The History Of Infiniti G20


The Infiniti G is an entry-level luxury car/ mid-size car and coupe produced by Nissan's Infiniti division. The first two generations of the Infiniti G (P10 and P11) were based on the Nissan Primera, while the generation (V35) of the Infiniti G were based on the sportier Nissan Skyline platform. In its latest version (V36) the Nissan FM platform used for the 2nd gen G cars has shared components with the Infiniti M and also underpins the 350Z and the Infiniti FX models.

The Infiniti G20 was Infiniti's entry-level luxury car in the United States during most of the 1990s and into the 2000s. Similar to the Japanese/ European market Nissan Primera sedan, the G20 offered higher levels of standard equipment. It was launched in 1991 to compete with the Acura Integra, BMW 3-Series, Lexus ES 250 and Volvo 200 series; later advertisements emphasized its European heritage with the tag line "Born in Japan. Educated in Europe. Now Available in America." Two generations of the G20 exist in the United States, the HP10 (P10), built from 1991 to 1996, and the HP11 (P11), built from 1999 to 2002. All G20s were front-wheel drive and were built in Oppama, Japan.

The first 1991 G20 was completed on July 10, 1990. The final 1996 G20 was completed on July 19, 1996. The P10 featured the first application of Nissan's multi-link front suspension in a front-wheel-drive car, with an independent MacPherson strut setup in the rear. It came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission. The only options to begin with were an automatic transmission, leather interior, and a power glass moonroof; a Touring package (labeled G20t) was introduced in 1994 and featured a black leather interior with sport front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats, as well as a limited-slip differential in the transmission and a spoiler on the rear decklid.

Engine design

The G20 was powered by a transversely mounted DOHC NA reciprocating internal combustion engine, the SR20DE, a 2.0litre (1998cc) square (Bore × Stroke: 86.0 × 86.0 mm) Inline 4-cylinder. This engine was also shared with the US-spec Nissan Sentra/ Nissan 200SX SE-R, Nissan NX2000, and a host of non-US Nissan vehicles. The particular version used in the G20 produced 140 crank horsepower in the US at first, and 145 in '00+ editions (116 to 126whp; stock range) and 132lb·ft (179N·m) or 136lb·ft (184N·m) torque (111 to 120wft·lbf; stock range). These engines were also fairly high-revving with a redline of 7500rpm for 1991 through 1996 editions, 6950rpm for the 1999 edition, and 6750rpm for 2000+ editions. Due to the SR20DE engine's flexibility, reliability, fuel economy and high power-handling capabilities, as well as a low buy-in cost, pre-owned SR-powered Sentras, 200SXs and G20s have become popular and prominent in the "tuner" or "import scene" subculture.

There were three major variants of the SR20DE used in the G20. The first, used from 1991 to 1993.5, was the highport, in which the injectors and fuel rail were located above the intake plenum. In 1994, due to tightening emissions restrictions, Nissan switched to a lowport design, in which the injectors and fuel rail switched places with the intake plenum. This design also featured a milder intake camshaft; switching it out for the highport intake cam is a popular upgrade to gain more power. This design was used from 1994 to 1996 and again in 1999. In 2000 Nissan replaced the valvetrain with a roller-rocker arm lifter design in place of the (non roller) rocker arm previously used, but kept the lowport intake design; many performance parts are not interchangeable between roller-rocker and highport/ lowport engines, most notably camshafts.

Transmission

The G20 featured either a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. Stock manual transmissions are typically usable up to approximately 250whp, while stock automatic transmissions can only handle about 155whp.[citation needed] Most front wheel drive transmissions from other SR-powered cars can be used with few modifications. The stock transmission as well as other SR20 transmissions are often upgraded with various modifications in order to handle more power. Common manual transmission modifications include cryo treating, shot peening, transmission case welding, aftermarket limited slip differential, aftermarket axles, and upgraded clutches. Common automatic transmission modifications include built valve bodies, aftermarket torque converters, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) coolers, additional ATF filters, and aftermarket TCUs. Higher rated transmission swaps from front-wheel drive QR25DE or VQ-powered cars such as the 2002-2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec-V have also been performed.

