Infiniti's ‘G force' arrives in the UK this September bringing with it a breath of fresh air, a distinct sporting slant and a choice between spacious sports Saloon, svelte two-door Coupé and seductive four-seat Convertible. This line of V6-powered performance cars, from the newest luxury automotive brand to Europe, combines restrained elegance with assured exclusivity.

The 320PS G37 range, confirmed today for the UK, provides exactly the comprehensive specification and lavish feel that buyers of cars in this class demand but often do not get, along with the bonus of Infiniti's trademark rich driving experience.  On-the-road prices start at £30,300 for the G37 Saloon, £31,950 for the G37 Coupé and £38,900 for the G37 Convertible with its electric retractable hard-top that looks as good up as it does down.

The combined performance and luxury offer of each is undeniably strong.  Active cornering bi-Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys, electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, powered steering column with integrated instrument binnacle … it's all there as standard.  The Convertible is even better equipped with 19-inch alloys, leather trim, heated seats, parking camera, wind deflector and Infiniti's Connectiviti system amongst many other features.

The G37 Saloon, in particular, comes to the UK strongly recommended – literally. Nothing tops the 2009 Infiniti G37, according to a recent study by US automotive research firm AutoPacific.  With a 95% recommendation factor by its owners, the G37 Saloon registered the highest percentage of recommendations of all the vehicles in AutoPacific's survey of more than 25,000 consumers who purchased or leased new cars in the period from September to December 2008.  The G37 was also named as the top recommended ‘Aspirational Luxury Car'.

Infiniti G37 Saloon (2009)
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Whatever the body style, all three G37s share a design and engineering character that is uniquely Infiniti and summed up by the company's guiding principle of ‘Inspired Performance'.

For instance, that long bonnet isn't just for dramatic effect: it's needed to accommodate a 320PS V6 engine that sits low and far back in the chassis to ensure good weight distribution. The wide track, long wheelbase and short overhangs provide the well-planted stance. Aluminium suspension parts keep weight in check. The award-winning V6 in 3.7-litre form boasts potency and efficiency in equal measure – and is available with an adaptive seven-speed automatic transmission.

On the road, every G37 variant blends superb refinement and ease of use with spirited performance that sees 0-62mph acceleration in as little as 5.8 seconds and top speeds electronically reined back to 155mph. With sophisticated suspension and standard rear-wheel drive, every G37 offers a highly rewarding drive even when used in the most demanding of European environments. On some versions, 4-Wheel Active Steer is available for drivers who seek no compromise in agility and high-speed stability – Infiniti believes the system is unique on a rear-wheel drive car. For those who demand the ultimate in traction, some models are available with an intelligent all-wheel drive system.

Infiniti's Total Ownership Experience exists to make every aspect of life with an Infiniti G37 rewarding and stress-free. It is a process that starts as soon as someone steps inside an Infiniti Centre. Here, the ambience is more elegant hotel lobby than car showroom. Comfortable and welcoming, Infiniti plans to open around 12 such Centres across the UK within the next two years, with the first, on the outskirts of Reading close to the M4, due to open in September.

Although Infiniti comes from Japan, significant engineering time has been put into tuning the G37 range for European tastes.  Even the exhaust note is special making a sound to stir anyone with petrol in their blood.  Japanese influence remains in the cars' design with, for example, the slats of the front grille inspired by Japanese swords and the spear-shaped aluminium trim inside finished to resemble Washi paper.  Details like the double circle, rear LED lights and twin exhausts are pure performance car, though.  The design cues may be similar but each body-style was created separately by the Infiniti Design team and shares very little – only the door-handles in fact.

Infiniti has gone the extra mile in ensuring life with a G37 more than fulfils demanding owners' expectations. For example, the unique Scratch Shield paintwork magics away light scratches, ensuring the high gloss finish remains high gloss for years to come. On the Convertible, the latest in on-board information and entertainment systems are seamlessly brought together in one user-friendly package called Connectiviti; the top grade Convertible adds a world-first tie-up with Michelin Guides ensuring owners will never be short of a place to eat or stay overnight.

