Falling In Love Again (with the Infiniti G37 Convertible)

Sometimes after a car has been out for a few months we forget about all of the great things that got us interested in the first place.  Now is a good time to take a look at some of the models that have been out for a few months but you might have forgotten about how nice these cars really are.  Here is a reminder of why most auto reviewers have written spectacular reviews of the 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible.

2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible offers luxury,  performance and fun

June 3, 2010| Lary Coppola

I  confess, I fell in love with the Infiniti G37 convertible the first time  I drove it. Of course, I was cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway  just north of Malibu, with the top down, the long version of the Stones,  “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” blasting crystal clear from the premium,  13-speaker Bose Open Air audio system — after descending from an  exhilarating ride through the legendary hills and canyons to the  northeast, that began in Beverly Hills.

I recently had the opportunity to put it through its paces again  during a week-long test drive during a rare sunny week in the Pacific  Northwest. That simply reaffirmed my love affair with this car.

Offered in two models, the G37 Convertible and Sport 6MT, several  option packages can totally personalize your G37. There have just been  minimal refinements between the 2010 and the original 2009 model, since  Infiniti got it pretty much right the first time.

Walkaround: Unlike other cars in this segment, this  G37 was designed specifically as a convertible — not as a G coupe with a  3-piece, clamshell-design mechanical top. Everything from the  windshield back, including a revised rear suspension system, and special  body reinforcements that deliver a tight, vibration-free ride at any  speed, were designed specifically for this car.

Infiniti’s design priority was to retain the coupe profile with the  top up. While the roofline is different from the fastback look of the  coupe, it’s still attractive and done better than most rivals. Infiniti  designers also kept the coupe’s proportions, not lengthening the rear  deck to accommodate the folded-down top. The rear fascia and wraparound  taillights are also exclusive to the convertible.

The flowing front fender curves, double-arch grille, wave-style  aluminum hood, and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional  xenon headlights mirror the coupe.

Also offered is Infiniti’s “self-healing” Scratch Shield paint in  eight colors. In short — top up or down — the G37 is pretty hot looking.

Interior: The driver-oriented cockpit is a  combination of craftsmanship and sophistication, featuring a one-piece  steering wheel and gauge setup that moves as a unit so the  electroluminescent white-and-violet instrumentation is always situated  for maximum visibility no matter what the wheel position.

The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel features  standard audio and cruise controls, with magnesium paddle shifters  available on the 7-speed automatic transmission (G37 Convertible with  Sport Package only).

Special Japanese-inspired Silk Obi aluminum trim is featured, with  genuine African Rosewood also a choice. Leather-appointed, heated 8-way  power driver/passenger seats are standard, with Climate-Controlled Seats  (heating and cooling functions) available with the Premium Package.  Also standard is Infiniti’s Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition,  and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System. The advanced A/C  system automatically adjusts to provide maximum comfort with the top up  or down.

There’s two audio systems available. Standard is a 6-speaker  AM/FM/6CD with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and  optional Sirius/XM® Satellite Radio.

The other is the killer 13-speaker Bose® Open Air Sound system,  featuring microphones that automatically optimize EQ settings for  open/closed top positions. The system’s special Bose® front seat  personal speakers, mounted in the head restraints, deliver superior  front audio quality regardless of the top position. An iPod interface is  also included.

A Bluetooth hands-free Phone System is also available along with and a  9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with CompactFlash® slot.

A standard 7-inch multi-function color computer display, controls the  available backup camera, voice-recognition navigation, XM NavTraffic®  with Real-Time Traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold  separately) as well as the climate controls and all other functions and  settings. It tops the center stack above Infiniti’s signature  analog clock.

Under The Hood: The G Convertible features  Infiniti’s outstanding 3.7-liter, 325-horse, V6 powerplant with VVEL  (Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 267 lb-ft of torque.

The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing  and electronically controlled variable valve lift to improve not only  performance, but also fuel efficiency, with cleaner emissions.

The V6 is married to either an electronically controlled 7-speed  automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, Drive  Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC), with available  magnesium paddle shifters; or a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission  on the Sport 6MT. I drove both, and unusual for me, preferred  the automatic.

