wait until spring when the other Infiniti G37 Convertibles arrive. Of course, for most of the country convertible weather won’t return until then anyway. Deal with it. We don’t doubt it will be worth the wait.
2009 Infiniti G37 Gallery: More photos for a better look:
Illustrations courtesy Infiniti Division, Nissan North America Inc.
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