Equipment

The G20 was a badge-engineered version of the Nissan Primera, but because Infiniti was pitched as a premium brand, it featured a high level of equipment compared to its European and Japanese relatives. The only engine available was the 2.0litre SR20DE Inline 4-cylinder; in Europe this was the top-of-the-line engine for the Primera lineup. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions were both available, with the 5-speed being praised as "one of the best in the business." Power windows, power locks, power mirrors, air conditioning, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, alloy wheels, a Bose stereo, a theft-deterrent system, cruise control, floor mats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob were all standard. Leather and a power moonroof were common options, and were later offered in a package that included power seats and keyless entry. Later models also featured dual front airbags. The standard trim was called Luxury. Two major trim package upgrades were offered: Touring, badged G20t, available from model years 1994 to 1996 and 1999 to 2001, and Sport (with no badge modification) which was offered during model year 2002. These packages featured a limited-slip differential in the transmission, sportier, more highly bolstered front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats, fog lamps, and a spoiler on the rear decklid. The details of these trims varied from year to year.

P10 model refresh changes

The main changes for the P10 came as a midyear refresh in 1993 (model year 1993.5), when dual airbags replaced motorized seatbelts, leather interiors came standard with power front seats, body-colored side moldings replaced matte-black ones, the air conditioner was converted from R12 to R134a refrigerant, the audio system was upgraded to six speakers with a CD player instead of the previously-standard cassette deck, and other new options such as remote keyless entry were added. In addition, the 1994 model year was given a new chrome grille and chrome door handles, a lowport engine (replacing the original highport SR20DE, in which the intake plenum is below the fuel injectors and fuel rail), a change in the vehicle's self-diagnostic system to OBD-II, and larger 195/ 65R14 tires. The Touring models, introduced in 1994, featured a limited-slip differential in the transmission; 195/ 60R14 tires, sportier, more highly bolstered black leather front bucket seats and fold-down rear seats; fog lights; and a spoiler on the rear decklid.

The G20 was temporarily discontinued after the 1996 model year, leaving the I30 as Infiniti's lowest-priced car for the 1997 & 1998 model years.

Sales by calendar year

The second-generation G20 underwent several changes, including adopting the multi-link beam rear suspension very similar to the 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima with a continued use of the independent multi-link strut front suspension of the P10 (similar to 300ZX and Skyline GT-R). Despite enthusiasts' aversion to the beam, several publications praised the handling of the updated G20, and it was a technically good method of avoiding lateral suspension movement (which would compromise handling) while still offering a compliant ride. The P11 has a lateral grip figure of between 0.80 and 0.94g plus a 61/ 39 weight distribution (61% front/ 39% rear). It grew in size, with a 2.7-inch (69mm) length increase and 0.4-inch (10mm) height increase over the P10, resulting in 1.4inches (36mm) more legroom for rear-seat passengers. The new model's increased size and luxury options, however, added to the car's weight (which rose to 3000 pounds); the stock 140-145 crank horsepower engine provided lower performance (the MY1999 automatic, for example, had a 10.9-second 0-60 mph time and did the quarter-mile in 18.4 seconds at 77mph (124km/ h)) than most competitors and even the previous-generation G20.

The first second-generation 1999 G20 was completed on May 18, 1998. The final second-generation 2002 G20 was completed on January 11, 2002. All models featured a higher level of standard equipment than the P10, including automatic climate control on all but cloth-seat Luxury models, 15" 16-spoke alloy wheels, a higher-quality double-DIN Bose radio/ CD/ cassette player standard, keyless entry, standard power moonroof, and later, side-impact airbags. The Touring models continued to feature a limited-slip differential, but also had unique 12-spoke alloy wheels, and the upgraded sports seats were now available in beige leather and "sport cloth" (the latter as a factory-order option) in addition to the previously-offered black leather.