Behind The Wheel: The Infiniti G37 convertible is a  blast to drive — top up or down. Built on Infiniti’s FM (Front Mid-ship)  platform, the exceptional front/rear weight balance creates a rigid,  stable foundation for the 4-wheel independent suspension. Ride and  handling are exceptional — especially for a convertible, since the usual  body twist and vibration are missing. Steering is responsive courtesy  of the power speed-sensing system. Sport-tuned steering is offered on  the 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).

Acceleration is exceptional under all conditions, with braking  provided by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS,  Electronic Brake force Distribution, and Brake Assist.

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 that determine distance and relative speed of the  vehicle ahead and “pre-pressurizes” the Brake Assist system before the  driver steps on the brake pedal. I’m not a fan of these systems in  general, but this one works better than most.

Whines: None worth mentioning.

Bottom Line: This is an exceptional, well-though  out, high-quality automobile in absolutely every respect. It’s  beautiful, fast, luxurious and comfortable. At some point, I’ll own this  car. If you love convertibles like I do, drive it, and you’ll want  one too.

About Grubbs Infiniti
Grubbs Infiniti is a DFW area Infiniti dealership that specializes in  new and pre-owned Infinitis.  Our pre-owned lot features not just  Infinitis but a wide range of luxury vehicles.  Let us know how we can  help you. Located at 1661 West Airport Freeway, Euless, TX 76040.  817-318-1200

Contact:
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www.grubbsinfiniti.com

2010 Infiniti G37 sports a sweet V-6

If the day ever comes when the sackcloth-and-ashes ethic has us scooting about in enclosed golf carts with lawn mower engines or electric motors, Nissan's V-6 will be among the most-mourned casualties of the aggressive downsizing underway in the industry.

Widely used by Nissan and its Infiniti luxury line, the engine is sheer driving delight. You could put the V-6, its displacement now boosted to 3.7 liters from 3.5, into a dilapidated Yugo (redundant?) and wind up with a car more delightful than disappointing.

With joy, we report that a junkyard Yugo is not this week's target. It is the revised, freshened, updated, tweaked — pick your industry jargon adjective — 2010 Infiniti G37 sedan.

While it doesn't represent Infiniti's latest thinking — the bigger M sedan, redesigned for 2011, does (and the 2011 will be featured in a future Test Drive) — the G hardly seems aged.

The spiffed-up G sedan and the sleeker two-door coupe went on sale in December. A convertible — sort of Infiniti's take on the Nissan 370Z sports car — hit the market in February. Limited-production anniversary editions, marking the brand's 40th year, are just arriving at dealers.

Changes for 2010 common to all the Gs: updated navigation system, instrument cluster, console, wood trim (now polished instead of matte). Specific to the G sedan: new schnoz and rump. The 3.7-liter V-6 went into the car in the 2009 model year. It's a sweet engine. Aurally: grumble morphing into growl, becoming a roar as your right foot gets heavier. Dynamically: ummm, nice, transforming into yippee and thence to holy mother of all that's good and pure, as your right sole hits the floor. Appealing at all speeds in all conditions. No need, as parents of yore said disparagingly, to "ram around" to enjoy. The boost to 3.7 liters brings horsepower up to 328 from 306 and adds an undetectable 1 pound-foot of torque, now 269. The change also boosts how fast you have to rev the engine to get those numbers. The seven-speed automatic mated to the 3.7 has more acceleration-oriented ratios in the lower gears, so responsiveness improves. And it has a more relaxed top gear for better highway mileage. Unfortunately, the seven-speed from time to time seemed a bit busy. Not hunting for the right gear. Rather, little motions and sensations giving the impression that lots of activity was occurring just to keep you at the desired speed in the desired gear. The vague busyness of the seven-speed was barely a bother, but the driving enthusiast drawn to the G in the first place would be the type to notice. Upshifts, especially under hard throttle, were swift, crisp and otherwise commendable. Downshifts, too. And the automatic will blip the throttle for you to make downshifts smooth, not jerky, just as you'd blip the gas driving a manual. Let's just decide right here, right now: Seven speeds is too many, and eight is silly. Six, well executed, is the Goldilocks/Baby Bear number: just right.

The test car, a G37x ("x" meaning all-wheel drive) with more option packages than you might want, showed that Infiniti hasn't compromised the snappy braking and crisp cornering that keep it among top-tier sports sedans. Steering was responsive but lacked perfect road feel. The AWD system was sure-footed in heavy rain and didn't seem to detract from the car's precise cornering, which AWD's extra weight and power split sometimes can do.

