auto show --- New Infiniti G37

The New Infiniti G37 embodies key design aspects.

There are few cars on the road that not only define a brand, but also set the tone of what the brand aspires to become. The first generation G35 Coupe was that vehicle for Infiniti. With its low-slung and aggressive stance, powerful V-6 engine and a fun to drive nature, not previously associated with the Infiniti nameplate, the 2003 G35 Coupe was the car that launched a thousand imitators and set the benchmark for all future Infiniti products.

Now Infiniti has raised the bar once more, with its second generation G-series coupe, now called the G37 to reflect the change in engine size -- a 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve V-6 with an estimated 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engine, the VQ37VHR, is Nissan and Infiniti's newest iteration of their powerful and torque-friendly six-cylinder engine, the VQ35. Using the newly developed VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) system that combines hydraulic-controlled variable valve timing and electronically controlled variable valve lift on the intake side to help improve performance and response, the new 3.7 is a marked improvement of the last generation V-6.

Mark Igo, Vice President and General Manager of Infiniti, says the new engine comes down to three factors: Increased performance, responsiveness and efficiency. "The new 3.7-liter V6 is a true powerhouse," said Igo. "This power plant also features Infiniti's trademark 'Swell' acceleration with special tuning that builds horsepower almost continually to the redline, like a building wave." To go along with the new power plant is a newly enhanced platform and suspension system, which should be an improvement of an already great driving vehicle.

Design-wise, the new vehicle is a subtle reinterpretation of the last generation, which is a good thing in the present day and age, when car designers feel they must constantly redesign their vehicles, much to the chagrin of the buying public.

"With our second generation model, the G37, we were not looking for a different design direction," said Shiro Nakamura, Senior Vice President, Design Director of Nissan Motor Company -- The man responsible for overseeing the creation the Nissan 350Z, Murano, and the Infiniti M, FX45 and G 37 Coupe. "It is an evolution of the design. It is much more seductive and emotional than the last generation. We wanted to grow upon what we had instead of starting from scratch. That, to me, is the purpose of this second generation model. The G35 Coupe is the car people identify with Infiniti. It is the car that redefined the brand."

Infiniti says the new G37 embodies four design aspects: Energetic force, spiritual precision, seductive luster and dignified air, all of which work together to create a harmonious design balance. "The second generation shows the power of nature with its seductive luster. It is serene, yet invigorating. It has a very authentic Japanese feel to it too; aggressive, yet subdued."

Infiniti will be launching vehicles in the European market in 2008 and when asked about the global design of the new coupe, Nakamura pauses and says, "The power of design is the ability to cross all language and cultures."

The 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe will be available in three models: G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Journey and G37 Coupe Sport 6MT.