Used 2009 INFINITI G

Intended to compete on a level playing field with German compact and mid-size sport sedans, as well as a variety of roughly comparable Japanese and American models, the Infiniti G37 Sedan matches smart appearance, bold performance and crisp responsive handling in four trim levels and offers both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Now equipped with the same 3.7-liter V6 found in the coupe, the G37 (formerly the G35) enhances its credentials as a true enthusiast vehicle, inside and out. Although domestics models, including the Cadillac CTS and Lincoln MKZ, or Japanese counterparts, including the Acura TL and Lexus ES 350, are prime targets of opportunity, Infiniti is most intent on having the G37 sedan score biggest with folks who are also shopping the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Derived from a long-wheelbase version of Nissan’s latest FM (Front Mid-ship) platform, the G37 possesses sparkling performance credentials that only improve when fortified with the Sport Package goodies. Driven normally, this scintillating sedan coddles, comforts and entertains. Drive it enthusiastically, and the G37 satisfies like few competitors can. Its lusty V6 pulls strongly on demand, whether backed by the seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The finely-tuned suspension delivers impressively balanced ride and handling and the powerful anti-lock brakes stop with authority. An available 4-Wheel Active Steer Package for Journey or Sport 6MT models further enhances its already excellent transition moves, quickens response and subtly improves stability during cornering, while all variants benefit from a driver-selectable Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) system that lets you explore an ample portion of the car’s ultimate potential before the system swings into action. Those willing to forego a bit of at-the-limit edge for the all-season security of all-wheel drive should consider a G37x.

Superbly-formed power front seats wrapped in leather and set off by aluminum accent trim textured to resemble traditional Japanese handmade paper add a unique flavor to the G37’s cabin styling. Its cockpit-like ambiance may strike some as a bit busy, but the controls are logically arrayed and the flashy electroluminescent main gauges are quite legible. Not so much for the center stack – with or without optional navigation – where display legibility tends to come or go based upon the amount of reflecting sunlight. Rear passengers will find the G37 sedan’s rear bench seat belted for three but contoured for two average-sized adults at best.

Well-tailored sheetmetal effectively complements the G37 sedan’s sporting character, melding crisp lines and sensual contours into a tasteful yet visually distinctive styling statement. Complementing the basic shape are an eye-catching grille treatment with four sculpted bars that twist from center to edge like traditional Japanese sword blades, flush-fit L-shaped headlights and taillights that flow around the fenders front and rear and standard 225/55 V-rated tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. The top-line G37S Sport 6MT and G37x models have W-rated 225/50 front and 245/45 rear tires on 18-inch alloy rims.

Power Front Seats
Amazingly comfortable and supportive, even the base G37’s front seats boast eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger, plus manually adjustable lumbar supports. All other models add eight-way power for the passenger while the Sport 6MT seats include power activation for the thigh, lumbar and side bolsters.

Available 4-Wheel Active Steer Package
Computer-controlled 4-Wheel Active Steer works in combination with a quicker, variable-ratio power steering unit. As speed increases, the system turns the rear wheels slightly in the same direction as the front wheels when the car is cornering or changing lanes, resulting in more stability at higher speeds.

Exceptionally well appointed, even the base G37 Sedan offers leather upholstery, a full range of power assists – including dual power front seats – steering wheel-mounted supplemental audio and cruise controls, Intelligent Key remote entry and push button start, six-speaker AM/FM/MP3-capable audio with six-disc changer and auxiliary input, automatic air conditioning and high-intensity discharge (HID) bi-xenon headlights. The Journey, G37x and G37S Sport 6MT bring greater power-seat adjustability and other detail upgrades. Standard safety features on all include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD).

The G37 offers multiple upgrade packages and several individual extras, although only for the Journey, G37x or G37 Sport 6MT models. Key groups include the Premium Package (moonroof, Bose audio system, power tilt and telescoping steering column, Bluetooth and more), Sport Package (sport steering wheel and seats, four-piston sport brakes, unique front fascia and side sills, 18-inch wheels and tires, limited-slip differential and magnesium paddle shifters with the automatic), Technology Package (Intelligent Cruise Control, adaptive front lighting and more) and the Navigation Package (voice-activation, real-time XM NavTraffic, RearView Monitor, Lane Guidance and a 9.3GB Music Box hard drive). Also available are 4-Wheel Active Steer, African Rosewood interior trim and a rear spoiler.

The G37’s stellar V6 is the latest iteration of Nissan’s renowned VQ35-series engine. This all-aluminum 3.7-liter is loaded with design elements that help reduce internal friction and increase total performance, including continuously variable timing on both the intake and exhaust valves. It delivers a stout 328 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, is matched with either a seven-speed automatic (G37, G37 Journey or G37x) or close-ratio six-speed manual transmission (G37S Sport 6MT) and returns slightly above-average fuel economy numbers. On a G37 fitted with the Sport Package, the automatic also features finger-friendly shifter paddles mounted on the steering column and ideally positioned for quick gear changes.

3.7-liter V6
328 horsepower @ 7000 rpm
269 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25 (manual), 18/26 (automatic), 18/25 (AWD, automatic)