And that back seat is unsuitable for long-legged or robust riders. Put somebody back there to see, don't just eyeball it and guess. Subtle appeal: relative simplicity. No car really is simple nowadays, but G manages to avoid the type of needless complexity of BMW's iDrive and copy-cat multilayered control systems. You can operate most G features without a guide and interpreter.

Honorable mention for the automatic transmission's manual-shift mode. You want to stay in manual mode, yank the gearshift sideways, then tap forward or back to shift.You want to use manual only briefly — say in a tight corner when a downshift helps control the car — just finger-pull the steering-column shift paddle. Instant response. No need to move the gearshift lever first. After a few moments without using the paddles, the transmission reverts to conventional automatic operation. Will you prefer the G to, say, a BMW 3 Series or equivalent? Depends on your prejudices. But the G test car was immensely satisfying, a seeming no-brainer for buyers looking at that size and price range.

About the 2010 Infiniti G37

•What? Midcycle update of the brand's best seller. Available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Available in four-door sedan, two-door coupe or convertible body style.

•When? Since December.

•Where? Made in Japan.

•Why? Frequent tweaks needed to stay competitive.

•How much? Sedan starts at $34,145 including $895 shipping. Coupe, convertible and 40th anniversary versions priced higher.

•How potent? 3.7-liter V-6 rated 328 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, 269 pounds-feet of torque at 5,200; six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.

•How big? Not very, especially inside, though you'll hear it called a midsize. G37 sedan is 187 inches long, 69.8 in. wide 57.2 in. tall (except AWD is 57.8 in.).

Weighs 3,605 to 3,807 lbs. Passenger space, 99 cubic feet (96.5 cu. ft. with sunroof). Trunk, 13.5 cu. ft. Turns in 35.4 ft. (RWD) or 36.1 ft. (AWD).

•How thirsty? Versions rated 17, 18 or 19 miles per gallon in town, 25 or 27 mpg on the highway, 20 or 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Trip computer in AWD test car registered 17.4 mpg (5.75 gallons per 100 miles) in frisky suburban driving.

•Overall: Sweeter than ever for those OK with a tight fit.

About Grubbs Infiniti
Grubbs Infiniti is a DFW area Infiniti dealership that specializes in new and pre-owned Infinitis. Our pre-owned lot features not just Infinitis but a wide range of luxury vehicles. Let us know how we can help you. Located at 1661 West Airport Freeway, Euless, TX 76040. 817-318-1200. Grubbs Infiniti – Tarrant County’s Only Infiniti Dealer.

Contact:
Facebook | Twittter
www.grubbsinfiniti.com

Top Speed Luxury Car Show - Dallas Auto Show Date Announced

This past weekend (April 10th from Noon - 4pm) I went out to the Top Speed Auto Luxury Car Show in Addison, TX to meet with DFW area luxury car enthusiasts and to show everyone the 2010 Infiniti G37S.

The weather was perfect for taking the top down and I was able to meet the owners of Top Speed and a number of participants in the auto show. Similar to other luxury auto shows; Nissan and Infiniti were well represented and there were also Lamborghinis, Mustangs and a handful of other modified cars. Top Speed provided drinks and Taquitos and Hooters of Addison made an appearance with some wings and two Hooters Girls to pass out coupons and add to the festivities. The high performance energy drink company, NOS (a spin on Nitrous Oxide), was in attendance as well and gave out lots of free samples. On a side note - I am actually drinking one right now and have noticed a remarkable increase in my words per minute while typing.

Grubbs Infiniti wanted to be a part of the Top Speed Auto Show because we wanted to show our commitment and support of local auto shows. Another reason why we wanted to participate in a local DFW auto show is that with missing the Dallas Auto Show and only attending the Ft. Worth Auto Show it's really important for local dealers such as Grubbs Infiniti to get out and see our customers and owners in environments outside the dealership. We have some great new models coming out and we decided that it made sense to bring out a 2010 Infiniti G37S Convertible for those in attendance to take a look at. We were not able to let anyone test drive the G37 Convertible at the meet up but you are more than welcome to come by the dealership and take one for a spin.

