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Road Test Reviews: 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport - Part 1

Posted by Jeff Glucker on Wednesday, September 03, 2008 6:01 PM

2008 Infiniti G37S
The 2008 Infiniti G37S is happy to see you too ...

The signature analog clock in the center stack of the 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport is trying to tell me the time; however, I am having a hard time paying attention because the windows are down, the sunroof is open, my right foot is planted, and the exhaust note from the 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve VVEL V6 engine is screaming a sweet symphony that is attacking all my senses.

For 2008, Infiniti has upped the ante by adding 0.2 liters and 55 horses under the hood to bring the power up to 330 hp and 270 lb-ft torque total. On the G37 Sport you also get the Sport-tuned suspension and Sport brakes with 4-piston calipers, as well as the Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD). To cover the massive rotors (14 in front/13.8 in rear), Infiniti fits the G37 Sport with a set of very nice looking 19-in wheels front and back (225/40ZR/19 tires in the front and 245/40ZR/19 out back).

2009 Infiniti G37S Console
The clock is staring you in the face, but the aluminum trim on the shift knob is asking to be massaged.

The car is quite fun to drive as every shift culminates in a proper driving experience. The clutch is responsive and the throws of the 6-speed manual transmission are short and crisp. At times, the clutch is almost too responsive, as it tends to grab the gear very quickly on down shifts. If your passenger is sipping a soda, and you have to go from 4th to 3rd in a hurry, they may end up with Dr. Pepper in their lap.

The 2008 Infiniti G37 Sport is leaving me with a really strong first impression ... stay tuned to see how the rest of our time together shapes up.

Be sure also to check out the Infiniti 2009s at NADAguides.com, your best source for new car reviews.

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Currently rated 4.9 by 12 people

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Reader Comments

Graeme 9/4/2008 8:18 AM

How is the space inside the car? Can a larger man ride comfortably?

Jeff Glucker 9/4/2008 8:51 AM

@Graeme:
At 6'3" 220+lbs, I can attest that a larger man can ride comfortably...

The seat is definitely wrapped around your legs and lower back due to the sporty bolsters holding you in, but it is comfortable... no one could sit behind you though as my seat was about 2" away from the "seat" behind me.♠

Rich 9/4/2008 9:46 AM

Is there enough room in the back seat for adults?
Maybe a black German Shepard?

Jeff Glucker 9/4/2008 9:51 AM

@Rich:
I think a German Shepard would fit in the back just fine... An adult could fit behind the passenger seat, but would have a hard time behind the driver unless that driver was fairly short.
This is more of a 3-person+1-large dog car, than a 4-person car.

Derek 9/4/2008 2:09 PM

Can you translate 3-person+1-large dog car to how many midgets this car would comfortably seat?

Jeff Glucker 9/4/2008 2:11 PM

@Derek: Not exactly, but I think it gets about 40 Rods to the Hogshead...

Jeffrey Silberman 3/1/2009 9:10 AM

I researched months in advance before the test drive. Drove it 5 minutes and said I'll take it. The one thing I didn't notice at the time was just how tight the headroom is. At exactly 6' 225lbs, with anything other than slicked back hair, I have to put my head in the sunroof to avoid rubbing the headliner. The only other alternative is to recline into the passengers lap. The seat does not lower nearly enough. Other thatn this issue and the lack of visibility in the rear corners or adequate wheel protection from high curb or belgian blocks, I love the car.
The cabin is tight. Its also a squeeze to reach seat controls, especially when wearing a watch. Still getting used to the car. Coming from a 944 turbo, this car is enormous. The smaller porsche had more cabin space everywhere except the back seats (the main reason I bough this car). I have two kids and still don't want a four door for when we drive in my car.
Again, I do love the car but disappointed at how this car could be this big and heavy with less room for the occupants. Oh, and no flange protected tire option. In the first week of getting used to backing out of my driveway, I got a little to close to the edge and scratch a rim. I could not believe that it was that easy to damage these rims. This car is wider and longer than the Porsche, but I used to be able to park with tires touching the curb at work.
Two weeks after getting the car, and parking 4 inches away from the curb, another car side swiped my parked car. That might not have happened if I could park closer to the curb without risking wheel damage.

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