Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-5541065/


Infiniti rolled out the IPL version of its G37 Convertible at the Los Angeles Auto Show more than a year ago. The Infiniti Performance Line treatment logically mirrors that of the IPL G Coupe, meaning it receives both cosmetic and mechanical tweaks designed to raise the pulse of driving enthusiasts. Aside from the overstated aerodynamic styling components and huge exhaust tips, the cabin features special leather upholstery, aluminum trim and IPL badging to distinguish it from lesser siblings. Under the hood, the 3.7-liter V6 (VQ37VHR) has been recalibrated to deliver 343 horsepower – 18 more than the standard coupe – and 273 pound-feet of torque. The suspension has been upgraded with firmer spring and stabilizer bar rates, multi-piston sport brakes are fitted and 19-inch graphite-finish wheels wrapped with summer rubber are bolted on. There are only two exterior color choices (Moonlight White and Malbec Black) and two upholstery choices (Stone and IPL-exclusive Monaco Red). Everything sounds marvelous until someone reveals its as-tested $62,415 window sticker.

• The three-section steel roof raises and lowers in a leisurely manner – give it about 30 seconds each way. While it is marvel to watch, the operation seems clunky, not fluid. Buttoned up, with all four windows closed, the cabin is comfortable. Wind noise is minimal and the front buckets coddle passengers in all the right places. While tight, those of smaller stature will find the two rear seats tolerable for short journeys (my kids never complained). Outward visibility is also very good for a convertible – no impeding B-pillar.
• Top down driving is pleasant, with wind buffeting minimal even without the optional rear wind deflector (on the window sticker, but missing from my tester). I rolled up the windows, turned the climate-controlled front seats on high, cranked the heater and blasted the impressive 13-speaker Bose audio system. Roofless driving in low 50-degree temperatures was bearable. (Note: When the convertible top is stowed away, the already small trunk is basically nonexistent)
• Infiniti's IPL-tweaked V6 looks great on paper, but it struggles to move the droptop with real authority. Blame a curb weight of 4,189 pounds – a whopping 400 pounds more than the IPL G Coupe – and a very uncooperative seven-speed automatic transmission. Peak horsepower and torque come late in the power band, yet the slushbox wants to shift early. While things are slightly better in Sport mode, or with the manual magnesium column-mounted paddle shifters, it doesn't feel nearly as quick in real-world driving as its published acceleration times would indicate. My overall average fuel economy was also a less-than-impressive 16.8 mpg.
• Those goofy cannon-size exhaust tips (each is 4.75-inches across) deliver a drone that becomes downright annoying at some speeds. Even more frustrating, there is noticeable body flex – this is not a very stiff convertible – and minor squeaks and groans became evident when the road got rough.
• The upgraded suspension provides a harsh ride, but little else. The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires are capable, but when pushed, their narrow front contact patches – only 225/60YR19 – quickly scrubbed in protest of the two-plus tons of mass abusing them. The brakes calipers are beefy, but the street-compound pads don't instill confidence.
• A high sticker price, middling performance and other small annoyances really work against the Infiniti IPL G Convertible, especially when you consider that the same money will put a base BMW 335is Convertible, Audi S5 Cabriolet or even a Shelby GT500 Convertible in the driveway.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/08/2...g-convertible/

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

LOL!! what a joke. I'll take an IS-F for that price thanks

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I thought my 3850 lbs SC430 is heavy, and this thing only got a V6!

ydooby

Actually IF the car only comes fully loaded, which is quite possibly the case since the article mentions the Bose audio system in the test car, it's actually cheaper than the loaded IS350C with comparable F-Sport accessories.Agreed. That weight is simply ridiculous, especially considering that the added weight doesn't reinforce the vert's structure all that well according to the review.

Diego@Vossen

I would personally look at an ISF as well lol.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

last time i checked, an is-f isn't convertible.

anyway, this car is a solution looking for a problem. rock hard ride, porky heavy, not that fast, no room, pricey... why bother?

SteVTEC

Love my E93 335i. "Only" 4000lbs, plenty of torque at any RPM with the turbo, and works magnificently with the ZF 6 speed automatic.

ydooby

I ROFL'd at one of the Autoblog comments:
"That sticker price would be justified if the exhaust tips were 5" in diameter. I can't believe they want $60k+ for only 4.75" tips!"

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

So, basically, this is the 2013 version of the 2006 SC430, which in 2006 cost $65,000 base.

Lesson of the day: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

It is almost here.



This car sucks, period.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Please don't insult the SC430, this G Convertible is a much lesser car, although with a smiliar price.

SC vs. G
Engine: Silky smooth V8 vs. VQ V6 is harsh like a 4-bangers.
Tranny: Silky smooth vs. Jerky
Chassis: Stiff vs. Flexes
Sounds: V8 sounds vs. Fake annoying V6 moan
Interior: Classy and highend vs. Low rent

Ap1_Alan

iTrader: (1)

Not sure i agree with that, the G interiors look great IMO while the SC interior looked dated from the release.


But the price is a deal breaker. It's almost $15k more than the IPL coupe, ridiculous

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Design and aesthetics (which are subjective) are not the same as materials used which the G pales in comparison to those materials used in the SC

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

I was talking about refinement and highend material, the SC's interior feels like the LS. Where the G interior feels like an ES at best.

Look dated or not, is personal. I prefer dated highend then the latest low rent.

I agreed the G interior looks fantastic from 5 feet away with the door opened, I love it as long as I don't have to drive it.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Thank you.

Is like comparing very old solid wood heirloom to the latest IKEA cardboard furniture. I guess there are people who would prefer the IKEA cardboard because it got the latest look.