Neither will G37 owners be inconvenienced at annual inspection time. With free collection and delivery of an Infiniti up to a 150-mile radius, the G37 owner will never feel far from an Infiniti Centre.

G37 SALOON RANGE

The Saloon is available in the UK in five well equipped versions at prices that span from £30,300 for the G37 Saloon up to £35,000 for the G37S Saloon with seven-speed automatic.

Whether ‘entry' model, luxury GT, all-wheel drive x, or sporting S with 4-wheel active steer, all the G37 Saloons are powered by the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine, compliant with forthcoming Euro 5 emissions standards, mated to a six-speed manual transmission (with optional seven-speed automatic transmission with magnesium gearshift paddles). High performance is guaranteed with 0-62mph taking just 5.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Fuel economy on the combined cycle is 26.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 248g/km.  The seven-speed automatic betters this with 26.9mpg and 246g/km, while the auto's acceleration to 62mph is only marginally slower at 5.9 seconds – still fast enough to beat many sports cars.

The all-wheel drive models are badged with an ‘x' and use the sophisticated all-electronic torque split system from the EX and FX crossovers. Power distribution is constantly adjusted from 50:50 to 100 per cent to the rear – so that maximum traction is always available on slippery surfaces, but crucially without compromising the G37's rear-drive handling feel. The seven-speed automatic transmission is standard.  The G37x accelerates to 62mph in 6.0 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 149mph.  Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 25.7mpg while CO2 emissions are rated at 255 g/km.

The S is the sportiest G37 Saloon and proves it not just with sports seats and aluminium pedals but with engineering changes designed to bring out the maximum potential of the super-stiff G37 chassis and its sophisticated suspension.  Chief change is the addition of 4-Wheel Active Steer.  This varies the front steering ratio and adjusts the geometry of the rear suspension according to steering input and vehicle speed. With the limited slip diff, four-piston front brakes and recalibrated suspension, handling is taken to a new and higher level.

As well as its sophisticated styling and dynamic driving characteristics, the Saloon offers class-leading room for four/five adults. Equipment is impressive. Infiniti particularly prides itself on the G37's safety credentials which include standard cornering bi-Xenon headlights and a bonnet that pops up in an impact with a pedestrian, providing a potentially life-saving ‘cushion'.

G37 SALOON: £30,300 OTR

Even the ‘entry' Infiniti Saloon for the UK is equipped as standard with:

  • Bi-Xenon adaptive cornering headlights
  • Self-healing Scratch Shield paint
  • Pedestrian-friendly pop-up bonnet
  • Electronic Stability Program
  • Vehicle-speed-sensing power steering
  • 8-way power driver's seat
  • 4-way power passenger's seat
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Smart access I-Key and push button starter
  • Cruise control/speed limiter
  • Reclining rear seats
  • Fourteen-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Six airbags
  • Six-disc, seven-speaker audio system
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • LED rear tail-lights
  • Leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel
  • Auto dimming rear-view mirror
  • Automatic lights and wipers
  • Aux-in connectivity

G37x SALOON: £33,400 OTR

Based on the G37, the letter ‘x' and £3100 add:

  • Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
  • Seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and magnesium shift paddles

G37 GT SALOON: £31,600 OTR

For an additional £1300 over the G37, the GT adds:

  • Leather upholstery
  • 10-way power driver's seat with electric lumbar adjustment
  • 8-way power front passenger seat
  • Heated front seats
  • I-Key memory for driver's seat/wheel/mirror positions

G37x GT SALOON: £34,700 OTR

Based on the G37 GT, the ‘x' means the addition of:

  • Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
  • Seven-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and magnesium shift paddles

G37S SALOON: £33,500 OTR

For an additional £1900 over the GT, the S adds:

  • 4-Wheel Active Steer (4WAS)
  • Viscous Limited Slip Differential (VLSD)
  • Recalibrated suspension settings
  • Enhanced braking system
  • Aluminium pedals and footrest
  • Leather sports seats (heated)
  • 14-way power driver's seat
  • 8-way power front passenger seat
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Ten-spoke 18-inch alloy sports wheels

G37 SALOON OPTIONS

  • Seven-speed ASC automatic transmission with magnesium gearshift paddles, £1500
  • Laser governed Intelligent Cruise Control (manual transmission), £750
  • Intelligent Cruise Control with full-speed range and Intelligent Brake Assist (automatic transmission), £750
  • Electric glass sunroof, £800
  • African rosewood interior trim (automatic only), £300
  • Ski bag, £130
  • Metallic paint, £550 (Scratch Shield standard)
  • Multimedia Pack consisting of Rear View Camera, DVD Navigation system with voice recognition and BOSE sound system with 10 speakers, £2300

As befits a car with such sporting characteristics, the G37 and G37S Saloons come with a slick six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The optional automatic transmission is Infiniti's Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) ‘box. Its seven speeds allow the intermediate gears to be optimally spaced for performance while retaining a long-legged seventh that improves fuel economy on the motorway. Smoothness and response are guaranteed by the ASC software ‘adapting' to one of three change programmes dependent on how the car is being driven. In manual mode, the solid magnesium gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel offer the driver full control for an even more rewarding drive.

Intelligent Cruise Control uses laser sensors to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front, at any speed from 0-112mph. And Intelligent Brake Assist could be a life-saver: when it detects that a collision with a car in front is imminent, it first warns the driver and then brakes the car automatically.

Infiniti G37 Coupe (2009)
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G37 COUPÉ RANGE

The Coupé shares its mechanical base with the G37 Saloon but is far from being just a two-door version of it. Infiniti's trademark long bonnet mated to the dramatically raked roofline endow the Coupé with a character all its own. It's a dynamic elegance that belies the spacious four-seat accommodation within.

The Coupé is available in entry, GT and S versions at a premium over the Saloon of just £1650 – with standard electric sunroof (optional on the Saloon). Powered by the same 3.7-litre V6 engine, the high performance credentials of all versions are guaranteed. The Coupé's exhaust has even been specially tuned for a more sporting sound while brake pedal feel, too, has been altered to suit more demanding drivers. Top speed is limited to 155mph while 0-62mph takes 5.8 seconds (manual version).  The high efficiency of the V6, which is fitted with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology, means combined cycle fuel consumption is 26.9mpg with CO2 emissions, Euro 5 standard, of 248g/km.  The seven-speed automatic betters this with 26.9mpg and 246g/km; acceleration to 62mph changes only marginally to 5.9 seconds.

All the Coupés are exceptionally well equipped as standard with the GT adding even more luxury features and the S, complete with chassis changes including 4-Wheel Active Steer, offering the most focused driver involvement.

G37 Coupé prices are as follows: G37 COUPÉ: £31,950 OTR

G37 GT COUPÉ: £33,250 OTR

G37S COUPÉ: £35,150 OTR

Standard features are as for the G37 Saloon range with the exception of the reclining rear seat and the addition of the following:

  • Folding rear seat back rest
  • Electric glass sunroof (delete option)
  • 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels standard on S

G37 COUPÉ OPTIONS

  • Seven-speed ASC automatic transmission with magnesium gearshift paddles, £1500
  • Laser governed Intelligent Cruise Control (manual transmission), £750
  • Intelligent Cruise Control with full-speed range and Intelligent Brake Assist (automatic transmission), £750
  • African rosewood interior trim (automatic only), £300
  • Metallic paint, £550 (Scratch Shield standard)
  • 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, £750 (standard on S)
  • Multimedia Pack consisting of Rear View Camera, DVD Navigation system with voice recognition and BOSE sound system with 11 speakers, £2300

G37 CONVERTIBLE RANGE

The seductive Convertible combines cat-walk looks with Infiniti dynamism and attention to detail to make one of the UK's most beautiful, as well as fastest, four-seat drop-tops.