P11 model refresh changes

Several noteworthy changes for the P11 came as a refresh in the 2000 model year, when the 145 crank horsepower roller rocker variant of the SR20DE engine was implemented, newer automatic and manual transmission variations were introduced, anti-theft immobilizer circuitry was added, anti-glare side mirrors became standard, and a remote trunk release was added to the keyless entry fob. In 2002, the G20t was dropped and a Sport model was introduced; in addition to the prior G20t's limited slip differential and decklid spoiler, this model featured two-tone leather/ suede sport seats, 16" wheels, and a variety of minor cosmetic modifications. The 2002 base G20 received the 12-spoke Touring alloy wheels as standard.

Sales by calendar year

End of production

The G20 was discontinued in favor of 2003's rear wheel drive G35, a badge engineered export version of the JDM V35 Nissan Skyline which was introduced in 2001. The G35 received significant praise from the automotive press and became a sales success for Infiniti despite being priced approximately USD$5,000 above the G20's average MSRP of $23,000. The G35, significantly larger and more powerful than the G20, was aimed more at the entry level luxury-sports sedan market instead of the G20's luxury-sport compact market. The Nissan Primera was continued outside the United States as the slightly restyled HP11-144 and the significantly restyled HP12 markets with a final end to all production in 2006 as a 2007 model.

The SR20DE responds very well to modifications. Forced induction (primarily turbocharging) is often used to upgrade G20s to higher power levels, as much as 200 to 300whp. Because the turbocharged SR20DET has a very similar design to the SR20DE, many components from the former can easily be used with the latter. SR20DET engine swaps are also common, and high levels of over 400whp are possible. Factory turbocharged SR20VET Neo-VVL swaps are possible but rare, and output is difficult to estimate. The naturally aspirated SR20VE Neo-VVL can also be used in an engine swap which can (with bolt-ons) generate around 190whp and can also be turbocharged. Front-wheel drive VQ35DE swaps are also theoretically possible and have been performed on other SR20-powered Nissans, but have never been attempted on the G20.

The third generation G (V35) was introduced to North America for the 2003 model year, as a G35, being the replacement for the Infiniti G20. It is known as the Nissan Skyline 350GT in Japan and is available in sedan and coupe forms.

The G35 is based on the Nissan FM platform shared with the Nissan 350Z coupe and roadster sports car and Infiniti FX crossover SUV. The G35 was Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 2003 and has been well-received by both the media and customers as a viable alternative to other luxury cars. The G35 was also nominated for the North American Car of the Year award that year and was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 2003 and 2004.

Sporting the ubiquitous VQ35DE engine, the Infiniti G35 uses a front-midship engine, rear-wheel drive layout (all-wheel drive is available for the G35x sedan) to achieve a 52% front/ 48% rear weight distribution. Both body styles are available with either a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, although the automatic is the only transmission available for the AWD sedan.

A 6-speed manual transmission became available in 2003 as a 2003 model on the sedan (the coupe always had the option). For the 2003-04 model years, the V6 produced 195kW (265PS; 261hp) and 350N·m (258lb·ft) of torque in the sedan, 210kW (286PS; 282hp) and 365N·m (269lb·ft) in the coupe. However, owners of various G35 enthusiast groups have shown that the engine in the sedan produces nearly the same amount of power as the coupe. In the 2005 and 2006 model years, those with automatic transmissions (both sedan and coupe) produced 210kW (286PS; 282hp) and 365N·m (269lb·ft) of torque, while those with manual transmissions produced 222kW (302PS; 298hp) and 350N·m (258lb·ft) of torque (again, both in sedan and coupe form). There is speculation that the output did not actually change, and that Infiniti was simply taking advantage of the outdated SAE standard of rating horsepower. The G35 is assembled in Tochigi, Tochigi, Japan, and the first G35 was built on March 12, 2002 as a 2003 model.

