2009 Infiniti G37 S sedan driving impressions and test data

Whereas in the G35 S, the "S" represented a sport-tuned suspension, 18-in. wheels, and paddle shifters, for the G37 S, it now signifies a quicker 14.7:1 steering ratio (versus the G35 S's 16.4:1) and an Akebono brake system that boasts bigger discs (14.0-in. front/13.8-in. rear versus 13.0-in. front/rear) and four-piston front/two-piston rear fixed calipers. There are also new 18-in. alloys to accommodate the beefier binders. In 60-to-0 braking, the G37 S nearly matches the performance of the lighter G35 S -- 110 ft versus 109 -- but on a long, twisty road or a racetrack, where fade resistance is the remedy for myriad hard stops, it would likely outperform its forebear.

On public roads, the overall dynamics and feel of the G37 S are quite similar to that of the G35 S -- well-balanced, easy to induce oversteer, taut ride -- except, of course, that the G37 S feels a step quicker. Turn-in, thanks to the quicker ratio, feels sharper, and the aforementioned Akebonos deliver more progressive modulation, although during the figure-eight exercise, road-test editor Scott Mortara noticed more noise than he was expecting.

As this writing went to the digital presses, we had yet to receive official pricing, but Infiniti PR folk did indicate that the '09 G37 would receive a modest hike in light of the '08 G35. So figure a base price of around $34,000, with a well-equipped Sport version like our tester, which also had the Premium and Navigation Packages, topping out at roughly $41,000. In the realm of near-luxury sport sedans, that price tag represents strong value -- a similarly outfitted Audi A4 3.2 Quattro or BMW 335i can easily fetch $50,000. Considering the state of our economy, those savings can mean having your cake and eating it, too.