2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe Preview

Edgier Infiniti

Quartz-sliver headlamp boxes, beveled lines that run the length of the Infiniti G37 Coupe's sides, and raised, inward-curving fenders evoke an edgier posture.

Infiniti unveiled the all-new 2008 G37 Coupe, pitched forward with a sportier look than its predecessor, the 2007 G35. The second-generation coupe is powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine estimated at 330 hp. Mark Igo, Infiniti VP and general manager, said the G37 is the first Infiniti to come with this stronger version of Infiniti’s “VQ37” V6 engine.

Quartz-sliver headlamp boxes, beveled lines that run the length of the coupe’s sides and raised, inward-curving fenders evoke an edgier posture. The car will arrive at dealerships in August in three available types — the base G37 Coupe, the G37 Coupe Journey (a higher trim level) and the performance-oriented G37 Coupe Sport.

The Coupe Sport comes with a six-speed manual transmission and big 19-inch wheels and tires, while the base coupe and Journey include a five-speed automatic transmission and run on 18-inchers.

Despite the increased power and torque, the latter estimated at 270 pound-feet, Infiniti says it expects the 2008 G37 Coupe’s fuel ratings to beat by 2 mpg those of the 2007 G35, due to the larger displacement in the new engine and what Infiniti calls variable valve event and lift (VVEL), a system meant to optimize fuel consumption for performance regardless of rev range. Noteworthy available interior features include touch-screen navigation and a 9.3-gigabyte “Music Box” hard drive to store music from CDs to play through the stereo.

Check back for a full review.