More Dallas Auto Show News....

2011 Dallas Auto Show Dates Have Been Announced

The 2011 Dallas Auto Show will run April 6-10, 2011, at the Dallas Convention Center.
One of the most anticipated annual events in the Metroplex, the Dallas Auto Show is the ideal opportunity for consumers to compare styling and pricing of every major line make under one roof in just a few hours. The Dallas Auto Show was conceived in 1982, and now boasts more than half a million square feet of new cars, trucks and SUVs at the Dallas Convention Center.

As of yet we have not have a 2011 date for the Ft. Worth (Greater Tarrant County Auto Show) Auto Show. As more information on the Dallas and Ft. Worth Auto Shows become available we will let you know.

more....

Here is a short video recap of the days events.



See the 2010 Infiniti G37s Take it's Top Down


Here are the details and we hope to see you there.

4/10/10 - Top Speed Customer Appreciation & Luxury Car Meet - Addison, TX

When:
Saturday April 10, 2010
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Where:
Top Speed Auto Accessory
4109 Billy Mitchell Drive
Addison, TX 75001

What:
Top Speed will be providing chips & drinks, as well as a discount raffle. For those enthusiasts that purchase parts on this day, you will be able to draw a ticket out of a box. The tickets in the box will be marked with a number between 5% and 50%. That percentage discount will be applied to your whole purchase. You can visit their website at www.topspeedauto.com for parts you may be looking to purchase. I will be coordinating with Top Speed to get vehicle specific lists of parts available.

For more information you can visit www.topspeedauto.com or the G37 Driver forum.

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

One of the best ways to get a feel for a vehicle besides driving it is to watch a few videos, read reviews and see what information is on the Internet. At Grubbs Infiniti we are trying to do some of the work for you. Since we don't write automotive reviews on our own vehicles (that wouldn't make sense would it) we try to compile reviews from some of the prominent reviewers like Auto Blog, Motor Trend, US News, Consumer Reports and so forth. That way you can get all of your research done in one place and not have to jump around too much.

Hope you enjoy seeing and learning more about the 2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible. It's a real beauty and now that it's Spring it is Convertible Time!

Please visit www.autotalk.com for more auto news, forums and pictures! The all-new Infiniti G Convertible, sporting a retractable hardtop, Bose® Open Air Sound System and an adaptive climate control system, is on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide, just in time to allow consumers to Own The Sky during this weekends official start of Summer.



Reviews:
The Car Connection
Jalopnik
Examiner.com
Auto Blog

You can view our current Inventory and see if we have the right 2009 Infiniti G37 for you!

About Grubbs Infiniti Grubbs Infiniti is a DFW area Infiniti dealership that specializes in new and pre-owned Infinitis. Our pre-owned lot features not just Infinitis but a wide range of luxury vehicles. Let us know how we can help you. Located at 1661 West Airport Freeway, Euless, TX 76040. 817-318-1200

Contact:
Facebook | Twittter
www.grubbsinfiniti.com

Ford Flex versus Infiniti FX50 (Hearse vs Steroidal Creature from the Black Lagoon)

As the main author of the blogs that Grubbs Infiniti is authoring I read probably a dozen or so auto reviews per day. That can really take it's toll on your creative side considering most of the reviews look the same. Yes, the auto reviews with videos add some spice to the mix but for the most part it's a few images, features and pricing.

This lack of creativity in some of the auto reviews is why I was pleasantly surprised to find this review of the Infiniti FX50 versus Ford Flex from Edmunds.com in my Google Reader today. This is not a typical "comparable vehicle review" comparing two vehicles with similar characteristics but a review of two separate types of vehicles.

Here are some great excerpts.. but make sure to read the entire article at Edmunds.com.

From Edmunds.com
Usually, we here at Edmunds are tasked with comparing apples to apples. But once in a while it's fun to consider apples against pears. Or even funeral coaches against fish. That said, this face-off has real-world merit because we know some parents will be torn between getting something rather sporty versus something more practical. We also know that some practical people don't necessarily want to drive something that loudly proclaims: "I brake for PTA meetings and bake sales." So we bring you the racy but controversially-styled Infiniti FX50 and the more conservative and practical yet still cool Ford Flex.

