After our drive in the Infiniti G37 Convertible yesterday, we got the full download on its various specifications and features. Most of it was stuff we already knew, things like it gets unique sheetmetal from the A-pillars back, a steel retractable hardtop that closes in less than 30 seconds and a pop-up roll bars for safety.
One number we didn't know was the all important curb weight. Convertibles are always on the chunky side and the G37 is no exception. It tips the scales at 4,095 pounds, a 453 pound increase over the standard coupe. For comparison, a BMW 335i Convertible weighs in at 3,946 pounds.
Other notable changes: the rear suspension has been completely reworked to make room for the top. The result is a lower decklid and shorter overhang that helps to retain the same profile as the coupe. Because of the added complexity and weight, there will be no all-wheel drive version. The top itself is installed on a separate line at Nissan's Tochigi assembly plant, the same facility that assembles the GT-R.
wahsingku says:
01:19 PM, 03/17/09
now all they need is the X to come in a 6 speed and they can FULLY compete with the 3 series... come on Infiniti, get your sh*t together.
billt9 says:
01:34 PM, 03/17/09
Wow that's a lot of modifications to make the convertible work.
30 seconds? Aren't some vehicles doing 20 seconds these days?
I value my 10 seconds.
firstwagon says:
03:15 PM, 03/17/09
I remember it only taking about 10 seconds to undo the latch and flip the top back on a Miata.
About the same to reach back and flip it up.
Sometimes I wonder if they make things complex just for the sake of making them complex.
The number one rule of engineering is "keep it simple stupid" (KISS).
Car makers would do better if they remembered that.
umiami350z says:
06:54 PM, 03/17/09
there is WAY MORE going on in a g37 convertible (or any hardtop convertible for that matter) than there is in any miata softtop. Youve got three pieces of metal and motors to move them all doing their jobs. All you have to do is press a button, remember that your arm is more versatile than a bunnch of hydrolic motors...
firstwagon says:
08:02 PM, 03/17/09
But it serves the same purpose. Simplicity is better.
billt9 says:
09:38 PM, 03/17/09
The MX-5 softtop rocks. It's ingenious.
Remember nobody else has a top as simple and intuitive as an MX-5 softtop.
One doesn't have to look further than the Solstice/Sky for an example of bad design.