- Infiniti G Cabrio a welcome addition to luxury open-top driving
- Seductive styling with refined performance
- High-grade specification levels in new G37 Cabrio
The luxury cabriolet segment of the South African market receives its newest contender in the elegant form of the new Infiniti G Cabrio, which joins four other brand new models in the new Infiniti range in South Africa. With athletic beauty paired with hedonistic spirit, the new G Cabrio is Japan’s answer to buyers looking to step out of the ordinary and be different.
BEAUTY AND PASSION FROM A HARD-TOP CABRIOLET
The new Infiniti G Cabrio’s seductive looks and well-proportioned folding metal roof have been expertly penned by Infiniti’s designers, making the new G Cabrio one of the most appealing cabriolets on the market. Coupled to a powerful engine and advanced technology features, the new Infiniti G Cabrio is amongst the most lavishly specified cars in its class.
From the A-pillars rearwards, the Infiniti G Cabrio comes into its own with unique body panels setting it apart from its Infiniti G Coupe sibling. The Cabriolet’s designers set out to design the car with one specific outcome – that it must look stunning whether the roof be up or down. As a result, the new G Cabrio is by no means ungainly as is so often the case with a hard-top cabriolet.
The three-piece “clamshell” folding metal roof is able to fold up or down electrically, completely transforming the G Cabrio from a muscular coupe to beautiful Cabrio, with no lines blurred between the two states. The 19-inch wheels reiterate the G Cabrio’s sporting nature, as does the rear-drive body shape, afforded by the front-midship engine position and rear-wheel drive setup.
Other traditional top-down foibles such as wind noise and buffeting, temperature fluctuations and reduced audio quality at speed were also addressed during the G Cabrio’s development, as Infiniti is well aware of its customers’ expectations of uncompromised driving machines. Adaptive technologies were the answer, and as such the Infiniti G Cabrio adapts itself according to conditions, whether the roof is up or down. Noise Compensation technology, speakers mounted in the head restraints, heated and ventilated seats, adaptive climate control and honed aerodynamics are some of the key features used in the new Infiniti G Cabrio to reduce the drawbacks associated with open-top driving.
As with other models in the new Infiniti range, the G Cabrio’s interior has been designed around a mix of Japanese tradition and modern luxury. A high-gloss Maple wood finish and textured aluminium detailing – akin to that of Japanese calligraphy – are just some highlights of the G Cabrio’s classy interior. Fine leather finishes are used extensively and, with its double wave design and central vertical spine, the cabin has an air of solidity about its design and layout.
The well-packaged hard top and the Infiniti G Cabrio’s long wheelbase mean the rear seats are meant to be used, and the front seats feature electric sliding with memory for ease of access of both front and rear passengers. The 333-litre boot (with the roof up) is also substantial and clever packaging means luggage space is almost one third bigger than some class rivals.
Clever aerodynamic design work has also translated into a pleasurable open-topped drive for front and rear passengers, where a wind deflector reduces turbulence at speed.
SPORTSCAR ENGINE MATCHES ATHLETIC LOOKS
The new Infiniti G Cabrio is available in one grade and engine derivative only – a V6 petrol engine in the G37 GT Premium, with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. With the heart of a sportscar mounted low-down and far-back in the chassis, near-perfect weight distribution and rear-wheel drive, the new Infiniti G37 Cabrio is as much a sports cabriolet as it is a sleek and elegant cruiser.
The powerful V6 petrol engine displaces 3.7-litres and produces 235 kW at 7000 rpm, with a healthy torque peak of 360 Nm at 5200 rpm. The high output translates into a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed limited to 250 km/h – all achieved in sumptuous comfort of course.
The seven-speed automatic gearbox with Active Shift Control (ASC) brings with it solid magnesium manual shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.
Impressive efficiency is combined with performance from the engine, with average consumption of 11.4-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 268 g/km. Variable Vale Event and Lift technology (VVEL) has been employed on the G37 Cabrio’s engine, not only boosting power and responsiveness but improving fuel economy and lowering emissions simultaneously.