The Flex looks like a hearse. Unless you're some goth kid who loves The Cure and hates his parents, hearses aren't cool. In fact, hearses are kind of a bummer, since they make you think of death, and death is sad. The FX50, on the other hand, looks like a steroidal sea creature from the Black Lagoon.

Well, Mr. Clarke, it's a good thing your FX50 is a little faster, because if we're taking our All-Star little leaguers and their friends to the game, you're going to have to make another trip to get junior's two friends you had to leave behind initially.

The FX50 seats 5. According to the most recent Census, the average American family consists of just 3.14 people. 3.14! The FX50 is big enough for 3.14, and maybe even a crabby mother-in-law or two. Mr. DiPietro, it's time for you to bury that tragic hearse and start living. Come over to the Cool Side - we've got candy.

Check it out for yourself.. you won't be disappointed.
Full Article from Edmunds.com

2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible Road Video Review

2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible Road Video Review
I found a nice review of the Infiniti G37 Convertible. He goes through a lot of the features and is very detailed.
We have delivered a few of the G37 Convertibles here are Grubbs Infiniti. Take a look and see what he has to say about the 2010 Infiniti G37 Convertible.

The G's interior looks great. It has all of the luxury and technological features you would expect from a high line car. Wood trim, leather and a handsome analog dash clock greet you upon arrival. The clock looks a bit vintage, and is reminiscent of Maserati's tradition of including a clock in every car. It is a nice elegant touch and really works in the G. more...

See Video

Inspiring - 7 Texas Teams in NCAA Tournament

The NCAA Division I Tournament starts this week and Infiniti, the official vehicle of the NCAA Tournament, will take center stage (or is it half court) during the next few weeks of March Madness.

Infiniti has launched an integrated media campaign centered around the NCAA Division I Tournament in addition to the SEC (South Eastern Conference) and Big 10 Conferences. The first phase was launched in January to promote Infiniti's G line of vehicles. This next chapter focuses on Infiniti's flagship M line, the new model of which goes on sale this month. But both campaigns are also an effort to reposition the brand.

At Grubbs Infiniti we have been "inspired" by the marketing campaign and partnership developed between Infiniti and the NCAA. At Grubbs Infiniti we have been working to integrate the components of the National Infiniti campaign with our local efforts and have enjoyed doing so.

Now that the selections have been made we are very excited and inspired by the inclusion of 7 Texas teams in the NCAA Tournament this year. We are going to be rooting each one on as they try to make it into the Sweet Sixteen, Elite 8, Final Four and maybe even a National Championship. I was at the Final Four when my Alma Mater, George Mason, made it into the Final Four and I know what a thrill that was. Grubbs Infiniti wishes all of the teams that made it into the tournament the best and especially those 7 teams from Texas that made it. Everything is bigger and better in Texas!!!
















Texas Teams in NCAA Tournament


Baylor (3 Seed)
Houston (13 Seed)
Sam Houston State (14 Seed)
Texas A&M (5 Seed)
University of North Texas (15 Seed)
University of Texas (8 Seed)
University of Texas - El Paso (UTEP) (12 Seed)

Full Listing with Printable Brackets

Facebook
On Facebook we have developed a custom tab that highlights Infiniti's sponsorship of the "Bracket Challenge" and the opportunity for a lucky winner to win a 2011 Infiniti M.
We are also going to be posting information about our local teams that are in the tournament such as the University of North Texas "Mean Green" and our regional teams such as the University of Texas "Longhorns". Other Texas teams will no doubt make it into the tournament and we will find out on "Selection Sunday" when the brackets are set.

Infiniti Encouraging Dealer Participation
Infiniti is encouraging the employees of dealerships nationwide to participate in the Bracket Challenge and has set up an internal contest that each dealership can play. I was disappointed to learn that I can't win the 2011 Infiniti M but at least I can beat my co-workers .

At Grubbs Infiniti we had our monthly meeting a few days ago where the "Bracket Challenge" was announced and the announcement was greeted with some good smack talking and predictions on who is going to have the best bracket.

We will let you know how our brackets are going. Hope you play along with the Infiniti Bracket Challenge.

Related Articles and Information



Media Post
Tip-Off: Infiniti Piles on Basketball Alliances

Basketball Tourney Gets a New Official Car

UNT Going to the NCAA Tournament

Win a 2011 Infiniti M