Infiniti G Convertible
When the road calls, the Infiniti G has always been quick to answer. Since its introduction in 2002, the G has been known for delivering the most rewarding combination of fluid design and exhilarating performance in its segment. It’s a reputation that’s been burnished in the intervening years, with the successive introductions of second generations of each – the G37 Sedan and G37 Coupe – both brimming with advanced technology including the responsive 3.7-liter V6 with VVEL technology, available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and premium audio and navigation systems.
Now, the Infiniti G is about to embark on a voyage to another dimension – the wide-open exhilaration of wide-open motoring – with the introduction of the all-new 2009 Infiniti G Convertible, which is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealers nationwide in June 2009.
“As the latest expression of our Inspired Performance, the Infiniti G Convertible instills equal parts lust and envy – lust for its exotically beautiful styling and envy for its unmatched performance credentials,” said Ben Poore, vice president, Infiniti Business Unit. “The G Convertible retains the Infiniti’s G’s sporty long cabin/short trunk proportions through use of a three-piece steel hardtop, providing a ‘dual beauty’ – that rare occurrence when a convertible looks as good with the top up as down.”
The G Convertible’s inviting interior includes standard leather-appointed seating, an available Bose® Open Air Sound System that dynamically changes equalization based on outside noise, top position and vehicle speed, an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System that adjusts fan speed in accordance to top position and vehicle speed, and available Climate-Controlled seats that provide both heating and cooling functions.
Every 2009 G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift) rated at 325 horsepower. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a responsive close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
Seductive Styling Inside and Out
The G Convertible maintains a coupe-like silhouette with the top up through use of a special three-piece “clamshell” retractable hardtop, which allows for use of a shorter rear overhang and low trunk lid. Compared to G Coupe, the G Convertible utilizes all-new body panels from the A-pillar back, along with a 1.1-inch wider overall width, wider rear track and modified rear suspension.
The automatic top opening/closing sequence takes approximately 30 seconds from start to finish. The open/close switch is located on center console, just behind the transmission shifter lever.
Along with its stunning G Coupe-like proportions, the G Convertible offers signature Infiniti styling cues such as flowing front fender curves, a wave-style aluminum hood, expressive front fascia with double-arch grille and L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bi-functional xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps. The G37 Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package include a unique front fascia/bumper design. In the rear, the taillights are unique to the G Convertible, incorporating an inner “circle of light” for added style. The chrome rear trunk finisher incorporates both an integrated high-mount stoplight and the small camera for the standard RearView Monitor system.
The G Convertible is offered with Infiniti’s advanced “self-healing” Scratch Shield paint in eight exterior colors: Vibrant Red, Athens Blue, Liquid Platinum, Platinum Graphite, Black Obsidian, Moonlight White and two G Convertible-exclusive colors, Midnight Garnet and Pacific Sky.
“With the top up, the G Convertible’s seductive styling hides the fact that it’s a convertible. With the top down, it takes on a personality all its own – revealing its beautiful, equally dramatic interior design. It’s a car you can’t stop looking at,” said Poore.
The interior design combines sophistication, craftsmanship and thoughtfulness with unique, available systems created to enhance the open-air driving experience. The driver-oriented cockpit features an Infiniti signature “double wave” instrument panel design with Infiniti electroluminescent instrumentation with white-and-violet illumination, integrated multi-function information drive computer display and analog Infiniti clock. The double hand-stitched leather-covered steering wheel is designed for maximum comfort and usability, with standard wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Genuine magnesium paddle shifters are available for the 7-speed automatic transmission (G37 Convertible with Sport Package only).
Special Silk Obi aluminum interior trim, inspired by fine Japanese silk and unique to the G Convertible, is located across the instrument panel, on the center console and on the door panels. Also available is Genuine African Rosewood trim. Leather-appointed seating is standard and is offered in three colors – Graphite (black), Wheat, and Stone.
Heated 8-way power driver/8-way front passenger seats are standard, with Climate-Controlled Seats (with heating and cooling functions) available as part of the Premium Package. The G37 Convertible Sport 6MT and G37 Convertible with Sport Package include special sport-styled front seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power thigh and torso support – along with sport stitching for the front seats and steering wheel, high-grip aluminum pedals and foot rest and, with the 7-speed automatic, magnesium paddle shifters. A power walk-in device with position memory provides easy access to the 2nd row seats (the front seats move forward automatically at the touch of a button to allow passengers into the rear seats). An available rear wind deflector helps reduce wind turbulence when the top is down.
The 2009 G Convertible’s long list of comfort and convenience features includes standard Infiniti Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition and an Adaptive Dual Zone Climate Control System includes an advanced air conditioning system that adjusts to provide optimal comfort with the top up or down.
Two audio systems are available, starting with a standard 6-speaker AM/FM/6CD system with MP3 playback capability, Radio Data System (RDS) and center console-mounted auxiliary input, 7-inch color display and XM® Satellite Radio.