The AWD model of the G35 sedan is called the G35x. Although the automatic transmission for the G35x is manufactured by Aisin-Warner, the AWD technology uses Nissan's proprietary ATTESA E-TS AWD system. The system will make the car 100% rear wheel drive when driving at a steady speed. When the driver uses the throttle to accelerate from a stop or constant speed, the AWD system can send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels. When the car's speed becomes steady again, the drivetrain will return torque to the rear wheels. The AWD system will also transfer torque to the front wheels if the system detects loss of traction. The process is made by the system in a matter of milliseconds. This technology was first used in the 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and has since been used in subsequent Skylines, and other vehicles in Japan and overseas, including the Nissan Bluebird, and Nissan Stagea. There are few differences between the 2003 & 2004 G35 coupes. Both '03 & '04 six-speed manual models had the option of Brembo brakes and the Performance Tire and Wheel Package. On the 2005 coupes, three new colors, 'Athens Blue', 'Lakeshore Slate', and 'Serengeti Sand', replaced 'Twilight Blue', Caribbean Blue, and 'Desert Platinum' respectively; also, Willow Cloth interior was removed, and Stone became available.

2005 refresh

The G35 was refreshed inside and out in 2005. The interior was given sportier gauges with better backlighting and higher quality trim and knobs. Genuine aluminum trim replaces "tinted" interior trim, and the dash and center console layout were revised. Rosewood trim becomes available as a package on the 2005 models. MP3/ WMA playback was added to the now standard 6 disc in-dash CD player, and the cassette player was removed. Brembo brakes were removed for the 2005 and 2006 models, and the brakes were redesigned with larger discs and a different caliper design. This was partly in response to a number of complaints about the previous years' brakes, which included a class action lawsuit filed in California related to premature wear on 2003-2004 models. A sport-tuned suspension package was standard on all six-speed manual equipped models, which included a viscous limited slip differential and the higher output VQ35DE "Rev-UP" engine. The 2006 models received minor updates. On the exterior there were new headlights, taillights, spoiler, sport side sills, and front bumper. Bluetooth capability was added to the interior for hands-free phone use. Rear active steering was an option for the '06 coupe.

Stats:

  • 2005 G35 Coupe
  • Engine: 3,498 cc V6 DOHC
  • Power: 280hp (210kW; 280PS) (5AT); 298hp (222kW; 302PS) (6MT)
  • Torque: 270lb·ft (366N·m) (5AT); 260lb·ft (353N·m) (6MT)
  • Weight: 1,573kg (3,468lb) (5AT)
  • 0-60 mph (0-97 km/ h): 5.6 s (5AT); 5.2 s (6MT)
  • 1/ 4 Mile (~400 m): 14.2 s (AT); 13.8 s(6MT)
  • Top speed: 159mph (256km/ h)

Infiniti redesigned and significantly updated and upgraded interior, exterior, chassis and drivetrain of both the G sedan and coupe for the 2007 and 2008 model years, respectively. The initial fourth generation G sedan launched in September 2006 for the 2007 model year with a significantly upgraded version of the venerable 3.5L VQ engine, the VQ35HR and a 5-speed automatic as standard transmission. The second gen G coupe launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year with the larger and again much improved 3.7L VQ37VHR with 5-speed automatic and in late 2008 for the 2009 model year the G sedan followed suit now also using the VQ37VHR. For 2009 - present both the coupe and sedan also come with an all-new 7-speed automatic as the standard transmission.

