2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe Adds New All-Wheel Drive G37x Model and 7-Speed Aut
10/17/2008
Infiniti
Introduced to universal acclaim in the 2008 model year, the Infiniti G37 Coupe is not a vehicle designed to rest on its laurels. For 2009, the performance envelope expands with the addition of a new G37x Coupe AWD model and a new 7-speed automatic transmission (the G37 Coupe is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission).
The new Infiniti G37x Coupe model utilizes the advanced ATESSA E-TS(TM) all-wheel drive system also found in the Infiniti G37x Sedan AWD, M45x and M35x AWD, EX35 AWD and new 2009 Infiniti FX AWD models. The 2009 G37 Coupe's new 7-speed automatic transmission features a performance-oriented Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching. Other enhancements to the G37 Coupe for 2009 include standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat paint finish), a new Moonlight White exterior color, a redesigned dial-type seat heater switch and an automatic speed-sensing function for the power door locks.
"With the addition of the new all-wheel drive model, the 2009 G37 Coupe is now available in four outstanding models - G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey, G37S Coupe Sport 6MT and G37x Coupe AWD - to match buyers' specific needs and tastes," said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. "The addition of all-wheel drive adds a new dimension to a vehicle that already sets the standard in class for exhilarating performance and driving excitement."
Every 2009 G37 Coupe comes equipped with a standard 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, enhancing not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency.
The engine is backed by a choice of the new electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available paddle shifters or a responsive 6-speed manual transmission.
The G37 Coupe's advanced platform and chassis also includes an available advanced 4-Wheel Active Steer system (4WAS), which helps improve vehicle handling performance by adjusting both the front steering gear ratios and the rear suspension geometry according to steering input and vehicle speed. Braking and handling is targeted to be among the best in the luxury sport coupe class.
All of these advanced performance systems are wrapped in the G37's legendary seductive skin, while inside the G37 Coupe blends unique materials and finishes with traditional Japanese design cues. The G37 Coupe also includes an extensive list of available technology features, including a touch screen navigation system with XM NavTraffic(R) Real Time Traffic information (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), RearView Monitor and an available 11-speaker Infiniti "Studio on Wheels"(TM) by Bose(R) audio system with 24-bit Burr Brown DAC, 3-way door speaker arrays with 10-inch woofers and a9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.
"The second-generation G Coupe got off to a great start last year, winning a number of prestigious awards - including being named an Automobile magazine 'All-Star' and the '2008 Autobytel Myride.com Editors' Choice for Most Fun New Car For 2008,'" said Igo. "The enhancements for 2009 should help keep the competition in the G Coupe's rearview mirror for many more years to come."
Exhilarating Performance From an Advanced Engine Design
At the core of the 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe's stellar performance is its advanced 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift). Rated at 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the VQ37VHR is based on the award-winning VQ engine series, named one of the "Ten Best Engines" by Ward's Auto World magazine for 14 consecutive years.
The G37 Coupe's VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response. The VVEL intake camshafts, featuring continuously variable lift control teamed with the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), allow for a 7,500 rpm redline.
The engine also features increased cylinder block height (from the previous 3.5-liter design), ladder frame construction for greater rigidity, large crank journal and pin diameters, asymmetric piston skirts, twin knock sensors, an electronically controlled "drive-by-wire" throttle system, lightweight pistons, Iridium spark plugs and a symmetric twin air intake system. The specially tuned dual exhaust system features equal length exhaust manifolds and low muffler exhaust backpressure to help improve engine breathing. Both intake and exhaust enhance driving pleasure with their authentic performance notes.
"The G Coupe's 3.7-liter V6 is a true powerhouse - becoming more enjoyable as you drive it," said Igo. "This powerplant also features Infiniti's trademark "Swell" acceleration - with special tuning that builds horsepower almost continually to the redline like a building wave."
The G37 Coupe engine is backed by 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 6-speed manual transmission.
Intuitive AWD and a Performance Platform and Suspension
Developed at test circuits throughout Europe - including the famed Nürburgring - the G37 Coupe was conceived as a performance thoroughbred. Handling and ride performance increases come from the G37 Coupe's enhanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, which has been stiffened 36% from the previous generation, is lower in overall height and has a wider front and rear track width.
