G37S Convertible "Floridian"??

I have been blessed with the opportunity to test drive this car twice in 2011. The first time was in March while attending the 12 Hours of Sebring. Dave and I drove from our hotel in Orlando to Sebring and back three times. The mornings were somewhat chilly so we drove down with the top up. It is hard to imagine that this is a convertible. It is as quiet as the sedan!

The color of our car was quite the chameleon, black under certain conditions, but deep black cherry under extreme sunlight, even brighter burgundy under the incandescent lights and at night. The fit and finish of the car is outstanding. Absent are any squeaks or rattles one would assume a top down car would have.

Interior is a striking light birght red leather. It features all the standard bells and whistles we have come to expect from Infinity. Heated and air conditioned seats, navigation system and a wonderful Bose stereo system with satellite radio link. Dave plugged in his I Pod and we rocked and rolled both coming and going. It's like having your own personals DJ.

The real shame was that time and other restrictions did not allow us to put the G on the track at Sebring, although Nissan Motorsports, did premier their LMP-2 car there and finished 2nd in a stellar field of cars- not bad for the maiden voyage.

The G convertible comes equipt with the V6 3.7 litre engine that typically turns 330 horses. We are told that due to the added weight of the convertible hardtop that an additional 18 horsepower is provide. Let me say this- you do feel it in the seat of your pants. It also has a significant more exhaust rumble than the standard G37.

Even though it is a heavier car than the standard coupe, the handling is superb. It eats winding twisting roads for lunch. It feels nimble and accelerates rapidly, especially when the transmission is placed in the sport mode. You have the option in sport mode to manually move the stick forward to change gears or elect to paddle shift the car. It has an awesome rev-matching transmission when paddling down on the gear box. The sound with the top down is awesome-

In fact, we drove from Sebring back to Orlando with a black Ferrari California. Both cars are equal in footprint, just as wide and equally as long. I am not even remotely trying to compare these two fine autos- well, maybe just a little- the 12 cylinder of the Ferrari cannot be matched by the G Convertible, but they both sound awesome and in "normal" street driving both cars are perfect. They handle well, they sound great and they are very comfortable. The G has a back seat for kids, pets or groceries.

Here's the deal, you can nearly own 4 Infinity G37 Convertibles for the price of one California! Quite a bargain, the G37 doesn't have to be a Ferrari, there are plenty of folks that will appreciate the quality, handling and performance of the Infinity, more importantly they will appreciate the price.

Photos by Shiftpoint Magazine- Thanks Phil!