Posts Tagged ‘Infiniti Performance Line’

2012 Infiniti G37 IPL: Pricing, Specs and Availability

BMW has M-Power, Mercedes-Benz offers AMG, Lexus shows off its F-Sport models and Audi has its S-Line. Until only recently, Infiniti did not have a performance division to entice sport-minded buyers toward even racier models, but the 2012 G37 IPL (“Infiniti Performance Line”) changes all that.

Starting with one of our all-time favorite sport coupes, the G37, the IPL adds a bit of power, a firmer suspension, tons of extra standard equipment and truly menacing exterior and interior visual flair. But priced from $49,800, the IPL starts at $5,600 more than the already excellent 2012 G37S Coupe. So is the upgrade worth it?

The new top-dog G37 doesn’t feature enough grunt to knock over a tall building like an AMG model, indeed its 3.7-liter V6 outputs just 18 horsepower more than the base G37. But this car isn’t about numbers, it’s about being different than the crowd, loving what you drive and driving it hard.

[2012 Infiniti G37 Coupe Pricing: MSRP $38,695] – Before Incentives

[2012 Infiniti G37 Sedan Pricing: MSRP $37,295] – Before Incentives

It may not be as quick in a straight line, but for our luxury sport dollars we’d take this car over a C63 AMG, a Lexus IS-F or an Audi S4/S5. Those are some bold words. Can it compare to a BMW M3, though, or even a 335i Coupe? Sorry Infiniti, but you’re getting closer!

2012 Infiniti G37 IPL Quick Facts

Engine: Nissan VQ37 3.7-liter V6
Power Output: 348 hp @ 7,400 rpm and 276 lb-ft. of torque @ 5,200 rpm
Drivetrain: Front engine, rear-wheel drive with viscous limited-slip differential
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed paddle-shifted automatic
Curb Weight: 3,769 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
Top Speed: 150 mph
Fuel Economy: 17 city/25 highway mpg (Manual), 19 city/27 highway mpg (Automatic)
Base Price: $49,800
Availability: Out now.

Infiniti FX50 Sebastian Vettel Edition Approved For Production

Recent F1 champion and ace wheelman Sebastian Vettel knows a thing or two about how to make a car go fast. When Nissan brought its special Infiniti FX50 Sebastian Vettel edition crossover as a concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it looked every bit the dream machine worthy of its name. Now the luxury brand has announced the sport crossover will make production as part of its Infiniti Performance Line (IPL).

From its carbon fiber F1-inspired front and rear diffusers and side sills to huge flat-black wheels and rear hatch spoiler, this FX50 is one of the best looking models in Infiniti’s current hit-or-miss styling lineup. Better still, the Vettel edition is tuned for even more power than the standard 2011 FX50; 414 horses, to be exact, thanks to new intake and exhaust systems and ECU mapping.

Infiniti says that’s enough for a 5.6-second dash to 60 mph and a 186 mph top speed. Now we know what Vettel will be driving on his days off.