Bigger engine, new seven speed automatic transmission for 2009
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: It was the unwritten rule for many years that to build a successful four-door sports sedan you need to have a German badge on the trunk lid. But just 2 years ago, all that changed when the Infiniti brand launched its first generation G sedan into the Middle East luxury car market. Now, for the 2009 model year, Infiniti unveils an updated version of the second generation 'G' with a new powertrain combination that is sure to keep it top of the class.
At a glance
- On sale January 2009
- Potent new 'VQ37VHR' 3.7-litre 24v V6 engine producing 350bhp (gross)/330bhp (net) is the most powerful normally aspirated V6 engine in the small premium sedan segment
- Advanced 7-speed automatic transmission now standard
- 3.7-litre engine already nominated as one of 2008's 10 Best Engines according to Wardsauto.com
- Vibrant and sophisticated styling
- Rear-wheel drive driving dynamics
- High level of passive occupant safety with six airbags
Overview
Ironically, it's the success of models from the established German premium brands that have made the Infiniti G sedan an increasingly popular choice as buyers seek an alternative luxury sedan that reflects their own desire to express individuality.
"The Infiniti G37 sedan competes in one of the toughest sectors in the luxury car market but not only does this new version match or better the establishment when it comes to style, dynamic performance, equipment levels, value, and the entire ownership experience.....it also has genuine exclusivity on its side" commented Abhijeet Pandit, General Manager, Infinti Business Unit Middle East.
Infiniti G37 is a credible, confident challenger delivering substantial performance -- and rear-drive dynamics in a convincingly individual package.
"The typical buyer of a G37 is a free thinker, someone who appreciates quality and service and who doesn't want to follow convention," continued Pandit.
G37 Sedan in detail
Exterior styling
With its long bonnet, long wheelbase and short overhangs, the G37 blurs the boundaries between a four-door saloon and coupé. As well as providing a classic silhouette, the long bonnet is a visual reference to the G37's 'front midship' engine location: the compact V6 is front-mounted, but as low and as far back as possible, with most of the block behind the front axle line. The result lowers the centre of gravity and helps to deliver the optimum front to rear weight distribution.
The low nose flows, via a curving roofline, to a high trunk to provide a feeling of motion even when the car is static. This is accentuated by a strong rising beltline, the flowing C-pillar and the muscular rear wheel arches.
To the front, the L-shaped headlamps and double-arch grille - complete with sculpted "twisted" horizontal blades inspired by traditional Japanese swords - have become Infiniti design elements helping to give the brand a distinctive face. At the rear the distinctive wraparound LED tail-lights are another Infiniti signature design. A neat, upswept spoiler integrated into the boot lid contributes to zero lift aerodynamics over the rear axle and completes the sporting look.
The overall effect combines obvious sporting potential with an understated sophistication that together capture the essence of the Infiniti brand.
Interior environment
The G37's interior is an environment designed to appeal to driver and passengers alike. Quality materials provide the warmth and comfort expected in a premium car, yet the driver's quarters have a 'scooped-out' design to emphasise the concept of a cockpit in direct contrast to the open, spacious design of the passenger area.
The dashboard and centre console adopts Infiniti design DNA with a 'double wave' upper section linked to a central vertical spine for a feeling of solidity. With roots in Japanese design, 'Washi-style' aluminium accents can be found through the cabin. Washi is a form of elegant Japanese handmade paper and textured aluminium trim inserts can be found on the centre console, the instrument binnacle and the door panels.
Optional extras are few thanks to the generous level of standard specification. African Rosewood inserts can be adopted on the center console, instrument panel and doors. A power sliding tinted glass sunroof with one touch open/close, tilt function and sunshade can be specified as can the Infinti DVD-based touch screen navigation system and Bluetooth® hands-free phone system.
At 2,850mm, the wheelbase is longer than its key rivals which translates directly into class-leading interior space for rear passengers.
