Updated with a more powerful engine last year, the G37 coupe ranks as a superb sports coupe with the feel of a sports car with the added convenience of a deep-dish back seat. This is a car with few flaws and many superlatives.

The G Coupe’s styling matches previous models, which isn’t bad. The car truns heads, but usually of those who are enthusiasts themselves and have their own rapid ride to compare it to. Like many cars these days, the rear bumper sits like a big chunky thoughtless add-on at the back of the car. Trying to get superior crash test ratings probably accounts for the big bumper, but stylists should find a way to better integrate it into the car’s otherwise good looks.

Entry to the car is by an easy-to-use keyless system. You ingress the trunk via a small chrome button in the middle of the left tail light. A nice touch.

Once inside, a simple but tasteful interior awaits. Chrome accents in the doors and on the console break up what might have been a bland expanse of plastic. Straight-forward controls for audio and climate are a welcome addition when so many cars have given way to excessive electronic wizardry to manipulate functions that only serve to distract. Steering wheel controls for audio and cruise further ease the driver’s duties. The entire instrument cluster moves with the steering wheel when adjusted up and down. The wheel also telescopes. Form-fitting electrically adjustable seats allow everyone except those descended from simians to get comfortable.

Driving the car is extremely rewarding. The engine starts with a push button. The raspy exhaust sounds like other Nissans/Infinitis and can sound a bit tinny, but does not annoy. The V6 produces a surprising amount of torque allowing very quick launches from the starting line. The hard charging nature of the driving experience makes if feel like you’re always racing. As revs build, power comes on with a rush. The firm suspension lacks the suppleness of some German counterparts, but never gets too jarring. Control is excellent with quick and accurate steering response and, thanks to variable effort, seqsports car heavy feel at speed and luxury light in the parking lot. Switch off the stability control (VDC) and the rear end will slide out under heavy throttle in the turns. But the quality chassis makes the brief slipup very controllable.

The car now has a seven speed automatic transmission, which is like having a Belmont Stakes winner pull a plow. The tranny has a manumatic mode that lets you shift using steering wheel paddles, but this system, like others we’ve tried, shifts entirely too slowly to approximate the quickness and control offered by a true manual transmission. Infiniti has also reworked the clutch pedal linkage on its sticks, supposedly making for an even more satisfying manual experience.

A truly nice car on many fronts and one that would be most enjoyable on the country drive that we all so much.

Dimensions
Wheelbase/Length          112.2 in./183.1 in.
Width/Height                   71.8 in./54.9 in.
Track (front/rear)              60.8 in./58.5 in.
Headroom (front/rear)       37.7 in. (with moonroof) 
Legroom (front/rear)         43.8/29.8
Shoulder room (front/rear) 53.7 in./52.7 in.
Curb weight                     2.718 lbs.
Total Passenger volume   82.7 cu. ft.
Cargo volume                  7.4 cu. ft.
Fuel tank capacity           20.0 gallons

Specifications
Engine                 3.7L V6
Horsepower          300 @ 7,000 rpm
Acceleration         0-60 mph 5.5 sec.
Braking                60-0 mph 113 feet
EPA city/highway 18/24mpg

Warranties
Bumper-to-bumper  4/60,000
Powertrain             6/70,000
Rust-through          7/Unlimited

Competitors: BMW 3-Series, Ford Mustang GT, Mercedes-Benz CLK350, Nissan 370Z