G35 Sedan

The G35 sedan underwent a major revision for the 2007 model year. This 2nd generation front-mid (FM) platform underpinning the new G is shared in part with the new M and has several structural reinforcements around the engine and rear floor area. Along with three times more laser welding and 16 percent more spot welds than the old version, overall body stiffness was improved by 40 percent. Single-pivot lower control arms in front replace the 1st gen model's twin lower links. Along with these chassis refinements the sport package equipped models (auto as well as manual transmission models) get firmer rear shocks, bigger front brake calipers, and larger 13-inch rotors all around (up from 12.6/ 12.1-inch front/ rear). Sport package equipped cars also get a viscous limited slip rear differential. An all-new Active Steering package can be ordered for sport package equipped models. It features a planetary gearset on the steering shaft (similar to BMW), that varies the steering ratio between 12.0:1 and 18.5:1. A rear-wheel steering system that induces up to one degree of rear steer is also included in this package. The Active Steering package includes even stiffer shocks than the sport package at all four corners and the ride has been repeatedly reported as being too stiff for most customers except the most "enthusiastic" drivers. Base and Journey model 17-inch tires bump up from 215s to 225s, while the 18-inch upgrade (included in sport or wheel package) with 225/ 45-ZR18 front and 245/ 40-ZR18 rear is now a size smaller in front and larger in back than the 1st gen model's all-around 235/ 45R18s. With this 2nd gen G35 the venerable VQ engine was also improved from the previous "DE" version by introducing the VQ35HR. This VQ engine is more powerful (306hp (228kW) @ 6,800 rpm and 268 ft.-lb. @ 4,800 rpm), more fuel efficient, and more responsive than the previous VQ35DE. The "HR" stands for "High Revolution" or "High Response". Even though bore and stroke remained identical over 80% of the internal components were strengthened or redesigned to handle an increased RPM range sporting a lofty 7,500 rpm red line. A new dual-path intake (two air cleaners, throttle bodies, etc.) lowers intake tract restriction by 18 percent and new equal-length exhaust manifolds lead into mufflers that are 25 percent freer flowing for all around better gas flow. The intake is said to benefit from a ram-air effect adding three horsepower at 60 mph (not accounted for by SAE testing methods). Electrically actuated variable valve timing is new on the exhaust cams to broaden the torque curve. A new engine block maintains the same bore and stroke, but the connecting rods were lengthened and the block deck was raised by 8.4 mm to reduce piston side-loads. This modification, along with the use of larger crank bearings with main bearing caps reinforced by a rigid ladder-type main cap girdle to allow the engine reliably rev to 7500 rpm. With an increase in compression ratio from 10.3:1 to 10.6:1 these changes add 26 more horsepower (306 total + 3 hp ram air efect not measured by SAE testing = 309 hp). Torque is down 2 pound-feet from the old DE engine (268 vs. 270). The engine now sits 15 mm lower in the chassis for a lower center of gravity. Although the nominal horsepower rating shows only 8 more hp than the latest version of the previous generation "DE" engine, the real horsepower difference was much more significant due to the changed SAE guidelines for horsepower ratings in 2007. According to Consumer Reports an Infiniti G35 Journey sedan with a 5-speed Automatic transmission can reach 0-60 mph (0-97 km/ h) in 5.4 seconds, and the 1/ 4 mile (~400 m) 13.8 seconds. According to the also newly revised EPA guidelines (which are much less favorable than the old guidelines), fuel economy is estimated at 17mpg-US (14L/ 100km; 20mpg-imp) in the city and 24mpg-US (9.8L/ 100km; 29mpg-imp) on the highway. Second gen G35 Performance: According to both Motor Trend and Automobile Magazine, the previous model a 2005 G35 6MT sedan in their tests reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the 1/ 4 mile in 14.1 seconds, giving the new 2007 2nd gen G35 sedan a .4 and .3 second edge respectively. However, this specific comparison actually proves how much performance was improved since it compares a 2007 G35 Journey Sedan with a 5-speed automatic transmission to a 2005 G35 6MT with a 6-speed manual transmission having the 2007 G35 auto sedan outperforming the 2005 G35 manual car handily. Best ever performance measured and documented for a 2nd gen 2007 G35 sedan (Sport 6MT) anywhere was achieved by Car and Driver magazine at the end of their 40,000 mile long term test showing a 0-60 time of 5.1 seconds, a 0-100 time of 12.8 seconds and a 1/ 4 mile time of 13.7 seconds @ 104 mph. Mostly, 5-speed automatic G35 cars are performance wise not far behind the manual version. In a 2008 Motor Trend Magazine comparison test with the new 2008 Cadillac CTS a 5-speed auto transmission equipped G35 sedan achieved a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds, a 0-100 time of 13.1 seconds and a 1/ 4 mile time of 13.8 seconds @ 102.9 mph.

