Infiniti and beyond

Jun 17 2009 Liverpool Daily Post

THE new Infiniti G37 will be one of the world’s quickest four-seat convertible cars when it arrives here this autumn.

This is the company’s claim for the sporty newcomer, which will herald the arrival of the up-market arm of Nissan to the UK, in a bid to replicate the success of Toyota’s luxury Lexus brand.

It is unfortunate that the Infiniti range of powerful vehicles is being rolled out to global markets during the worst-ever recession, but the company is ploughing on regardless, having spent years in research and development.

Infiniti has now announced the final specification for the G37 Convertible model that will arrive here in September with a 3.7-litre V6 engine driving the rear wheels.

With acceleration to 60mph in 6.2 seconds, Infiniti says that few four-seat convertible cars are quicker, although the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

There will be two trim and equipment levels, designated GT and GT Premium, with each having a folding steel roof just like a Mercedes SLK or SL.

The GT will come with 19-inch alloy wheels and sports brakes, a wind deflector, leather seats, active cornering Bi-Xenon headlamps and LED rears, dual-zone adaptive climate control with automatic air recirculation, plus heated and electrically adjustable front seats.

It also comes with self-healing paint that creeps back over minor scratches to make them disappear.

There is a seven-speaker audio system incorporating a CD player with MP3 disc compatibility plus a 2GB Music Box and iPod/USB, Bluetooth phone connection with voice controls, parking sensors and a rear view camera. One of the few options available is Infiniti’s seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters.

The GT Premium version gains a 30Gb HDD navigation system with a 3D Points of Interest information bank supplied by Michelin Green Guide, which will be a world first. Available routes include a scenic option and information is given about spots worth stopping at along the way.

The music box can store up to 300 CDs and the electric, leather front seats have a memory function linking the driver’s seat position to the car’s Intelligent Key.

Unusually, the front seat headrests incorporate a pair of personal speakers as part of the 13-speaker sound system.

On both cars, the roof goes up or down in about 25 seconds and can be operated from within the car or from outside using the remote.