Thursday 24th July 2014

Infiniti G37 S: Spotted

The 370Z for grown-ups with a manual gearbox of all things. Who wants a 335i anyway?

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Sometimes cars struggle to sell because they're objectively bettered by contemporaries. And if a rival is cheaper, faster, more economical and so on, why wouldn't you buy it? But occasionally a car is ignored due to nothing more than brand prejudice, which is rather a shame.

Imagine the dealer's face with this spec

The Infiniti G37 is a perfect example of the latter. PH's first drive in 2009 concluded: "The G37 S Coupe may not yet have the brand kudos of rivals such as the Audi A5 or BMW 3-Series coupe, but, as a product, it more than stands up to comparison with them". The recent success of the Korean brands would suggest British buyers are beginning to look beyond badges but the Infiniti range just doesn't seem to have caught on here.

Lexus has shown Japanese luxury brands can achieve reasonable success here. And for those pointing to the G37's thirsty V6, the Audi S5 or BMW 335i aren't exactly paragons of parsimony.

Looks must play a part. Compared to the minimalist style of something like an A5 the G37 does have a slightly fussy appearance. Those after a conventional sports car may well have preferred the more aggressive (and cheaper) Nissan alternative as well.

Don't get a 370Z, don't get a 37...

The corollary of all this is very few G37s on the road. When was the last time you saw one? But that doesn't mean it should be ignored as it's a very talented coupe. All the more for PH with this car as it has a manual gearbox. And the dealer claims the car is 'very rare' because it's white...

Last year I drove a G37 (or Q60 as it was badged in the States) with six on the floor at a Nissan media event. Unsurprisingly a manual G37 feels much like a manual 370; a quite burly, short shift with the rev match function there as a reminder your fleet footwork isn't really good enough. Makes burnouts easier too of course, until a jobsworth of a marshall puts the TC back on. Boo.

For some the Infiniti badge can't be overlooked, but it's their loss. Having something that isn't one of the usual suspects is nice in itself, and to know it's a thoroughly competent car on top makes it more appealing. Yes it will cost a fair bit to run at 248g/km and 26mpg, plus the depreciation will surely continue for a worryingly long time, but a 370Z will do similarly. We all know Japanese performance cars garner huge affection over here (see the responses to Dan's paean to JDM from yesterday for proof), and not all of those are inexpensive to maintain.

There are three two-door G37s for sale on PH and ten times as many Zees. Dare to be different and go for the Infiniti. It's far better than anyone will believe.

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INFINITI G37 S
Engine: 3,696cc V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 320@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 265@5,200rpm
MPG: 26.7 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 248g/km
Recorded mileage: 31,100
Year registered: 2011
Price new: £35,150
Yours for: £18,995

See the original advert here.

[365daytonafan]

While I'm sure brand prejudice plays a part, a tiny dealer network and having too high C02 and small rear seats to get on company car lists probably plays a bigger part.