2009-2010 Infiniti G37 convertible

Press release

When the road calls, the Infiniti G has always been quick to answer. Since its introduction in 2002, the G has been known for delivering the most rewarding combination of fluid design and exhilarating performance in its segment. It’s a reputation that’s been burnished in the intervening years, with the successive introductions of second generations of each – the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe – both brimming with advanced technology including the responsive 3.7-liter V6 with VVEL technology, available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and premium audio and navigation systems.

Now, the Infiniti G is about to embark on a voyage to another dimension – the wide-open exhilaration of wide-open motoring – with the introduction of the all-new 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible, which is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2009.

“As the latest expression of our Inspired Performance, the Infiniti G Convertible instills equal parts lust and envy – lust for its exotically beautiful styling and envy for its unmatched performance credentials,” said Ben Poore, vice president of marketing for Infiniti. The G Convertible retains the Infiniti’s G’s sporty long cabin/short trunk proportions through use of a three-piece steel hardtop, providing a “dual beauty” – that rare occurrence when a convertible looks as good with the top up as down.

The G Convertible’s inviting interior includes standard leather-appointed seating, an available Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, top position and vehicle speed, an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed, and available Climate-Controlled seats that provides both heating and cooling functions. Every 2009 G37 Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 325 horsepower. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

Seductive Styling Inside and Out

The G37 Convertible maintains a coupe-like silhouette with the top up through use of a special three-piece “clamshell” retractable hardtop, which allows for use of a shorter rear overhang and low trunk lid. Compared to G Coupe, the G Convertible utilizes all-new body panels from the A-pillar back, along with a 1.1-inch wider overall width, wider rear track and modified rear suspension.

The automatic top opening/closing sequence takes approximately 30 seconds from start to finish. The open/close switch is located on center console, just behind the transmission shifter lever.

Along with its stunning G Coupe-like proportions, the G Convertible offers signature Infiniti styling cues such as flowing front fender curves, a wave-style aluminum hood, expressive front fascia with double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bifunctional xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps. The G37S Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package include a unique front fascia/bumper design. In the rear, the taillights are unique to the G Convertible, incorporating an inner “circle of light” for added style. The chrome rear trunk finisher incorporates both an integrated highmount stoplight and the small camera for the standard RearView Monitor system.

The G37 Convertible is offered with Infiniti’s advanced “self-healing” Scratch Shield paint in eight exterior colors: Vibrant Red, Athens Blue, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Moonlight White and two G Convertible-exclusive colors, Midnight Garnet and Pacific Sky.

“With the top up, the G Convertible’s seductive styling hides the fact that it’s a convertible. With the top down, it takes on a personality all its own – revealing its beautiful, equally dramatic interior design. It’s a car you can’t stop looking at,” said Poore.

The interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features an Infiniti signature “double wave” instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination, integrated multifunction information drive computer display and analog Infiniti clock. The double handstitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Genuine magnesium paddle shifters are available for the 7-speed automatic transmission (G37 Convertible with Sport Package only).

Special aluminum interior trim, inspired by fine Japanese silk and unique to the G Convertible, is located across the instrument panel, on the center console and on the door panels. Also available is Genuine African Rosewood trim. Leather-appointed seating is standard and is offered in three colors – Graphite (black), Wheat and Stone.

Heated 8-way power driver/8-way front passenger seats are standard, with Climate- Controlled Seats (with heating and cooling functions) available as part of the Premium Package. The G37S Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package include special sport-styled front seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power thigh and torso support – along with sport stitching for the front seats and steering wheel, high-grip aluminum pedals and foot rest and, with the 7-speed automatic, magnesium paddle shifters. A power walk-in device with position memory provides easy access to the 2nd row seats (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats). An available rear wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence when the top is down.

The 2009 G37 Convertible’s long list of comfort and convenience features includes standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System includes an advanced air conditioning system that adjusts to provide optimal comfort with the top up or down.

Two audio systems are available, starting with a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/6CD system with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and center console-mounted auxiliary input, 7-inch color display and XM® Satellite Radio.

A second system is also available– a 13-speaker Infiniti Bose® Open Air Sound system combining a 24-bit 96KHz Burr Brown® Digital Analog Converter (DAC) with an Audio Pilot ™ system with microphone that automatically optimizes EQ settings for open/closed top positions. The system’s special Bose® Personal Headrest Speakers, mounted in the front seat headrests, enable superior front audio quality regardless of the top position. An Interface System for iPod® is also included with this system.

