INFINITI G Convertible Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

In its quest to offer a sportier competitor for the premium convertibles market, Infiniti introduced the IPL line on the already known G-Convertible range.

The Infiniti Performance Line took the regular G-Convertible and transformed it into a sportier vehicle. It was designed to compete against the European Premium car-makers. But it couldn't offer too many engine choices, so IPL took one good engine and made it better.

The IPL G-Convertible featured a different front bumper and a more aggressive look than the regular G37 Cabriolet from the outside. Two V-shaped lines started from the apron and were extended to the hood and connected to the A-pillars. The chromed grille increased the car's image. In the back, two large round pipes were placed under the rear bumper. A chromed lip was added to the trunk. The retractable hard-top was carried-over from the G-Convertible.

Inside, the Infiniti offered the IPL in two color treatments: Stone and Monaco Red. The latter was an exclusive color for the IPL range. The standard sound system was a 13-speakers Bose optimized for both closed or open top. It used the same infotainment unit as the G-Convertible, with a touch-screen installed on the center stack.

Under the hood, the IPL offered 18 more horsepower than the regular G. The difference was with the suspension system that offered a stiffer setting and provided a better cornering speed. The standard transmission was a 7-speed automatic (dual-clutch).

The G series were already a succes for Infiniti, but the Japanese brand thought something was missing. The planning director added the final piece to the puzzle, a convertible.

You would expect the convertible to be the same car as the sedan,only a topless coupe. You couldn't be more wrong. The entire car was redesigned: different body panels, a wider track and refreshed tail lights. One of the downsides of the convertible was the almost non-existent load area with the roof folded.

The standard equipment included a 13-speaker Bose sound system, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, an adaptive dual-zone climate control (adapting to changes in speed), 6 airabags, adaptive front lights and an intelligent cruise control.

The G37 had one engine option, the already well known 3.7-liter V6 found on the sedan as well. The powerplant developed 325 hp and 267 pound-feet of torque. The engine was mated to a 6-speed manual tranmission or 7.speed automatic with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

As you would expect, the price of the G37 was not a bargain, starting with $45.000.

The G37 had a fair rival, the BMW 3 Series convertible. Pretty hard to beat BMW, as the G37 was the second convertible the Japanese brand ever manufactured.

What would you choose, BMW or Infinity?