Engine and powertrain
Infiniti's latest 3.7-litre V6 is a potent, high revving, 24-valve twin cam unit producing 350bhp (gross) or 330bhp (net) at 7,000 rpm and an impressive 39 kg-m of torque at 5,200 rpm. This is the second application of this 3.7-litre engine in the Infiniti Middle East product line up following the first introduction of a higher tuned version of the engine in the G37 coupe in July 2008.
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.
The 'VQ37HR' unit, as it's internally coded at Infinti, 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.
In keeping with the performance profile of a sports sedan, Infiniti engineers have developed a distinctive 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.
Mated to this new, bigger engine is Infiniti's latest 7-speed automatic transmission that replaces the former 5-speed automatic and continues with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) and magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel for sporty driving. Compared to the old 5-speed, the 7-speed automatic has significantly shorter 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear ratios to add to the responsive nature of the car plus an overdrive 7th gear for relaxed cruising. And like the previous 5-speed automatic, it matches revs on downshifts and can be controlled via the magnesium paddle shifters. Transmission shift points are tuned to keep the engine in the largest part of the torque curve, ensuring there is always a healthy reserve when the driver wants to overtake. The linked Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) system switches between three different programs depending on input from the major control systems throughout the car.
Chassis and driving dynamics
Using the second generation version of FM platform, the G37 sedan 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.
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) helps to enhance vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions.
Power-assisted 4-wheel vented disc brakes have a 4-channel, 4-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.
Standard equipment
G37 Sedan has a full complement of user friendly and above all, useful, standard equipment.
Standard features include the Infiniti Intelligent Key with smart access and push button starter, a s 6-CD, ten-speaker Bose® premium audio system with MP3 playback and an auxiliary-in audio jack socket. The Infiniti Intelligent Key also incorporates memory positions for driver's seat, steering wheel column and door mirrors. Bluetooth® phone connectivity (when specified as an optional extra) and cruise control can all be operated via switches on the leather-trimmed multi-function steering wheel.
Other features include power seats (with eight way adjustment on both the driver and passenger sides), auto-dimming rear view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, six airbags and integrated fog lamps. For the perfect driving position, the binnacle is attached not to the dashboard but to the steering column itself, and moves with the wheel when the latter is adjusted for reach and rake.
A custom-engineered Bose® Audio system sets a new standard for stereo performance in a car. Its 10 high-performance speakers provide crisp musical detail, with impactful low notes bringing G37 owners closer to the power and emotion of a live concert performance. To achieve this, Bose® engineers used proprietary digital signal processing and multiple channels of custom equalization to help tune the sound specifically for the vehicle.
Safety
High levels of passive safety were a priority at the design stage. As a result, the G37 has a full complement of six airbags, with dual-stage front airbags, seat belt sensors and passenger seat occupancy sensor.
Quality
Infiniti is synonymous with vehicle quality, and that's something that doesn't happen by accident.
On the Tochigi production line in Japan every vehicle - not just every tenth vehicle - is laser scanned to ensure that panel gaps are within prescribed limits.
During the design and development phase, new models are exhaustively tested not just at Infiniti's Hokkaido proving ground but also at the Tochigi and Motegi test and race complexes in Japan. Infiniti also has a vast 12.34 million square metre hot weather testing base in Arizona, USA.
Testing every Infiniti in the harshest of conditions and over thousands and thousands of kilometres ensures the durability and peace of mind that buyers can expect from the products.
Conclusion
Thanks to its power output alone - a figure way above other manufacturer entry points - the G37 sedan will continue to keep ahead of the establishment. But performance is only part of a story which includes a roomy interior, a long standard equipment list, excellent driving dynamics and sophisticated looks.
"The Infiniti G37 has the style, performance, quality and the equipment expected from a car in its class, but with the added bonus of exclusivity. This latest G37 Sedan is sure to attract even more customers to the brand," says Abhijeet Pandit.
-Ends-
For more local information you can visit the Infiniti Media Channel through www.infiniti-me.com or contact:
Hakam Kherallah
Senior Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +971 4 881 7500
Fax: +971 4 881 9747
E-mail: hakam@nissan-me.ae
Vivian Hawat
Infiniti Press Office
Tel: + 971 4 425 8976
E-mail: press@infiniti-me.com
© Press Release 2009
