ROAD TEST ~ 2010 INFINITI G37x COUPE

I've always looked forward to driving Infiniti's G-series cars, but none more so than the Coupe version.
In my opinion it's always been one of the sexiest cars on the market and it has handling and performance to match the exciting design- all for a reasonably affordable price
This time my tester was the G37x Coupe AWD, featuring Infiniti's ATESSA E-TS all-wheel drive system. This AWD version monitors wheel spin, throttle position and vehicle speed and automatically sends up to 50 per cent of power to the front wheels to enhance traction and control under poor road conditions.
When AWD is not needed, up to 100 per cent of the power goes to the rear wheels to preserve the rear-wheel driving characteristics.
The G37x is one of four Coupe models available. Others are the base G37 Coupe, G37 Coupe Sport and G37S Coupe Sport 6MT. All of them come with a peppy 3.7-litre V6, making 330 hp and 270 lb/ft of torque.
Of course, if you want top-down pleasure, there's always the G37 Convertible to consider.
It has a retractable hardtop that stows neatly in the trunk area (leaving not much trunk space though) and starts at $58,300, while the G37 Sedan starts at $38,690. Meanwhile, the Coupe AWD starts at $48,800.
My tester had the seven-speed automatic transmission with DS (Drive Sport) mode. Standard on the G37 Coupe is a six-speed manual transmission.
The G37 Coupe was redesigned in 2008 and for 2010 it has only minimal changes with most inside the cabin. The most noticeable is a switch from the previous  'Washi' aluminum trim to 'Shodo' aluminum style trim, inspired by Japanese calligraphy.
Also new are standard eight-way power seats, a new centre console design on automatic models and packaging content changes. Among the changes is the inclusion of the Advanced Climate Control System (ACCS) with air purifier to the Technology Package and making the rear-view monitor standard on all models.
My AWD tester had the Hi-Tech Package and priced out at $52,550 plus freight and PDI of $1,825.
The Hi-Tech Package includes a hard drive navigation system with seven-inch touch screen monitor, voice recognition for climate control, audio and navigation system, 9.2 GB hard drive for playing MP3 files, Bluetooth stream audio, intelligent cruise control, brake assist with preview braking and rain sensing wipers.
The dash gauges now have a white illumination and include a multi-function information driver computer display (average fuel consumption, real-time fuel economy, average speed, elapsed time, running distance, distance to empty, outside air temperature, warning displays, odometer and automatic transmission shift indicator.
Among the convenience features are intelligent key with push button ignition, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescopic steering column and automatic temperature control. Standard is an 11-speaker Infiniti Bose audio system with a three-way front door speaker array using 10-inch woofers.
The interior is very rich looking with an upscale feel to it. It's not flashy with lots of wood trim, but it is nicely finished with great seats and a pleasant atmosphere. The rear seat area is very limited with tight headroom because of the sloping roofline. I think it would only be used occasionally, as this is more of a two-person car. The front seats, unlike the rear, have lots of legroom.
On the safety front, the G37 Coupe has an advanced airbag system with dual stage supplemental front airbags, roof mounted side curtain airbags and front seat mounted side impact airbags.
As I mentioned earlier, I think the G37 Coupe is the most visually appealing of all G-series models and during my week with it I had several people stop to talk and admire the styling and comment on the striking blue paint colour.
Unlike some sport sedan wannabees, this car has the performance to match its great looks.
The seven-speed automatic transmission performs flawlessly and the car never seems to be searching for the right gear as you often find in a five-speed or even some six-speeds. It shifts smoothly and quickly, but if want a more sporty experience simply put it in manual mode and do the shifting yourself.
The G37 Coupe has four-wheel independent multi-link suspension with stabilizer bars and this produces a firm, yet stable ride.
It doesn't soak up the bumps and potholes as well as some of its German rivals, but it's not an uncomfortable ride either- it's just firm. On hard corners it grips the road well and the steering has a very precise feel to it.
There's plenty of acceleration for any type of driving, but note that the 3.7-litre V6 requires premium unleaded fuel. The engine is a strong performer and has a beautiful, muscular sound when you press hard on the throttle.
The competition is stiff in the sport coupe segment with cars like the Audi A5, BMW 3-Series, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and even the Chevrolet Camaro fighting it out for buyers, but only the first two offer all-wheel drive like the G37, an important feature here in Canada for drivers who want a four-season vehicle.
All are fine cars, but I don't believe the G37 can be touched when it comes to overall exterior design, something that plays a big role with buyers in this segment.

BODY STYLE: two-door coupe.
DRIVE METHOD: front engine, front- or all-wheel drive.
ENGINE: VG 3.7-litre DOHC V6 (330 hp, 270 lb/ft of torque).
FUEL ECONOMY: Seven-speed automatic 11.2L/100 km (25 mpg) city, 7.5L/100 km (38 mpg) city; six-speed manual 12.4L/100 km (23 mpg) city, 7.9L/100 km (36 mpg) highway.
PRICE: $46,300 to $54,040, as tested $52,550.