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car review

2009 Infiniti G37.

The mid-size Infiniti G37 sedan got a facelift and performance upgrade in 2009. For both driving enthusiasts and those with an eye for style, this was good news. Not only did it look as good as ever, but it was even faster than before.

Still utilizing the ubiquitous FM mid-ship platform, the '09 G37 featured Nissan/ Infiniti's ubiquitous VQ series V-6 engine bumped up to 3.7 litres, with 328 horsepower on tap – 22 more horses than its predecessor. By way of comparison, the same year of Acura TL boasted 305 horsepower and the Lexus GS350 AWD sedan 303 hp. Interestingly, the sedan version weighed less than the coupe, which was also offered as a convertible in this year.

Buyers could choose from two transmissions: seven-speed automatic and six-speed manual, and you could opt for either all-wheel-drive or the traditional rear-drive layout. The manual gearbox was only available with the Sport model, however, which also featured different profile wheels and tires and had a slightly harsher ride.

Arguably the most intriguing component of the 2009 G37 was the availability of Nissan/Infiniti's ATTESA all-wheel-drive system. Shared with other products in the company's lineup, including the M45X and FX35/50, it featured a rear-drive bias and came with other extras, such as a vehicle control system, brake assist and an Adaptive Shift Control that altered the shift intervals of the automatic transmission. Unlike virtually every other all-wheel-drive system on the market, ATTESA starts the vehicle off from a dead stop with all four wheels providing traction, and then reverts to rear-drive only once speeds increase and there is no need for AWD. It also goes back to AWD if road conditions deteriorate.

The RWD Sport version meanwhile, featured a four-wheel-steering setup, which essentially altered the geometry of the front and rear suspension during high-speed cornering. It's also interesting to note that the '09 G37 sedan received good marks for safety from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, garnering top grades in four out of five categories from the former organization.

In terms of creature comforts, the G37 was, and is, loaded. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof with shade, XM satellite radio, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, one-touch-up-and-down front windows and climate control all came standard.

The Premium package also featured Bluetooth connectivity, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, rear-view monitor and a navi system. All G37 sedans also received Nissan/Infiniti's "scratch-proof" paint in 2009. This latter feature restores the paint to its original lustre after minor scratches and scrapes.

No safety recalls from either Transport Canada or NHTSA for this vintage of the G37 sedan. The U.S. agency, however, does have 18 technical service bulletins on file, and these range from transmission shifting issues, fogging headlamp lenses, transmission "shuddering," various noises emanating from the interior of the car at highway speeds, brake shudder and warnings about disconnecting the battery cables while the car is running (don't do it). Issues with the transmission seem to be unusually numerous with this model.

Nonetheless, aside from some electrical glitches and brake system complaints, the 2009 G37 sedan gets high marks from Consumer Reports. In fact, it's on the magazine's "Good Bet" list, with top marks in virtually all departments. Mostly positive comments from owners as well, including: "Excellent on [the] open road, but in traffic, transmission shifts are horrible," "Has the most standard features in its class" and "You feel like you're in a space shuttle." A harsh ride with the 4WD model and poor rearward visibility seem to be common complaints.

Market research firm J.D. Power, meanwhile, gives the 2009 G37 sedan good, but not its best, marks in just about all areas, with a much better than average predicted reliability rating.

From a price of just less than $44,000 for the base model in 2009, the G37 sedan has dropped in value by $15,000 to $20,000. Prices vary depending upon options, of course, and the AWD versions are fetching $2,000 to $3,000 more than their 2WD stablemates.

globedrive@globeandmail.com

2009 Infiniti G37 Sedan

Original Base Price: $43,940; Black Book: $25,225-$31,075; Red Book: $24,350-$28,025

Engine: 3.7-litre V-6

Horsepower/Torque: 328 hp/269 lb-ft

Transmission: Six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic

Drive: All-wheel/rear-wheel

Fuel Economy (litres/100 km): 11.8 city/7.8 highway (AWD with automatic); premium gas

Alternatives: Acura TL, BMW 328i, Audi A4, Mercedes C350, Lexus GS350

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