Other available G37 Convertible features include a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and the Infiniti Navigation System with available XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic information, Infiniti Voice Recognition for navigation, audio and climate control functions, and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with Compact Flash® drive slot.

“The design of the G Convertible interior takes into consideration the typical distractions from fully enjoying open air driving, such as added interior noise and turbulence, added heating and cooling system demand and even the fact that the seating surfaces can get hot in the sun or cool at night,” said Poore. “Its inspired design anticipates the needs of the
user and presents solutions, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of the driver and passengers.”

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Liberating Dynamic Performance

Like the G Coupe and G Sedan, the new G37 Convertible’s outstanding dynamic performance credentials start with a combination of its advanced FM platform and awardwinning V6 engine. Every G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, helping to improve not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency (over a non-VVEL system). It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.

The G Convertible is available with a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations and available genuine magnesium paddle shifters; or a responsive, lightweight close-ratio 6- speed manual transmission on the G37 Sport 6MT. The G Convertible’s responsive handling and ride performance is provided by its advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform design, which optimizes front/rear weight balance and creates a rigid, stable foundation for the - wheel independent suspension. The front suspension is a double-wishbone design, with a single pivot lower wishbone and a long upper link. The multi-link rear suspension separates the shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber inline with the wheel center. These designs help minimize alignment changes and reduce suspension friction for nimble handling and smooth riding characteristics.

Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing system, with sport-tuned steering offered with the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package. Standard on all G37 Convertibles is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with cancel switch and Traction Control System (TCS).

Braking performance is provided by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The G37 Convertible with Sport Package and G37S Convertible Sport 6MT are further enhanced with and larger ventilated rotors (14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear) and aluminum four-piston calipers front/two-piston calipers rear, embossed with Infiniti lettering. Also available is Infiniti’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, which assists in maintaining a consistent following distance from the vehicle ahead. It also identifies sudden braking situations with laser sensors to determine distance and relative speed of the vehicle ahead in the same lane and “pre-pressurizes” the Brake Assist system before the driver steps on the brake pedal.

Split 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Dunlop SP Sport MAXX A1-A P225/50VR18 front and P245/45R18 rear all-season tires are standard on the G37 Convertible, while the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT utilizes special 19-inch cast aluminumalloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high performance tires (P225/45WR19 front and P245/45WR19 rear). The 19-inch wheels and tires are also available on the G37 Convertible as part of the Sport and Performance Tire & Wheel Packages.

An Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors is standard, along with door-mounted curtain sideimpact supplemental air bags for front and front-seat passenger protection, front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and front seat Active Head Restraints. The rear seat includes fixed head restraints with a rear pop-up bar. The G Convertible also features reinforced front side members, front pillars and body sills.

Two Well-Equipped Models

The 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible is available in two models: G37 Convertible and G37 Convertible Sport 6MT. A number of options and packages are available, including a Premium Package that features a Bose® Open Air Audio Sound System with 13 speakers, Audio Pilot 2™ with microphone optimized for both top positions, and Bose® Personal Headrest Speakers; Climate-Controlled seats with heating and cooling functions; and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.

The G Convertible Sport Package and 6MT model features unique 19-inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels, port brakes, sport front bumper, sport-styled seats, aluminum pedals, and, with the 7-speed automatic, genuine magnesium paddle shifters. The Technology Package adds Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and Pre-Crash Seat Belts with motion sensor on brake pedal. Also available are a Performance Tire & Wheel Package, Navigation Package, and Genuine African Rosewood trim on center console, instrument panel and doors.

In addition, a G Convertible Premier Edition – with production limited to just 200 units – is offered exclusively through the 2008 Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog. Upon ordering the vehicle through the catalog, consumers will be referred to a participating Infiniti retailer. This special G Convertible features a custom Monaco Red Leather leather-appointed interior, handcrafted red-tone Maple Wood trim, Midnight Black front grille and 9-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires.

“The G37 Convertible is a welcome addition to the Infiniti G portfolio,” said Poore. “It offers all the luxury and performance you expect from Infiniti, plus the unlimited potential of a wide-open top and wide-open roads.”

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Engine and powertrain

Infiniti’s latest 3.7-litre V6 is a potent, high revving, 24-valve twin cam unit producing 235 kW at 7,000 rpm (320 PS) and an impressive 360 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm.

