Infiniti Drops the Lid on the G37 Convertible at the LA Show

Infiniti has just released new pictures and details of its all-new G37 Convertible as the vehicle made its world premiere today at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The first-ever G Convertible is based on the latest generation G37 Coupe with which it shares the 3.7-liter V6 engine rated in the U.S. at 325HP. The engine is backed by a choice of an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with available magnesium paddle shifters or a close-ratio 6-speed manual gearbox.

The four-seater G37 Convertible maintains a coupe-like profile with the top up thanks to a three-piece retractable hardtop that allows the use of a shorter rear overhang and low boot lid. Infiniti says that compared to the G37 Coupe, the Convertible utilizes all-new body panels from the A-pillar back, along with a 28mm wider overall width, broader rear track and modified rear suspension. With a touch of a button on the center console, the retractable hardtop stows in approximately 30 sec, which is about 8 sec more than what the BMW 3-Series Convertible needs for the same process.

The Convertible retains the interior design of the Coupe version adding a rear pop-up bar and available headrest audio speakers, wind deflector and climate controlled front seats.

Other technology features include standard RearView Monitor and an available touch-screen Infiniti Navigation system with XM NavTraffic Real-Time Traffic information with 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive, Pre-Crash Seat Belts, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Preview Braking and Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS).

In the Unites States, the G Convertible is offered in two models, the G37 Convertible and the G37S Convertible Sport 6MT, which adds sport-tuned steering and larger sport brakes, along with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and W-rated performance tires.

Also available is a special, limited production G Convertible Premier Edition, offered exclusively through the Bloomingdale's Holiday Catalog. The Premier Edition 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. For those interested, only 200 will be built with pre-orders being taken now for delivery in 2009.

The G37 Convertible is scheduled to go on sale at Infiniti dealerships throughout the U.S. in early 2009 with European markets following in late summer 2009.