The G37 Coupe's 4-wheel independent suspension design features lightweight aluminum components and large front and rear stabilizer bars, increased spring rates and optimized suspension damping. 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 design, which provides optimum steering effort at both high and low vehicle speeds. Standard on all G37 Coupes is Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), which assists in enhancing vehicle stability under a variety of driving conditions.
Also available on the G37 Coupe is Infiniti's exclusive 4-Wheel Active Steer system (4WAS). With unique chassis configuration that features automatically variable front steering ratios and rear suspension geometry that adjusts to steering input and vehicle speed via motor-driven controls.
The system's electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and separately directs both the front and rear actuators to change steering gear ratios and rear geometry by moving both the front steering gear and rear suspension lower links - thus providing sports car-like agility and secure stability.
New for 2009 is the G37x Coupe AWD with Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS(TM) (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) all-wheel drive system. The system utilizes an active torque distribution management system with an active center clutch designed for smooth starts and better traction and maneuverability on snowy roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems, plus minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.
Monitoring wheel spin, throttle position and vehicle speed, it automatically diverts up to 50 percent of available power to the front wheels, enhancing traction and control when road conditions are less than optimal. When all-wheel drive is not needed, the system can send up to 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels, preserving the G's sporty rear-wheel drive characteristics.
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 (BA). The G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT are further enhanced with aluminum four-piston calipers (front)/two-piston calipers (rear) embossed with Infiniti lettering and large ventilated rotors - 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch rear.
Also available on G37 Coupe is Infiniti's Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, which provides a precise 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 P225/50VR18 all-season tires are standard on G37 Coupe. A 10-spoke 19-inch wheel and tire package, with lightweight cast aluminum wheels and high performance tires, is also available. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is standard on all 2009 G37 Coupes.
Enhancing the already high level of dynamic performance of the G37 Coupe 6MT and G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package are a unique sport suspension, a Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD) and 19x8.5-inch front wheels with P225/45WR19 front tires and 19x9.0-inch rear wheels with P245/40WR19 rear tires.
Highly Seductive Styling
The G37 Coupe's advanced performance systems are wrapped in a seductive skin, giving the vehicle a kinetic feeling with emotional surface expression, sweeping character lines and tight panel gap lines. Exterior highlights include flowing front fender curves, a wave-style hood, expressive front fascia with Infiniti's signature double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps. The aluminum hood is secured by dual latches located at the two front corners to ensure an excellent fit.
The strong side character line and side sills integrate with the large wheel wells and performance-oriented wheel and tire packages to transmit an added sense of power and vibrancy.
The rear of the G37 Coupe features broad rear fenders, flowing into the large LED taillights - an Infiniti trademark, refined rear bumper, integrated RearView Monitor camera (when equipped), rear underbody air diffusers and large dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers. An available rear spoiler gives the G37 Coupe zero lift aerodynamics, matching the standard zero-lift front aerodynamics.
The G37 Coupe Sport 6MT models and G37 Journey with Sport Package add an enhanced performance look, with a unique front fascia, special side sills and standard 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with high performance tires.
Infiniti's advanced Scratch Shield self-healing clearcoat paint is now standard on the G37 Coupe. Eight exterior colors are offered, including a new Moonlight White.
Sophisticated, Luxurious Interior
The 2009 G37 Coupe interior design features sophisticated craftsmanship, with a cockpit-oriented front driver and passenger area, Infiniti signature "double wave" instrument panel design featuring the Infiniti-signature analog clock and dramatic, full-length center console with a leather and aluminum-clad shifter. Infiniti's attention to minor details in 2009 are evidenced by the redesigned, high quality seat heater knobs with improved tactile feel (heated seats are an available feature).
Special aluminum-alloy interior trim, inspired by elegant, handmade Japanese Washi paper, is located across the instrument panel, on the center console and on the door panels. For 2009, availability of Genuine African Rosewood is expanded to include G37 Coupe Journey models equipped with Sport Package.