Constructed from lightweight aluminium, the engine features a two-part bed-plate construction which is more rigid than a single piece casting for reduced vibration levels. It also permits sustained use at higher revs: the V6 is red-lined at 7,500rpm.

The VQ37 unit features VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology to optimise efficiency and, in turn, the balance between power, response, fuel efficiency and emissions.

By continually altering valve lift and therefore the quantity of air in the combustion chamber it provides a more powerful combustion phase to increase torque and power. Best of all, as the valves control the intake rather than a conventional butterfly, response to throttle inputs is immediate.

The result is a more efficient combustion to the benefit of fuel economy and lower emissions compared to standard valve lift systems

Precise mapping of the engine control unit (ECU), meanwhile, helps the engine provide a progressive ‘swell’ of power and torque, providing a ‘building wave’ of acceleration rather than a peaky power delivery.

It delivers a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) with 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) taking 5.8 seconds (on M/T version). Fuel economy over the combined cycle is 10.5 l/100kms (26.9 mpg) while the Sedan has a CO2 figure of 249 g/km. The engine is fully compliant with Euro 5 emission level requirements.

In keeping with the performance profile of a sports sedan, Infiniti engineers have developed a special aural soundtrack for the car. Equal length tubular exhaust manifolds and a symmetrical exhaust and silencer system have allowed the engineers to create a linear sound with a good balance between low and high frequency notes.

As well as a smooth shifting six-speed manual transmission, the G37 is available with a new seven-speed automatic option with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.

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Chassis and driving dynamics

Using the second generation version of FM platform, the G37 has an excellent front to rear weight balance thanks to its ‘front midship’ engine location while its long wheelbase and wide front and rear track adds to the car’s overall handling stability.

The fully independent suspension uses lightweight aluminium components to reduce weight as much as possible. With a racing-inspired double wishbone set up at the front, a multi-link arrangement mounted on a subframe behind and an extremely rigid bodyshell, the G37 feels agile and surefooted with a refined ride.

All-Wheel Drive versions of the G37 and G37 GT – identified by an ‘x’ badge – use Infiniti’s ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) All-Wheel Drive system, as found on EX37 and FX models. The system uses an active torque distribution management system with an active centre clutch for smooth starts, greater grip and better manoeuvrability on slippery surfaces without compromising the vehicle’s rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

By constantly adjusting the power – sending anything from 50 per cent to the front, to up to 100 per cent to the rear – the system generates greater control without sacrificing sportiness and true performance dynamics.

All versions of G37, whether rear- or all-wheel-drive come with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), helping to enhance vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions. A Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) is standard on the G37S.

Power-assisted four-wheel vented disc brakes have a four-channel, four-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). The power steering system is a vehicle-speed-sensing type with a twin-orifice structure, which provides optimum steering effort at both high and low vehicle speeds.

The sports oriented G37S version has a number of chassis changes in keeping with its sharper profile. The principal enhancement is the addition of the 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS) system which helps improve handling performance still further by varying the front steering ratio and adjusting the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed.

Other standard features of the G37S include recalibrated suspension settings and an enhanced braking system with four piston front brakes and two piston rears. The G37S is not available with all-wheel drive.

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Advanced Navigation function

The technology is a joint development by Infiniti and Xanavi. At its heart is a new Hard Disk Drive (HDD) navigation system with a hefty 30GB of memory space. This makes for faster operation and greater data storage capacity.

Among the many benefits are vastly extended mapping which now includes parts of Turkey, Eastern Europe and Russia, as well as a new easy to follow 3D navigation guidance with improved graphics and a more realistic depiction of the road and landmarks ahead. The resolution of the new screen (7 or 8 inch depending on the grade) is up to four times better than the previous generation system.

Real time traffic information is supplied via RDS-TMC. The system suggests route revisions even more quickly to help the driver avoid traffic congestion.

Thanks to its large data storage capacity, Infiniti has been able to expand the rich content potential of the system. Users have access to Point Of Interest (POI) information including the Michelin Green Guide, with comprehensive information on restaurants, services, museums and other tourist attractions in 20 major European cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Frankfurt, Barcelona, Vienna, Milan and Glasgow. A new feature is the option to select a scenic route to the destination.

