There’s really not anything like driving a convertible. The sun-on-your-face, wind-in-your-hair experience is unique – rolling down the windows in a coupe won’t do it, nor will opening a sunroof. Fortunately, Infiniti has your back, courtesy of the innovative 2012 Infiniti G37 Convertible. It’s a drop top, but not a ragtop, and that means in the pantheon of convertibles, it’s just plain tops.
A real four-season convertible
What makes the Infiniti G37 Convertible (MSRP $46,650) better than the average convertible is its clever retractable hardtop. The three-piece unit rises and stows away, clamshell-style, in just 30 seconds. The packaging
helps optimize space usage and allows the G37 to retain its signature, flowing styling with the top down. There’s no hump to interrupt the lines; the convertible doesn’t force any stylistic compromises.
Nor does the G37 Convertible make you sacrifice comfort in the name of style when the top is down. Adaptive Climate Control works to maintain a pleasing temperature in the passenger compartment day and night. When you slow the G37 Convertible down during the daytime, the system will increase the air conditioning power to keep occupants cool as the breeze created from the act of driving vanishes such as when you hit traffic. At night, when you’re driving in cooler air, the system will automatically increase the climate control temp to take away the chill that’s created when you’re driving at speed.
Top-down driving presents a series of challenges for any car’s audio system. In the G37 Convertible, Infiniti offers an available Bose Open Air Sound System to combat such issues. Engineered specifically for the G37 Convertible, the Open Air Sound System keeps tabs on ambient noise, the car’s speed and the roof status, then equalizes power across the speaker set. At the same time, AudioPilot 2.0 noise compensation technology helps eliminate unwanted noises to ensure maximum clarity.
Of course, when the top is raised, the G37 Convertible is as sexy-looking and well buttoned-up as a hardtop coupe, and the standard heated leather front seats are a boon either way. They’re as equally welcome on frigid winter days with the top up as they are on cool evenings with the top down.
Infiniti signature performance
As its name would suggest, the Infiniti G37 convertible shares its state-of-the-art powertrain with the G37 Sedan and Coupe. Open the hood, and you’ll find a 3.7-liter V6 producing 325 hp and 267 lb/ft of torque. In the standard G37 Convertible, that engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control, Drive Sport mode and a manual-shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching, which ensures a smooth experience in manual mode (and the associated throttle blips sound terrific). The G37 Sport 6MT Convertible swaps the automatic for a slick-shifting close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox and adds sportier steering response, sport brakes and 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires. Expect up to 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
Luxury, comfort and convenience
As with its siblings, the 2012 Infiniti G37 Convertible is packed with luxury and conveniences. The available Premium Package adds the aforementioned Bose Open Air Sound System with personal, headrest-mounted front speakers, fully climate-controlled front seats and a Rear Sonar system among its features. The Navigation Package adds a Hard Drive Navigation System, real-time weather and traffic updates, Zagat Survey Restaurant Guide, Voice Recognition and DVD/USB multimedia playback on the seven-inch LCD screen. The Sport Package adds a variety of visual enhancements, upgraded wheels, tires, steering and brakes, aluminum pedals and magnesium paddleshifters for the seven-speed automatic transmission. The Technology Package loads on the driver aids including Intelligent Cruise Control, Brake Assist with Preview Braking, Advanced Climate Control and rain-sensing wipers.
Every G37 Convertible has the Infiniti Advanced Air Bag System, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Dynamic Control with Traction Control System and pop-up roll hoops behind the rear seats.
A coupe and a convertible, all at once
The 2012 Infiniti G37 Convertible lets you enjoy the best of all worlds. In chilly or inclement weather, it has the familiar, striking profile of the beautiful Infiniti G37 Coupe, along with all the comfort a hardtop, closed-roof car provides. Once the sun breaks through, it becomes one of the most beautiful four-seat convertibles available, period. It’s year-round enjoyment, and you need sacrifice neither looks, nor performance nor luxury in the name of a true convertible experience.
