A second teaser shot for the upcoming Infiniti G37 Convertible has found its way onto the web, and the timing couldn't be better considering the debut of the Lexus IS250C today at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Both cars will be setting their sites on the BMW 335i convertible, and the G37 'vert will be packing a 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 in its holster when the time comes. Other features include a three-piece folding hardtopIts and a seven-speed automatic transmission, as well as a completely redesigned rear end to accommodate the new roof. The G37 Convertible's official debut isn't until the LA Auto Show in November, at which time we'll get to fully see how the G37 Coupe translates into a convertible.
Infiniti ramped up its presence in Monterey this year with the new G37 sedan and G37x coupe, the latter equipped with the automaker's advanced ATTESSA E-TSO all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed automatic gearbox. We're looking forward to seeing if the AWD coupe can retain the engaging driving characteristics of its RWD counterpart, while providing the security of all-wheel-drive for those of us that like to make a run into the mountains during the snow season. Infiniti also used its time on the peninsula to show off the first image of the G37 convertible (we curbed our urge to take a picture of the picture), along with the release of the revised M35 and M35x. The 2009 model benefits from the automaker's scratch shield paint, new seven-speed auto 'box and an increase in output to 303 hp, while still boosting fuel economy by one mpg. We're eagerly anticipating the 3.7-liter V6 finding its way under the hood of the M sometime around the turn of the decade, with some G-inspired styling to match its newfound horsepower.
This weekend is of course the big Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California, and a number of automakers will be on hand to debut vehicles there. Infiniti is one of them and will be showing off a few new models on the greens of Pebble Beach, one of which is this, the G37S. What you see is not much different than the G35 on sale now, save for a few exterior tweaks including new wheels. What is different is that Infiniti's G sedan will get the same mechanical hardware found in the G37 Coupe. That means the superlative VQ-series 3.7L V6 producing 328 horsepower will be standard equipment, which necessitates the change in nomenclature for the 2009 model year from G35 to G37. Transmissions will include a 6-speed manual or Infiniti's new 7-speed automatic, and the brand is also offering a new optional brake package that adds 4-piston front/2-piston rear brakes and larger rotors. Those wheels are the new 18-inch wheel design with standard Scratch Shield self-healing paint. Infiniti will show more this weekend than just the G37S, including the G37 convertible and G37x, and we already have bloggers in place on the back nine to report it all.
A forum member at Motive has (supposedly) obtained Infiniti's 2009 ordering guide, and with it comes (supposed) word that the 2009 G-series sedan will be upgraded with the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR V6. Exact output has yet to be confirmed, but the document rates the 3.7-liter V6 at 320+ hp, with power sent to a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The model and package list (posted after the jump) goes on to say that the 2009 Infiniti G37 will include four-piston front brakes equipped with 14-inch rotors, five-spoke 18-inch wheels, re-designed side view mirrors and the Scratch Shield paint found on the new FX line of CUVs. Two new exterior colors will also be made available: Moonlight White and Sahara Sandstone.
Carlos Ghosn assembled the press this morning in Japan to announce Nissan/Infiniti's financial results for 2007, and despite sales in Japan dropping by 2.5-percent last year, global sales are up by 8.2-percent, with a 3.0-percent increase in U.S. sales and a massive 17.9-percent bump in Europe. All told, Nissan took in $94.62 billion last year, with a $6.91 billion operating profit. Nissan attributes its successes abroad to the release of 11 new models worldwide, including the Altima Coupe, GT-R, Murano, Infiniti EX CUV and G37 coupe.
The automaker has its sights set firmly on the future, with a five-year plan that focuses on three key commitments: quality leadership, an industry leading zero-emissions vehicle program and a five-percent growth in revenue between 2008 and 2012. The program is called Nissan "GT" 2012, with the "G" standing for "growth" and the "T" for "trust." To achieve those goals, Nissan will be expanding with Infiniti's launch in Europe, along with pushing further into developing markets like India, the Middle East, Brazil, China and Russia. Leading the charge will be 60 all-new models released in the next five years and the debut of 15 new technologies each year from 2009 onwards.
While we're already familiar with most of the vehicles Nissan and Infiniti intends to release in the coming year (Qashqai+2, new Z), two models were officially confirmed: an Infiniti G37 convertible (rumored to sport a retractable hard top) and a "mini SUV." While there's been speculation that a G37 cabrio was on the way, the small 'ute is likely to the rumored 1-series competitor we've reported on before.