Its beauty is more than just skin deep and, unusually for a car with a retractable hard-top, is evident in a thunderstorm or at the beach: the G37 Convertible is as aesthetically pleasing with the hardtop up as it is 25 seconds later with the three-piece electrically-operated top unobtrusively stored away. The operation can be performed from inside the car.  Or for the less bashful, by pressing a button on the door-handle.

Infiniti G37 Convertible (2009)
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Attention to detail extends to adaptive climate control that knows when the roof is down – and compensates for the fact. On the GT Premium model, even the seats are air-conditioned. The GT Premium version also features a BOSE sound system that takes into account the position of the roof, automatically filtering out background noise in convertible mode. With 13 speakers – including ‘personal' speakers built in to the front-seat head restraints – never a note is lost.

The Convertible, like the EX37 and FX crossovers, features Infiniti's new Connectiviti multimedia platform that brings a new user-friendliness to a wide range of information and entertainment functions. In Connectiviti+ form (standard on GT Premium) the highlight is a 30GB HDD navigation system that offers everything owners expect – 8-inch colour touch screen, 3D graphics – and some things they won't, such as access to 22,000 addresses of the finest hotels and restaurants in a world-first tie-up with Michelin Guides.

The Convertible shares the V6 mechanical package of the Saloon and Coupé and that means it also shares in exceptional performance – 155mph, 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds (manual version) – and handling designed to satisfy the most demanding drivers.

There are just two highly specified models for the UK. Options are few but include an advanced new seven-speed automatic with magnesium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for full manual control when needed, as well as hi-tech anti-collision safety features.

G37 GT CONVERTIBLE: £38,900 OTR

Standard equipment for the UK includes:

  • Leather upholstery
  • Adaptive climate control with automatic air recirculation
  • Wind deflector
  • 9-inch alloy wheels
  • 10-way power driver's seat with electric lumbar adjustment
  • 8-way power front passenger seat
  • Heated front seats
  • I-Key memory for driver's seat/wheel/mirror positions
  • Bi-Xenon adaptive cornering headlights
  • Self-healing Scratch Shield paint
  • Pedestrian-friendly pop-up bonnet
  • Electronic Stability Program
  • Vehicle-speed-sensing power steering
  • Cruise control/speed limiter
  • Six airbags
  • Rear view camera plus front and rear parking sensors
  • LED rear tail-lights
  • Auto dimming rear-view mirror
  • Automatic lights and wipers
  • Connectiviti package:

o 2GB Music Box o 7-inch multi information colour display o CD player with MP3/WMA compatibility o iPod/USB connection o Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity o Voice recognition o Steering wheel controls

G37 GT PREMIUM CONVERTIBLE: £41,900 OTR

For an additional £3000 over the GT, the GT Premium adds:

  • Heated and cooled front seats
  • Premium BOSE 13-speaker sound system with head rest speakers
  • I-Key memory for driver's seat
  • Connectiviti+ package:
  • 30GB hard disk drive navigation
  • 8in touch screen 3D colour display
  • 10GB (equivalent to 300 CDs) Music Box
  • DVD playback
  • Navi voice command
  • Michelin Guides points of interest and restaurant/hotel information
  • Smart route recalculation to avoid jams
  • Automatic warning of fixed speed, average speed and red light cameras

G37 CONVERTIBLE OPTIONS

  • Seven-speed ASC automatic transmission with magnesium paddle shifters, £1500
  • Laser governed Intelligent Cruise Control, £750
  • Intelligent Cruise Control with full-speed range and Intelligent Brake Assist (automatic transmission), £750
  • Monaco Red leather trim with red stained Maple Wood interior trim, £850 (only available on GT Premium with automatic transmission)

There may be just two choices of grade owing to Infiniti's inclusive specification but there are rather more when it comes to colour and trim combinations … 48, in fact, many of which are unique to the Convertible.  One optional choice reserved for the GT Premium with automatic transmission is Monaco Red leather with red stained maple wood.