Fuel economy is virtually identical between generations, with the second generation earning a scant 1-mile-per-US-gallon (0.43km/ L; 1.2mpg-imp) edge in highway driving (both measured using EPA 2008 guidelines).

Consumer Reports lists the Infiniti G35/ G37 in first place on its list of Top 10 cars (upscale sedan category) for 2007 and 2008 and it is also a perennial no. 2 on the acclaimed Car & Driver magazine Top 10 car list (Entry Luxury Segment) just behind the BMW 3-series.

Models (including the 2009 - present G37):

  • G35/ G37 - 3.5/ 3.7L V6, 306hp (228kW) / 328hp (245kW)
  • G35/ G37 Journey - 3.5/ 3.7L V6, 306hp (228kW) / 328hp (245kW)
  • G35x/ G37x AWD - 3.5/ 3.7L V6, 306hp (228kW) / 328hp (245kW) 4WD
  • G35/ G37 Sport 6MT - 3.5/ 3.7L V6, 306hp (228kW) / 328hp (245kW)

G37 Coupe

In 2007, the G coupe made a similar redesign (which was unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show

and is currently available for sale as a 2008 model.) to that which was made by the G sedan the year before. Unlike the sedan, however, it was given the 3.7L 330hp (250kW) V6 VQ37VHR engine and was renamed as the "G37." For the 2009 model year, the G sedan incorporated the same engine and acquired the G37 title. The G37 coupe, like its predecessor the G35 Coupe, is marketed simply as the G Coupe making it more of a second generation than a replacement. Although available a year later, the G37 parallels the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan (marketed as the G Sedan). In Japan, the G37 joined the updated G Sedan under the Nissan Skyline (G36) nameplate.

The G37 sedan was unveiled in Geneva Motor Show for the European market.. It features the same basic engine as the G37 coupe, but engine power was reduced to 306 hp and 258 ft-lb of torque.

Infiniti has confirmed that a G37 retractable hardtop convertible is being planned. A February 2009 release is expected for the US market.

G37 Sedan, G37X Coupe, G37 Convertible

For the 2009 model the G35 sedan was replaced by the G37 sedan. Exterior, interior and options remain identical to the 2008 G35 model range but the sedan now also sports the improved and enlarged version of the Nissan VQ engine the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR "VVEL" V6, rated 328hp (245kW) @ 7,000 rpm and 269 lb.-ft. @ 5,200 rpm (2008 G35 VQ35HR engine is 306hp @ 6,800 rpm and 268 lb.-ft. @ 4,800 rpm) that was already introduced in the G37 Coupe for the 2008 model year. Although the engine gains only 0.2kg·m (2N·m; 1ft·lbf) peak torque over the VQ35HR and this torque value arrives at a later 5,200 rpm vs. 4,800 in the VQ35HR, the torque curve itself is improved and flattened across the rpm range via Nissan's new VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) variable valve timing resulting in even better throttle response and low rpm torque. This also marks the first use of Nissan's VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) system on a production vehicle in the US market. The G37's new VQ37VHR engine has been touted by car magazines and other reviewers as a significant improvement over the VQ35HR engine mostly adding much needed refinement and smoother engine operation, especially at high rpm where the VQ35HR engine was frequently criticised for vibrations and sounding strained, harsh and loud. The often criticized too aggressive clutch engagement, notchiness of the 6-speed manual and engine vibrations transferred through the shifter and pedals in the 6MT cars was also addressed in the new G37 models.

Infiniti also announced Infiniti G37 Convertible, G37 Sedan, G37x Coupe for 2009 model year. All 2009 models come standard with a new 7-speed automatic transmission that was already introduced in the 2008 FX35 and FX50. As before to equip your G sedan with the optional 6-speed manual transmission the Sport 6MT model must be specified. Base, Journey and X models cannot be ordered with manual transmissions, however the Sport Package including all sport options of the 6MT model (except the manual trans) can be added to the Journey and X models.

The 2009 sport package (standard on Sport 6MT cars, optional on Journey and X models) now also includes all-new sport brakes with 4-piston front/ 2-piston rear calipers and large 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors, a new 18-inch sport wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish). G37 Sedan is available in G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD models. Major option packages remain to be the Premium Package, Sport Package, Nav Package, Tech Package.

A new 7-speed automatic transmission for the G37 sedan replaces the old 5-speed auto box that was used in the G35. Even though the final drive ratio for vehicles equipped with the 7-speed auto has been (numerically) reduced from 3.69 to 3.36, the new auto has much lower first through fourth gear overall ratios than the old 5-speed auto and the 6-speed manual in the 6MT cars (which by the way retain the old 3.69 final drive ratio). It has also much closer gear ratios in all gears with only the 7th gear actually being an overdrive to reduce highway cruising rpm and improve fuel mileage. The 7-speed automatic of course retains the Drive Sport (DS) shift mode and Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) features of the 5-speed auto.

Engine revisions and improvements as well as the new 7-speed transmission now bring much needed refinement to the G car range albeit the fact that so far all tests of the G37 sedan with 7-speed auto trans have not shown it to be accelerating faster than the previous 2007-2008 G35 sedan with the 5-speed auto trans or 6-speed manual for that matter. The new engine/ transmission combo did add some weight the car (3,590 lbs. for the G37 vs. 3,508 for the G35 in identical trim). An all-new G sedan model (V37??) is expected to arrive in late 2010 as a 2011 model.

G37x Coupe uses ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system. All 2009 G37 Coupes receive standard Scratch Shield paint. Model range is same as G37 sedan, and retained the same engine as 2008 coupe models.

G37 Convertible is based on the G37 Coupe, but features a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop.

G37 coupe and sedan were set on sale in September 2008 as 2009 models.

G37x Coupe and G37 sedan were unveiled in 58th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,. Pictures of G37 convertible was first shown in Monterey, while the vehicle itself would be unveiled in 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

The G has earned many automotive awards over its lifespan:

  • Car and Driver: 1991 (April & September) High marks for suspension and value.
  • IntelliChoice: 1993 “Best Overall Import Car Value Over $13,000” and “Best Value in Compact Class Over $16,000.”
  • J.D. Power and Associates: 1996 Top Score in Customer Satisfaction Index.
  • J.D. Power and Associates: 1997 Second Highest Scorer in Customer Satisfaction Index.
  • IntelliChoice: 1999 G20 and G20t “A Best Overall Value - Compact Sedan Over $15,000.”
  • Consumer Reports First Place: Top 10 Cars (upscale sedan category) for 2007 and 2008
  • CAR Magazine: Rated One of the Top 10 Best Handling Cars in the World (P11)
  • Car and Driver "10 Best Cars" list. 2009 G37 Placed second in the Entry Luxury Segment



From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
More About Infiniti G20


2nd-gen Infiniti G35 sedan

1991-1993 G20

Infiniti G20

Infiniti G20

Infiniti G20

2002 Infiniti G20

Infiniti G20

2004-2005 Infiniti G35 sedan

Infiniti G20

Infiniti G20

Infiniti G20

2008 Infiniti G35 sedan

Infiniti G20

Infiniti G20