2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe, and G37 Convertible overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe, and G37 Convertible, and includes Infiniti G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe, and G37 Convertible safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

After introducing an all-new second-generation G37 Sedan in 2007, and an all-new second-generation G37 Coupe for 2008, it appears that Infiniti isn't giving its engineers any time off — the automaker has added another model and made even more revisions for the 2009 model year.

The big news for 2009 is the arrival of the Infiniti G37 Convertible. The drop-top two-door maintains a coupe-like silhouette through use of a special three-piece “clamshell” retractable hardtop, says Infiniti, which allows for use of a shorter rear overhang and lower trunk lid. Compared to the G Coupe, the G Convertible utilizes all-new body panels from the windshield back, along with a slightly wider overall width, wider rear track and modified rear suspension. The power-operated, fully automatic top takes approximately 30 seconds to open or close. The G37 Convertible shares nearly all of its mechanicals with the G37 Coupe.

In other news, last year's G35 Sedan has been renamed the G37 Sedan as it is now fitted with the same 306-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 found under the hood of the G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible. The engine is connected to a new seven-speed automatic transmission, and the six-speed manual is still available. Other enhancements to the G37 Sedan include optional revised interior trim, including softer touch lower door panels and brighter “Washi-style” aluminum trim. Mechanically speaking, there are new optional sport brakes (with 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and large 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors) for select models, new 18-inch wheels on four-door models with the Sport Package, standard Scratch Shield paint (a "self-healing" clearcoat paint finish) and two new exterior colors: Sahara Sandstone and Moonlight White.

The G37 Coupe also receives the new seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the automaker's all-wheel-drive system is offered in the Coupe for the first time.

Infiniti offers its 2009 G37 in sedan, coupe, and convertible format. The sedan and coupe lineup includes: G37, G37 Journey, G37x AWD, and G37 Sport models. The new-for-2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible is available in two models: G37 and G37 Sport. Sport models equipped with a manual transmission are known as the Sport 6MT.

Leather seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver, automatic climate control, Intelligent Key keyless entry and push-button ignition, and real aluminum interior trim come standard on the G37. Other features included in the base price are a stereo with satellite radio, a CD/MP3 player and an auxiliary audio input jack; a trip computer; a compass; and an outside temperature indicator. Bi-Xenon headlamps are standard, and alloy wheels are part of the standard package, sized 17-inches in diameter for the G37 Sedan and Convertible, and 18-inches across on the G37 Coupe.

Step up to the all-wheel-drive G37x or the popular Journey models and the standard equipment list includes automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power passenger’s seat, and a CD changer. To better battle Old Man Winter, the G37x also includes heated front seats and heated power side mirrors.

Sport models are equipped with larger wheels wearing performance-oriented tires, a sport suspension, a limited-slip rear differential, better brakes, front sport seats with bigger bolsters and adjustable thigh support, and minor styling and trim enhancements. An automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard, unless “6MT” is a part of the model’s name. These variants have a six-speed manual gearbox.

Options are mainly grouped into Premium, Navigation, and Technology Packages. The Premium Package adds a power moonroof (coupe and sedan only), a Bose "Studio on Wheels" premium audio system (with headrest speakers on convertible models), Bluetooth phone connectivity, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, heated front seats (and ventilated on the convertible), heated exterior mirrors, memory for the driver’s settings, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a HomeLink universal remote. The Navigation Package includes a 9.5 GB hard drive with digital music storage space powering a navigation system, a reversing camera, real-time traffic and weather reports. The Technology Package adds an adaptive front lighting system and an intelligent cruise control system. Infiniti also offers a Performance Wheel and Tire Package for buyers who want bigger wheels but don’t want the full Sport model treatment. Wood interior trim is also available.

For 2009, all Infiniti G37 models have a 3.7-liter V6 engine connected to a new seven-speed automatic transmission or available six-speed manual gearbox. Since Infiniti seems incapable of simplifying the G lineup, the V6 gets three different power and torque ratings depending on the body style. Suffice it to say that power ranges between 325 and 330 ponies and 267 and 270 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and the G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan can be equipped with an optional all-wheel-drive system.

The new seven-speed automatic improves fuel economy for 2009. EPA estimates with the automatic are 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway for the coupe and sedan, while the G37 Convertible is expected to get 17-city/25-highway. The manual gearbox is rated to return 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway in coupe and sedan models, and 16-city/24-highway in the convertible. All-wheel-drive G37x variants are rated at 18-city/25-highway. All models require premium fuel.

Six airbags are standard on every G37, the side curtain airbags on the G37 Convertible deploying from the side door panels. Traction and stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, and active head restraints are also included on every model. Furthermore, the G37 Convertible is equipped with rear pop-up roll bars and reinforced windshield pillars. Active cruise control and adaptive headlights that swivel with the steering to help see around dark turns are included in the optional Technology Package, while the Navigation Package has a reversing camera.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has performed crash tests only on the G37 Sedan, and the car’s nearly perfect 5-Star performance, including for rollover resistance, is quite impressive. The exception is a 4-Star rating for front passenger protection in a frontal impact.

Unfortunately, the G37 doesn’t perform as well in tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While the IIHS gives the G37 Sedan its top rating for frontal- and side-impact protection levels, rear-impact injury prevention is rated Marginal. In the roof crush strength test, the G37 Sedan receives an Acceptable rating.

For 2009, both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates predict that the G37 will be exceptionally durable over time. Consumer Reports rates the car as above average, while J.D. Power thinks dependability will be well above average.

As we’ve said since the Infiniti G was introduced in 2003, Infiniti is determined to go head-to-head with Europe's best in this segment. And, like its primary competitive target, the BMW 3 Series, the G is now offered in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. The Infinitis are slightly larger in stature, feature more powerful standard engines, come equipped with a more extensive list of equipment, and have a lower price tag. Plus, the Infiniti is also likely be more reliable and less expensive to own, while proving just as safe in a collision. Vehix recommends the excellent Infiniti G37.

By Michael Harley