Preview: 2008 Infiniti G Coupe

[Variance]

Preview: 2008 Infiniti G Coupe

This sketch, released by Infiniti on January 10th, depicts what the ’08 G35 Coupe will look like (above left illustration). Compared with the previously released G35 Concept (above right photograph), the most striking aspect is the front fascia. The nose has been rounded and softened, compared with the almost angular face of the Concept G35. Whether the result of production or safety requirements (or perhaps aero development), this styling iteration lessens the initial visual impact of the car. To combat this, the grille becomes a more prominent feature, using the same Japanese katana (sword) chrome slats that were employed so effectively in the G35 sedan. Looking just beneath this, the twin lower air intakes on the concept car have morphed into a more conventional rectangular radiator opening flanked by two other intakes. These intakes appear ideally placed (and large enough) to feed cool air directly to the VQ35HR (if that is indeed the engine) for maximum effect.

The catamaran styling of the hood and front fenders separate the Infiniti from its Nissan corporate brethren. The hood features curves and sharp creases which blend smoothly into a sweeping roofline. The L-shaped headlights appear to contain dual High Intensity Discharge (HID) arrays and side reflector strip. The sides are equally fascinating, with upper and lower accent lines which emphasize the sensuous curves and sweep of the bulged fender flares. The upper line sweeps slightly downward and across the conventional door handle of the car, making the wedge styling more apparent. Rocker panels are equally fascinating, with a sweep to emphasize the ‘coke-bottle’ styling from the powerful fender flares. The greenhouse of both the sketch and the concept G35C promise a sweeping, airy view from the cockpit, but it remains to be seen whether the B-pillar has been eliminated to make way for a frameless door. As expected, the twin camera “mirrors” of the concept car have been replaced with more conventional side mounted mirrors. Likewise, the 20” wheels on the concept car look to be replaced with more conventional 18 or 19” wheels to fill the wheel wells. Current G35 drivers will note the styling of the ten-spoke wheel in the sketch is a development of the unique Infiniti wheel theme.

In summary, this 3/4 sketch of the ’08 G35 Coupe promises a dynamic, stunning experience. And this before the engine is even fired! Unique styling features are used to separate this Infiniti model from the upcoming Z car and indeed, from anything else in the world. Nissan Sport looks forward to viewing and driving the newest version of this high-end sport coupe and giving you the inside scoop!

--David Muramoto, Senior Editor

Nissan Sport Magazine

[Flybrian]

The hood creases are soooo mid-90s Buick. You can see them on the Riv, Park Ave, and preceeding XP2000 concept.

[Z-06]

The hood creases are soooo mid-90s Buick. You can see them on the Riv, Park Ave, and preceeding XP2000 concept.

May be Buick was really their inspiration.

[Sixty8panther]

The hood creases are soooo mid-90s Buick. You can see them on the Riv, Park Ave, and preceeding XP2000 concept.

Not a bad thing... it's got some 1995-99 riviera in it for sure! except this is RWD.

I sure hope they used that KATANA to cut open the rear window and eliminate

the B-pillar to make a true hardtop... that would be enough to make me an

Infiniti fan for life, and probably buy one (used) someday.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

T1GHT WH!P$ car club is in full effect!

Edited January 10, 2007 by Sixty8panther

[Flybrian]

and probably buy one (used) someday.

Good luck with that. Half of the G35 coupes out there are owned by under-30 punks with more downpayment than brains. They don't take care of them.

[Cory Wolfe]

Sexy. Sexier than the current one? So far, no, but this is just a sketch.

[Variance]

May be Buick was really their inspiration.

That's a good one.

[Intrepidation]

The hood creases are soooo mid-90s Buick. You can see them on the Riv, Park Ave, and preceeding XP2000 concept.

Except this looks hot as hell...none of those cars did.

[Flybrian]

The XP2000 was hot.

[Cadillacfan]

I really like the current G35 coupe. This appears to be just as evolutionary as the new sedan model and that's alright with me. Why mess with success? GM is playing by the same rules with the new CTS as well.

[Delta Force79]

Except this looks hot as hell...none of those cars did.