The instrument panel features Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination and integrated multi-function information drive computer (average fuel consumption, real-time fuel economy, average speed, elapsed time, running distance, distance to empty, outside air temperature, warning displays, odometer and automatic transmission shift indicator) display. The double hand-stitched 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 Coupe Journey with Sport Package only).
The 8-way power driver and 4-way front passenger seats (8-way passenger on G37 Coupe Journey, G37 Coupe Sport 6MT and G37x) are appointed with Infiniti's exclusive premium leather and feature 2-way adjustable head restraints and a unique rear-seat access system, whereby the front seats will move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats.
The G37 Coupe Journey with Sport Package and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT add special sport-styled seats with thigh extensions and power adjustable torso and thigh bolsters for the driver, unique steering wheel stitching and high-grip aluminum pedals.
Technological and convenience features abound in the 2009 G37 Coupe, including standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, Remote Keyless Entry system, a tilt/telescoping steering column with increased travel, illuminated glove compartment and automatic temperature control. Also standard is a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and center console-mounted auxiliary input, as well as a 7-inch color display and standard XM(R) Satellite Radio (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately).
Also available is an 11-speaker Infiniti "Studio on Wheels"(TM) by Bose(R), combining a 3-way front door speaker array using 10-inch woofers with an audiophile-quality head unit incorporating double oversampling 24-bit 96KHz Burr Brown(R) Digital Analogue Converters (DAC). Other available features include a Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, touch-screen Infiniti Navigation System with available XM NavTraffic(R) with Real Time Traffic information (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), voice activation for navigation, audio and HVAC functions, and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with compact flash drive slot. Three interior color combinations are offered - Wheat, Graphite and Stone.
Safety Performance and Technology
Available on the G37 Coupe is an Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), which automatically controls the headlight lighting pattern according to steering angle and vehicle speed to help provide better visibility at night.
An Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors is standard, along with roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection and roof-mounted side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection.
Also standard are 3-point ALR/ELR seat belts (driver's side ELR only) and front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters and adjustable upper anchors, driver and front-passenger knee bolsters, front seat Active Head Restraints and the LATCH System (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren). Available as part of the Technology Package are brake-operated pre-crash seat belts with motion sensor on the brake pedal.
The G37 Coupe features Zone Body Construction with front and rear crushable zones to help disperse crash energy around the passenger compartment. For occupant safety, the engine is designed to move under the occupant compartment in a high-speed frontal collision, while a breakaway construction of the propeller shaft (connected with the engine-drop function) and the double-wall construction of the bulkhead helps to minimize cabin deformation, especially in the lower leg area. In addition, the brake pedal is designed to collapse to help reduce lower leg injuries in a severe crash.
Four Well-Equipped Models
The 2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe is available in four models: G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey, G37 Coupe Sport 6MT and G37x Coupe AWD. Several options and packages are available in addition to the long list of standard features on all four models. These include the Premium Package, with a power sliding glass moonroof, 11-speaker Infiniti "Studio on Wheels"(TM) by Bose(R) audio system with Interface System for iPod(c), memory system (drivers seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors) with synchronization, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, anti-glare rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink(c) Universal Transceiver, Bluetooth(R) Hands-free Phone System, and heated front seats and door mirrors (standard on G37x).
Also offered is the Sport Package (available on G37 Journey model and standard on G37 Coupe Sport 6MT), which includes 19-inch wheels and high-performance tires, Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD), sport-tuned suspension, sport brakes, unique front fascia and side sills, sport-styled seats and steering wheel stitching, aluminum pedals and paddle shifters (G37 Coupe Journey only).
The Infiniti Navigation Package adds an advanced navigation system with touch-screen capability, available XM NavTraffic(R) with Real Time Traffic information (XM(R) subscription required, sold separately), voice activation for navigation, audio and HVAC functions and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with compact flash drive slot, and RearView Monitor. The Technology Package includes Infiniti Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and "Pre-Crash Seatbelt" system. Also available is the Infiniti 4-Wheel Active Steer system; Performance Wheel and Tire Package with 19-inch high performance tires featuring lightweight cast aluminum-alloy wheels; Rear Spoiler; and African Rosewood interior trim.