2008 L.A. Auto Show: 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

• Competes with: Lexus IS 250 convertible, Volvo C70 convertible, BMW 3 Series
• Looks like: Infiniti can make a good-looking droptop
• Drivetrain: 325-hp, 3.7-liter V-6
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2009

Infiniti’s G series of entry-level luxury cars with a sport enthusiast bent has just gotten bigger. Besides a sedan and coupe, Infiniti now has a retractable hardtop to put up against the competition.

Like other G37s, the convertible features Infiniti’s superb 3.7-liter V-6 engine producing 325 hp. It’s teamed to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. We’re big fans of the manual in other applications and are glad Infiniti is offering it in this model. Automakers often feel that convertible drivers won’t want to shift their own gears. This may be a big advantage for the G37.

Another advantage is the G37’s looks. While Infiniti says it looks good with the top up or down, in our mind it looks superb without its top and merely above average with it up. The company also has an optional custom-designed Bose sound system that takes wind noise and speed into account to control the volume.

There are two trim levels: the base G37 convertible and the G37S convertible Sport 6MT. The Sport model features the six-speed manual transmission, 19-inch wheels, larger brakes and a sport-tuned suspension. More photos below.

Comments

Nice car, but the Lexus-IS looks a little better, in my opinion.

This looks 1000x better than the Lexus IS.

Infiniti has hit a home-run!