A blend of handsome looks, strong performance, high-tech features - 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe Review
0No splash here: Infiniti's Performance Line makes a quiet entrance.
What Is It?
A G37 coupe with a slightly higher calling. It’s also the tip of the spear for the company’s new Infiniti Performance Line subbrand that is expected to tune the larger M sedan and the FX crossover before long—compelling news given how swell those models already perform. But unlike the approaches of BMW’s M or Mercedes’ AMG, where luxury cars are turned into high-horsepower, demonic road shredders, the IPL represents a much more conservative approach to vehicle enhancement.
This IPL G coupe is based on the mid-grade G37 Journey trim, with the Premium, Sport, and Navigation packages all stirred in. Next comes the IPL-specific kit: a rear spoiler, front and rear fascias, side sills, chrome exhaust tips, and beautiful dark-finished 19-inch wheels shod with staggered-width Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber. Tweaks to the ECU and a new, freer-flowing dual-exhaust system yield another 18 hp for a total of 348 at 7400 rpm, and torque rises by 6 lb-ft to 276 at 5200 rpm. The chassis gets unique spring rates and shock tuning, as well as the sportier steering, huge brake discs, and brake calipers from the G37S. The IPL G will be available only in dark gray metallic or black paint, with the interior color options restricted to all black or black with red seats, door trim, and detail stitching.
How Does It Drive?
Based as it is on the fine-driving G37 coupe, the IPL’s upgrades make it hands-down the best G coupe Infiniti has ever offered in the U.S. It still feels light and athletic, and thanks to the new suspension bits, the body stays as flat as Kansas when cornering. The steering lacks a bit of on-center feel, but feedback piles on the more you twist the wheel. As for the engine, it’s perhaps the best and sweetest-sounding version of Nissan’s VQ V-6 we’ve yet sampled, with linear and stout power delivery from midrange up through redline. Some of the gruffness of earlier VQs has been quelled, which allows you to better enjoy the crisp exhaust note, although we’d like Infiniti to dial up the volume a bit.
How Does It Stack Up?
The Infiniti does drive nicely, but we were hoping for more, particularly underhood. Yes, 348 horses are nice, but with just 270 lb-ft of twist, we can’t see ourselves shaving enough from the G37S coupe’s 5.3-second 0-to-60 time to crack into the fours. Compared with the 414-hp BMW M3 and the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V coupe, the IPL G is way short on power. Infiniti says this was intentional, apparently believing the public wouldn’t take to a $60,000 G coupe the same way it takes to a $60,000 3-series. “We’re just not there,” said a spokesman. Thus, the IPL G’s most significant competition comes not from cars with M, F, V, or AMG badges but instead from somewhat tamer vehicles like the 320-hp BMW 335is and Audi S5. Given that the regular G37 already matches up rather well against those cars, the IPL doesn’t do much at all to burnish Infiniti’s performance reputation. Why develop a “tuner” brand in the first place, if you’re not willing to deliver the goods?
What’s the Cost?
The base price for the IPL G coupe is $48,825 for the manual-transmission model and $50,725 with the automatic. The former is $1500 or so more than the manual-only G37S two-door fitted with the optional body kit but is less than comparably equipped 335is or S5 coupes, let alone anything wearing the aforementioned in-house tuner imprints. The IPL G offers no options other than color and transmission choice, which is fine given its high level of standard goodies. Soon, however, you might be able to choose a different body style, as an IPL G convertible was shown in September at the Paris auto show as a “concept,” and an IPL G sedan is a virtual guarantee. Like the coupe, they’ll look great but won’t be able to touch the comparable M3. Too bad, because any of those represents an Infiniti/BMW matchup we’d have loved to see.
Specifications
BASE PRICE: $48,825 (manual); $50,725 (auto)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 226 cu in, 3696 cc
Power: 348 bhp @ 7400 rpm
Torque: 276 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 7-speed automatic with manumatic shifting, 6-speed manual
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 185.1 in
Width: 71.8 in Height: 54.9 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3750-3800 lb
FUEL ECONOMY (MFR'S EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 17-19/25-27 mpg