Four ways to operate the system allowing the driver to choose what suits best

The system now offers touch screen operation, improving both ease of use and safety not only for the navigation, but also for other functions such as climate control, Bluetooth and entertainment. It is also possible to operate the system using voice recognition, steering wheel commands or via an intuitive control panel influenced by the span of a hand. As a result, the new Infiniti system is the only one in its class to offer four ways to control information and entertainment functions.

On-screen instructions can be displayed in eight different languages – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch and Russian – while voice recognition is supported in seven – English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Dutch.

Entertainment features

Another benefit of the HDD information and entertainment system is the incorporation of a 10GB Music Box which can store a music library of up to 300 CDs. The download takes place automatically when a CD is inserted into the CD player. Hence, the Infiniti owner has access to an extensive music collection without the need to carry around any CDs. Much of the Gracenote music database is pre-loaded onto the system and is able to label stored CDs with artist, song or album name. New or obscure album information can be downloaded later from Gracenote and updated on the system’s hard disk via USB connection.

But for those who want a wider music selection at their fingertips, the system also allows iPod/MP3 integration with full control via the screen and/or steering wheel switches. In addition, song, artist and album information is displayed on the screen. The iPod is charged whenever it is plugged in via the USB connection.

Other audio devices can be connected to the Infiniti audio system via an Aux-in socket or the unit’s Bluetooth Audio Streaming function. Bluetooth connectivity, of course, also allows full mobile phone integration for hands-free operation.

The system can even play back DVD videos. For safety reasons, the picture is only displayed when the vehicle is stopped and hand brake on.

Complementing the new information and entertainment system, through collaboration of Infiniti and Bose® engineers, a Bose® premium sound package has been specially designed for each Infiniti model and features loudspeakers with lightweight yet powerful neodymium magnets with an innovative driver design allowing the speakers to produce the output of a larger, heavier speaker. Uniquely in the G37 Convertible, Bose® speakers can be integrated in the front seat head restraints to optimise music quality while the top is down.

“The Infiniti range offers exclusivity, style, dynamic performance, value and an unrivalled ownership experience. The range also majors on high levels of advanced equipment. The new information and entertainment system, which will quickly be made available across the range, is arguably one of the best of its type currently available anywhere in the world and is a perfect addition to the Infiniti experience,” says Jim Wright, Vice President, Infiniti Europe.

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2010MY Prices and changes

Infiniti today announced U.S. pricing on the 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible, which is on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide. The G Convertible features a number of significant enhancements for its second model year, including a revised interior, upgraded navigation and entertainment systems, power-folding outside mirrors and the addition of the previous Premium Package equipment as standard for the G Convertible Sport 6MT model (a $3,050 value).

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP)* for the two available 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible models are: G37 Convertible (7AT) $44,350 USD and G37 Convertible Sport 6MT $46,950 USD.

New Features 

• USB Connectivity
• Automatic anti-glare inside mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
• Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Power-folding outside mirrors
• Premium Package content now standard ? a $3,050 value ? including Bose® Open Air Sound System with 13 speakers and 2GB Music Box, driver?s seat memory system, climate controlled front seats with cooling feature, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel and steering column, driver?s seat power lumbar support and rear sonar system
• USB Connectivity
• Automatic anti-glare inside mirror with HomeLink® Universal Transceiver
• Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System
• Power-folding outside mirrors

"For 2010, we?ve added significant enhancements to both G Convertible models and added the high-value Premium Package content to the Sport 6MT model for the convenience of our buyers," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "And, when you compare popularly equipped models between this year and last, the Sport 6MT costs exactly the same as the 2009 model, despite the additional features."

All 2010 Infiniti G Convertibles are equipped with a three-piece power retractable hardtop that?s designed to look as good with the top up as down and an advanced 325-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift). Enhancements for every 2010 G Convertible include a predominately white color scheme for the gauges and LCD instrument display and one new exterior color, Graphite Shadow. The available Infiniti Navigation System now includes enhanced graphics, XM NavWeather? with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast information (in addition to XM NavTraffic?), Zagat Survey® restaurant reviews, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and digital video file playback from USB Flash Drive. Also added are new available high-gloss Maple interior trim accents and a new center console design for automatic transmission-equipped models.

The inviting G Convertible interior includes standard leather-appointed seating and an available Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, vehicle speed, and top position, and an adaptive climate control system that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed. Technology features include standard RearView Monitor and available rain-sensing flat blade front wipers, Pre-Crash Seat Belts and Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking. The G37 Convertible Sport 6MT includes sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires.