Infiniti entered this year with an impressive slate of all-new or refreshed products, including the Infiniti M performance luxury sedan and Infiniti QX full-size luxury SUV. The most memorable addition could be the new Infiniti Performance Line – or “IPL.”
Our test vehicle was the venerable G37 coupe, in the IPL wrapper. It adds a 348-hp V6, tuned suspension, nicer paint and tricked-out interior. It’s a great package that delivers on the promise of a unique driving experience with exclusive designs.
Pricing for the Infinity G Coupe starts at $37,600 – and the IPL G-Coupe is $49,350 – which is the full price as it includes every available option. The G-Series also offers a sedan and convertible.
Positioned at the pinnacle of an already premium brand, this is a car that Infiniti is very proud of. “The 2011 IPL G Coupe sets a new performance standard, bringing all the elements together – styling harmonized with performance, exhaust note with acceleration feel, ride comfort and confident handling,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “It’s the perfect formula for unmatched driving exhilaration.”
We agree that it’s a great formula – but there are rivals that match the performance, including the Audi A5, BMW 3-Series (performance coupe versions).
The IPL G Coupe builds on the foundation of the prior generation rear-wheel drive model with extensive modification throughout the vehicle. The IPL G Coupe’s unique exterior includes a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and round chrome exhaust tips. It’s an aggressive, high performance look that’s finished off in just two unique color choices – Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.
Inside, the designers paid special attention to the materials and tactile feel. The interior is harmonized with the exterior styling, offering two color treatments – Graphite and Monaco Red. And all interiors include red-stitched leather front sport seats with 8-way adjustment. Other cool details are a red-stitched steering wheel, Silk-Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest. Overall, the interior is compact but comfortable. We liked it all, except don’t expect full-size adults to enjoy the back-seat ride for more than a short drive.
The magic of this car is under the hood. The power comes from a silky-smooth 3.7-liter 24-valve V6 engine that makes 348-hp and 276 lb-ft torque. The power comes on fast, delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. The combination of abundant power, quick reflexes and tuned exhaust note make for a muscle-car feel. Braking is equally impressive, with 4-wheel sport disc brakes, ABS, and traction control.
Real feel of power comes from power to weight ratio – and with just under 400-hp, this compact sports cruiser is a rocket.
As you’d expect for the price, this car bristles with technology – keyless entry and security, XM® Satellite Radio, Infiniti “Studio on Wheels” sound system, GPS Nav with XM NavTraffic and Weather, backup camera, touch screen and 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive.
A real surprise however is the fuel economy – IPL G Coupe gets about 19-mpg city, 27-mpg highway – much better than I expected from such a powerful sports machine. It’s covered by Infinity standard warranty. For more information, see your local Infinity dealer, or visit InfinityUSA.com
By Vince Bodiford
TheWeekendDrive.com