2009 Infiniti G37x Coupe Preview

• New ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive (AWD) system
• New 7-speed automatic transmission
• Standard Scratch Shield paint
• Available in September 2008

Introduction

The Infiniti G35 Coupe was launched side-by-side with the all-new G35 Sedan in 2003. Both shared the same rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform and 3.5-liter V-6 engine. In 2005, the G35 6MT Coupe (6-speed) received a power boost to 298 hp, again matched by the G35 6MT sedan. The model year 2006 was significant for the G35 Sedan. It marked the debut of the G35x Sedan, a 4-door model with the added all-weather capability of AWD. The Coupe did not receive the option. With the launch of the second-generation Coupe in 2008, the 2-door was again overlooked for the AWD option. Instead, it was bestowed with a larger 3.7-liter V-6 powerplant, edging out the sedan's smaller 3.5-liter V-6 engine. For 2009, the will share engines with the Coupe, while the G37x Coupe makes its debut with AWD. The 2009 G37x AWD Sports Coupe model will be in showrooms September 2008.

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Model Lineup

The 2009 Infiniti G37x AWD Sport Coupe is one of four trim levels available for the G Coupe model. Although exact specifications have not been released, the G37x will likely share equipment levels with the RWD G37 Sport Coupe Journey model, with the exception of the heated seats, which will be standard on the G37x. Other standard equipment on the AWD model should include 8-way power-operated leather-appointed seating, aluminum interior trim, automatic climate control (with microfiltration), power windows, power door locks, and Infiniti's Intelligent Key. The Coupe's standard audio system will likely feature 6 speakers with AM/FM, RDS, CD, MP3, auxiliary input jack, and integrated XM satellite radio. The Premium package will include options such as a power moonroof, Bose premium audio, heated seats, and auto-dimming mirrors. The Navigation package will add Infiniti's hard-drive navigation, the 9.3GB Music Box, and a RearView monitor. Stand-alone options will probably include a power moonroof, rear spoiler, and African rosewood interior trim. Infiniti's self-healing Scratch Shield paint is standard on the all versions of the Coupe. The 4-wheel Active Steer and Sport packages are not expected to be available on the G37x AWD Sport Coupe.

Hardware

Under the hood of the 2009 G37x AWD Sport Coupe is Infiniti's "VVEL" 3.7-liter V-6 engine. It is rated at 328 hp and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching. A 6-speed manual transmission is optional. For the first time on the Coupe, all four wheels receive power through Nissan's ATESSA E-TS Intelligent AWD system. Always engaged, the system is designed to enhance both traction and vehicle performance. The suspension is a 4-wheel independent design with a double-wishbone front and a rear multi-link-both ends feature stabilizer bars. The steering is rack-and-pinion, with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist. Standard brakes are 4-wheel vented discs with anti-lock control (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution, and brake assist. Fuel economy figures have not been released for the new model as of this writing.

Technology

The 2009 Infiniti G37x Sport Coupe features Nissan's AWD system, called ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Electronic Torque Split). Unlike many AWD systems which are designed primarily for additional traction when one or more wheels lose traction in inclement weather, ATTESA E-TS is an all-season system designed for enhanced handling under all driving conditions. ATTESA E-TS utilizes a microprocessor to monitor the vehicle's movements multiple times per second. The data is then fed to a computer that instantly calculates how much power should be sent to each wheel. According to Nissan, E-TS can provide a near-perfect balance of power to each wheel all the time. A version of ATTESA E-TS is currently used on the AWD Nissan GT-R supercar.

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