2010 Infiniti G Convertible Enters Second Year with Interior Refinements, Enhanced Navigation System
12/01/2009
Infiniti
In 2009, the Infiniti G Convertible brought a whole new dimension to the popular Infiniti G line, literally blowing the top off with the wide-open exhilaration of open-air motoring. Now, just one model year later, the Infiniti G Convertible adds a number of enhancements - including revised interior features, new navigation system functions, power folding outside mirrors and a new Graphite Shadow exterior color. Unchanged is the G Convertible's ability to rejuvenate the spirit with its seductive styling and exciting performance - along with its advanced three-piece power retractable hardtop.
"The G Convertible made an immediate and lasting impression when it was introduced with its 'dual beauty' top design that looks as good up or down," said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. "Now we're coming back a year later with additional interior refinements and an enhanced navigation, adding a new level of convenience and style to an already outstanding design."
Every G 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 G Convertible maintains a coupe-like silhouette with the top up through use of a special three-piece "clamshell" retractable hardtop, which allows for both a stylish shorter rear overhang and a 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.
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) bi-functional xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps. The G37 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 high-mount stoplight and the small camera for the standard RearView Monitor system.
The automatic top opening/closing sequence takes approximately 30 seconds from start to finish. The open/close switch is located on the center console, just behind the transmission shifter lever.
"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.
For 2010, the G Convertible is offered in eight exterior colors: Vibrant Red, Athens Blue, Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Midnight Garnet, Moonlight White, Pacific Sky and new Graphite Shadow.
The G Convertible's interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features a new, redesigned center console (automatic transmission only) with a higher quality appearance, an Infiniti signature instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with new white illumination color scheme, integrated multi-function information drive computer display and signature Infiniti analog clock.
The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Solid magnesium paddle shifters are available for the 7-speed automatic transmission (G37 Convertible with Sport Package only).
Special Silk Obi 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 are interior Maple Accents. 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 on non-Sport models. The G37 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, solid 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 2010 G 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 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/CD system with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and center console-mounted auxiliary input, 7-inch color display and XM(R) Satellite Radio. A second system is also offered - a 13-speaker Infiniti Bose(R) Open Air Sound system with AudioPilot(R) 2.0 technology that automatically optimizes EQ settings for open/closed top positions. The system's special Bose(R) Front seat Personal Speakers, mounted in the front seat head restraints, enable superior front audio quality regardless of the top position. A 2GB Music Box Flash Memory Music Server is included in the Premium Package.
Other available G Convertible features include standard Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System and the available Infiniti Navigation System with available XM NavTraffic(R) and NavWeather(R) (XM subscription required, sold separately), Streaming Audio via Bluetooth(R) and Zagat Survey(R) restaurant reviews, touch screen and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.
"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."
Liberating Dynamic Performance
Like the G Coupe and G Sedan, the G Convertible's outstanding dynamic performance credentials start with a combination of its advanced FM platform and award-winning V6 engine. "What would be the fun of a convertible without exhilarating levels of performance and handling?" said Poore. "Like the true G that it is, the G Convertible doesn't disappoint."
Every 2010 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).
The engine is mated to 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 solid magnesium paddle shifters; or a responsive, lightweight close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission on the G37 Convertible 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 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension is an independent double-wishbone design, with a single pivot lower wishbone and a long upper link. The multi-link rear suspension separates the Dual Flow Path(R) 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 G37 Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package. Standard on all G 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 G37 Convertible Sport 6MT are further enhanced with 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 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 P225/50R18 front and P245/45R18 rear all-season tires are standard on the G37 Convertible, while the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT utilizes special 19-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high performance tires (P225/45R19 front and P245/40R19 rear). The 19-inch wheels and tires are also available on the G37 Convertible as part of the Sport or Performance Tire & Wheel Packages.
An Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensor is standard, along with door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for driver 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 rear Pop-up Roll Bars. The G Convertible also features reinforced front side members, front pillars and body sills.
Two Well-Equipped Models
The 2010 Infiniti G 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 the Bose(R) Open Air Audio Sound System with 13 speakers and AudioPilot(R) 2.0 technology, and Bose(R) front seat Personal Speakers; Climate-Controlled seats with heating and cooling functions (non-Sport models); power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and steering column; driver's seat power lumbar support and Rear Sonar System.
Also available are a Performance Tire & Wheel Package, Navigation Package, and Maple Accents.