I'll take my 1995 Riviera over that....

[Intrepidation]

I'll take my 1995 Riviera over that....

I would take the Aurora over the Riviera myself.

[Delta Force79]

So would I

[FAPTurbo]

Good luck with that. Half of the G35 coupes out there are owned by under-30 punks with more downpayment than brains. They don't take care of them.

Quoted for truth.

[VenSeattle]

You guys wonder why my favorite brands are Buick and Infiniti...

Infiniti does not actually copy Buick styling, but has tastefully interpreted and used several interior and exterior styling traits that have shown up on Buicks over the years. The current Q45 with a waterfall grille would make a perfect Buick flagship:

Even now... If the spy pic of the new Buick Statesman/Lucerne from downunder is any indication... I'm going to get my wish of a Buick Q45 equivalent:

They're not even close to being identical. They are different interpretations of a similar vision. You can tell they would appeal to the same type of buyer.

[VenSeattle]

The 2nd gen Infiniti Q45 was nothing more than a Japanese Buick:

[Drew Dowdell]

expected and unremarkable. You wouldn't know it was "special" except for the logo on the grill.

[VenSeattle]

expected and unremarkable. You wouldn't know it was "special" except for the logo on the grill.

As for the G-Coupe artist interpretation... yeah... it actually made me think of a Hyundai Tiburon. Hopefully it will look better in the flesh.

[Robert Hall]

The 2nd gen Infiniti Q45 was nothing more than a Japanese Buick:

But much nicer, being RWD w/ a V8 ...

[Drew Dowdell]

But much nicer, being RWD w/ a V8 ...

[Chris_Doane]

Hopefully it will look better in the flesh.

It does.

[sciguy_0504]

The current G35 coupe is sexy and usually the person in the driver's seat is, too. Hopefully this continues the trend but the drawing looks somewhat overweight and bulbous.

[Robert Hall]

I'm looking forward to seeing the new G35...I like the current one..haven't driven one, but have ridden them a couple times..a couple weeks ago, a coworker bought a dark blue '06, pretty sweet, a big step up from his old Cavalier..(though the Cav was probably better in snow).

Edited February 3, 2007 by moltar

[Guest YellowJacket894]

I like it. Looks real nice. The sketch has a nice stance. Hope the real car is close to that.

[Variance]

Real-life teaser:

The coupe will officially be badged as the "G37".

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/13/next-in...ally-named-g37/

[Autoholic217]

That teaser image reminds me of Maserati's new GranTurismo.

[balthazar]

I definately see both some tiburon in the side & some Riviera in the hood. But it's interesting that nissan is going 'backwards' in going with a more '90s rounded shape, when sharper edges are coming into fashion now. The one thing that needs an immediate fix is the super-elongated headlights stretching over the front wheels. Blorfy. The rest, overall, is nice, tho I think I'd pick the current one; less derivative.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Ya know, I just can't get past the Infiniti grille... I hate it. I see "sports car" all over this design until I get to the grille which says "1980s Buick"

Oh well.

The second teaser pic bodes well for the car though.

Edited March 21, 2007 by FUTURE_OF_GM

[thegriffon]

All-New Infiniti G37 Coupe Debuts At New York Auto Show, Sets New Standards For Style, Performance and Luxury

Highlights Include New 330 Horsepower* V6, Seductive Styling and Luxury Appointments

The all-new 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe, which makes its world debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, combines the exhilarating performance, stunning styling and modern, sporty interior of the original Infiniti G Coupe and accelerates each to new levels. Among the key enhancements to the new second-generation G Coupe are a larger, more powerful 3.7-liter V6 engine, available advanced 4-Wheel Active Steer system, a dramatic new exterior design and a refined interior with intuitive, integrated technology. The G37 Coupe joins the recently introduced, all-new 2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan in Infiniti showrooms nationwide in August. …

Go to full release and photos at AutoReport

[The O.C.]

I would take the Aurora over the Riviera myself.

Riviera ANY day....!

Much sexier, cohesive design on the exterior......way more stylish interior.

I like the 4.0L DOHC motor, but the supercharged 3800 was in it's prime back then.