NISSAN SPORT

G37: IN WITH THE NEW
The appearance of the all-new Infiniti G37 Coupe, which arrives in dealer showrooms August 21, is a striking sight. Infiniti stylists seem to have taken their inspiration from nature in harnessing pure shapes that, at first glance, appear to be shaped by water, or perhaps wind. The front fenders flow inward and the hood line rises to a sensuous swell toward the middle. More tangible features, like the curving grille and “L”-shaped headlights, also seem to flow back from the front of the car. Infiniti has also ratcheted up its game around the wedge profile of the G; adding some muscular features to the rear haunches, and sweeping onto a spoiler-like rear end.

Like the exterior styling, the interior of the G37 Coupe is rich in detail. Infiniti clearly wanted to make the driver interface more prominent, as interior panels have been molded and shaped to emphasize more of a cockpit atmosphere. Fine View gauges underline the refinement that has gone into providing clear and complete feedback to the driver. Touch points like the steering wheel, gearshift knob, buttons and switches show the depth of thought that went into their creation. Even small items, like the interior door trim and washi-paper-like aluminum trim that surrounds the cockpit, speak of deep refinement. Expect to see even more details of world-class workmanship on display in small touches throughout the cabin.

One area that deserves the lion’s share of attention is the new 3.7-liter engine. The VQ37HR is the world’s first application of a Variable Valve Event and Lift (VVEL) technology engine. Simply put, the displacement was increased by increasing the stroke of the motor by 4.6 mm and raising the compression ratio to 11.0:1 (from 10.6.1). These steps are commonly used in racing applications, but the key for the G37 Coupe is doing it in a way that again preserves the refined nature of the car. Final horsepower numbers are estimated to be in excess of 330 hp.

Utilizing a complex system of computer controls, Infiniti was able to vary the amount of both valve lift and duration on the intake stroke depending upon the rev range. This allows the VQ37VHR the best of both worlds: at low piston speeds, the system acts to improve torque by altering when the valves close, while lift and duration is enhanced to promote maximum airflow from 5,000 rpm to the 7,500 rpm redline. Infiniti claims a 6 percent increase in low-end power, while a 4 percent increase in the high-end powerband (vs. the VQ35HR) has been achieved.

Nissan and Infiniti fans will note that variable valve timing (VVT) and variable valve lift (VVL) have been used in several engine applications in the past. But VVEL is one bit of technology that only BMW has rivaled with its Valvetronic engine series. And since BMW is a direct competitor, Infiniti added some details to top the Bavarian automaker.

The response time in switching from low speed to high speed is quicker due to Infiniti’s ballscrew-driven system versus a worm gear on the Valvetronic. This ballscrew acts to precisely control auxiliary shaft angle to continuously vary valve lift. Other advantages include more compact packaging of the multi-link mechanism and fewer moving parts. BMW uses twice the number of parts to keep the magic going--something to bear in mind down the road! One final note on VVEL technology is that it will improve fuel economy and CO2 output simultaneously. Once again, it’s quite a trick to increase output and miles per precious gallon while also bringing down the amount of greenhouse gases the engine produces! EPA fuel economy numbers and emissions testing results were not in at press time, but expect to see some very competitive numbers.

Moving on to the next-generation FM platform, the G37 Coupe should outperform its predecessor (impressive as the G35 Coupe was) by a significant margin. Seeking to improve dynamic performance, Infiniti engineers lowered the center of gravity while widening the track width slightly. Combine that with a 36 percent increase in body stiffness and increased spring rates, sway bar size and suspension dampening, and the G37 Coupe promises to be a treat when you turn the wheel. One option for technology buffs is a four-wheel active-steering system (4WAS). The 4WAS adds a small amount of rear steering (up to 1 degree), modifying the steering ration to between 12:1 and 20:1. We expect the option to run in the $1,500 range.

The new G37 Coupe also boasts some impressive brake features. While the Brembo brake option is no longer available, Infiniti instead offers new four-piston front calipers matched with two-piston rears. Both will be built of aluminum to offset the weight of massive 14” rotors up front and 13.8” rotors in the rear. The aim is to improve brake modulation (for those who dare to take their Gs to the track), fade resistance and overall stopping distance. Expect to see the latest ABS and vehicle dynamic control systems being calibrated for use with these brakes.

Larger 18” wheels and tires will now be standard on the G37 Coupe with 19” wheels optional. Infiniti clearly intends to intrigue us with another combination of style, performance and technology in a well-crafted package. Nissan Sport looks forward to seeing how all the pieces fit when we test the 6MT rendition of the new G this summer!
David Muramoto, Editor In Chief, Nissan Sport (davidm@nissansportmag.com)

SECOND TAKES
I was underwhelmed by the initial preview sketch of the G37--it felt almost cartoonish and not aggressive enough. But the real 2008 G37 Coupe has the look and feel of a super car... for well under $40K. BMW will have its hands quite full. While the 2007 G35 Sedan has an older market in its sights--Infiniti's target demographics point to 55% male owners (married, between 30-49, and with a household income of $85K-150K)--the new G37 Coupe strikes as a car for somewhat younger and more predominately male owners. Veteran tuners like JWT and Stillen will certainly be at work soon on the new engine, coming up with tweaks that will push the new Coupe into another level performance wise. Can't wait.
Dave Bexfield, Managing Editor, Nissan Sport (editor@nissansportmag.com)

Having the opportunity to see the 2008 G37 Coupe in person, it didn't transcend the current G35 to the degree where I would tell current owners to start getting ready to trade their car in for the latest and greatest. The interior is very similar to the '07 Sedan if not basically the same. After seeing the concept version and getting used to its styling, the G Coupe doesn't immediately hit me as a home run in the styling department. Although I'm flattered the front bumper resembles the aftermarket one I designed for KurumaZ (www.kurumaz.com), I was expecting more. But when it comes to performance, you gotta love the brakes and all that extra horsepower.
Yuichi Kurosawa, Associate Editor, Nissan Sport (yuichik@nissansportmag.com)

In some ways, I'm relieved Road & Track spilled the beans on the new G37 well before the March 28 embargo (which was upped from April 4 due to all the big magazines, R&T included, complaining about the release not meeting with their deadlines). For starters, it lets us go to press with assurances that we not only had all the info the big boys had, but we in some ways have more. And when we put the new G37 MT through its paces on the track and on the road, no one will have a more complete analysis than Nissan Sport. We're tech geeks, race-track junkies, and Nissan /Infiniti enthusiasts--and we're proud of it. As a G35 owner, I like the new Coupe. Love it? Well, let me get some time behind the wheel before I make any commitments.
Dave Ochenreider, Publisher, Nissan Sport (daveo@nissansportmag.com)