A second system is also available – a 13-speaker Infiniti Bose® Open Air Sound system combining a 24-bit 96KHz Burr Brown® Digital Analog Converter (DAC) with AudioPilot® 2.0 with microphones that automatically optimizes EQ settings for open/closed top positions. The system’s special Bose® Front seat Personal Speakers, mounted in the front seat head restraints, enable superior front audio quality regardless of the top position. An Interface System for iPod® is also included with this system.
Other available G Convertible features include a Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and the Infiniti Navigation System with available XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic information (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Infiniti Voice Recognition for navigation, audio and climate control functions, and a 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive with CompactFlash® slot.
“The design of the G Convertible interior takes into consideration the typical distractions from fully enjoying open air driving, such as added interior noise and turbulence, added heating and cooling system demand and even the fact that the seating surfaces can get hot in the sun or cool at night,” said Poore. “Its inspired design anticipates the needs of the user and presents solutions, enhancing the comfort and enjoyment of the driver and passengers.”
Liberating Dynamic Performance
Like the G Coupe and G Sedan, the new G Convertible’s outstanding dynamic performance credentials start with a combination of its advanced FM platform and award-winning V6 engine. Every G Convertible comes equipped with a standard 3.7-liter V6 engine with VVEL (for Variable Valve Event and Lift), rated at 325 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.
The VVEL system combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side, helping to improve not only performance and response but also emissions and fuel efficiency (over a non-VVEL system). It also provides cleaner emissions by allowing for quicker warm-up of the catalyst and by stabilizing combustion when the engine is cool.
The G Convertible is available with a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode, downshift rev matching, Drive Sport (DS) mode and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) that allows for quicker shifts in sporty driving situations and available genuine magnesium paddle shifters; or a responsive, lightweight close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission on the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT.
The G Convertible’s responsive handling and ride performance is provided by its advanced FM (Front Mid-ship) platform design, which optimizes front/rear weight balance and creates a rigid, stable foundation for the 4-wheel independent suspension. The front suspension is an independent double-wishbone design, with a single pivot lower wishbone and a long upper link. The multi-link rear suspension separates the Dual Flow Path® shock absorbers and springs, locating the shock absorber inline with the wheel center. These designs help minimize alignment changes and reduce suspension friction for nimble handling and smooth riding characteristics.
Responsive steering is provided by a vehicle-speed-sensing system, with sport-tuned steering offered with the G37 Convertible 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).
Braking performance is provided by standard 4-wheel vented discs with 4-channel, 4-sensor Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The G37 Convertible with Sport Package and G37 Convertible Sport 6MT are further enhanced with and larger ventilated rotors (14.0-inch front/13.8-inch rear) and aluminum four-piston calipers front/two-piston calipers rear, embossed with Infiniti lettering.
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 to determine distance and relative speed of the vehicle ahead in the same lane and “pre-pressurizes” the Brake Assist system before the driver steps on the brake pedal.
Split 5-spoke 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with Dunlop SP Sport MAXX A1-A P225/50R18 front and P245/45R18 rear all-season tires are standard on the G37 Convertible, while the G37 Convertible Sport 6MT utilizes special 19-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels with Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high performance tires (P225/45R19 front and P245/45R19 rear). The 19-inch wheels and tires are also available on the G37 Convertible as part of the Sport or Performance Tire & Wheel Packages.
An Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensor is standard, along with door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags for driver and front-seat passenger protection, front-seat mounted side-impact supplemental air bags and front seat Active Head Restraints.
The rear seat includes fixed head restraints with rear pop-up bars. The G Convertible also features reinforced front side members, front pillars and body sills.
Two Well-Equipped Models
The 2009 Infiniti G Convertible is available in two models: G37 Convertible and G37 Convertible Sport 6MT. A number of options and packages are available, including a Premium Package that features a Bose® Open Air Audio Sound System with 13 speakers, AudioPilot® 2.0 with microphones optimized for both top positions, and Bose® front seat Personal Speakers; Climate-Controlled seats with heating and cooling functions; and Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System.
The G Convertible Sport Package and 6MT model features unique 19-inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels, sport brakes, sport front bumper, sport-styled seats, aluminum pedals, and, with the 7-speed automatic, genuine magnesium paddle shifters. The Technology Package adds Intelligent Cruise Control with Preview Braking, Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS) and Pre-Crash Seat Belts with motion sensor on brake pedal.
Also available are a Performance Tire & Wheel Package, Navigation Package, and Wood Trim Package with Genuine African Rosewood trim on center console, instrument panel and doors.
In addition, a G Convertible Premier Edition, with production limited to just 200 units, was offered through the 2008 Bloomingdale’s Holiday Catalog (and is now available through Infiniti dealers). This special G Convertible features a custom Monaco Red Leather leather-appointed interior, handcrafted red-tone Maple Wood trim, Midnight Black Front Grille and 9-spoke 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and tires.
“The G Convertible is a welcome addition to the Infiniti G portfolio,” said Poore. “It offers all the luxury and performance you expect from Infiniti, plus the unlimited potential of a wide-open top and wide-open roads.”