UNWAIVERING SAFETY
Not without extra safety concerns thanks to the folding metal roof, the new Infiniti G Cabrio features a comprehensive list of standard safety features, some of which are tailored to suit a cabriolet.
Commonplace safety systems like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) with BAS (Brake Assist System), ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) and six airbags (including front driver and passenger airbags, front head-side airbags and front pelvis and thorax airbags built into the front seats) are all present, with the addition of hidden rollover bars, a popup safety bonnet to minimise pedestrian impact injuries, a tyre pressure monitor and laser-guided Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with Low Speed Following (LSF).
Low Speed Following (LSF) enhances ICC by reducing the driver’s workload in the low-speed range (between 5km/h and 40km/h) such as when driving in congested traffic; LSF assists the driver with acceleration and deceleration actions in slow moving traffic. Based on the ICC technology, Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA) represents a safety feature which can prevent or reduce damage caused by a rear-end collision. When there is a risk of a collision with the vehicle in front and the driver must take avoidance action immediately, the system sounds a warning to prompt action by the driver to help avoid a collision. When a rear-end collision cannot be avoided by the driver’s action, the system activates the brakes to decelerate the vehicle, thereby helping to reduce damage resulting from the collision.
SPORTSCAR HANDLING THANKS TO FRONT-ENGINE, REAR-DRIVE SETUP
The classic sportscar layout of a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive means that the new Infiniti G37 Cabrio’s ride and handling characteristics are as sporty as its looks and as refined as its spirit.
Tuned steering, brakes and fully independent suspension allow the G37 Cabrio’s sportscar heart to translate raw power and a glorious engine note into pure driving enjoyment and, despite the sporty undertones, no ride comfort or refinement has been lost. Even weight distribution and a low centre of gravity play a large role in the G37 Cabrio’s handling characteristics, and reinforced front pillars, side members and body sills, in an effort to maintain the chassis stiffness expressed by the G Coupe, have been developed.
GT PREMIUM IS ALL YOU COULD EVER NEED
The new Infiniti G Cabrio is only available in GT Premium grade and features an appropriately comprehensive list of standard features and equipment to go with the moniker. Options include only stunning Monaco Red leather upholstery matched to red-stained Maple wood trim, and metallic paint.
Standard-fitment equipment includes full leather upholstery, adaptive climate control with automatic recirculation, a wind deflector, 19-inch alloy wheels, 10-way powered driver’s seat and 8-way powered front passenger seat (both of which are heated and ventilated) with electric lumbar adjustment for the driver’s seat, ISOFIX child seat mounting points in the rear seats, a smart I-Key with memory for the driver’s seat, mirrors and steering wheel position and a leather and electrically-adjustable multifunction steering wheel. The I-Key is an expression of Infiniti hospitality: when approaching the car, the encrypted signal primes the vehicle’s systems to accept a command.
Automatic Bi-Xenon lights with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS), a follow-me-home function, auto-levelling and headlight washers, Scratch Shield Paint (scratch-resistant, self-healing paintwork), speed-sensitive power steering assistance, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) with full speed range and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA), a rear-view camera with front and rear parking sensors and display, LED rear lamps, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic wipers and a premium Bose® sound system with 13 speakers (including head rest speakers) are also fitted as standard.
The Connectiviti+ package, also included as standard, comprises a 30GB Hard Disk Drive navigation system with an eight-inch touch screen interface, a single CD and DVD reader with MP3, WMA and DivX compatibility, USB and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth for mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming and, finally, a 10GB Infiniti Music Box.
A TOTAL OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Infiniti vehicles are covered by a comprehensive warranty that covers the first three years or 100 000 km of ownership. In addition, a five-year or 100 000 km maintenance plan is standard on all models.
All Infiniti vehicles are also covered by a comprehensive roadside assistance programme – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Infiniti is renowned globally for providing a quality customer experience, in all facets of the buying process and vehicle ownership thereafter. Dedicated Infiniti Centres provide a welcoming environment which emphasises core Infiniti values – luxury, design and comfort – making the Infiniti ownership experience a truly pleasant one.
