Infiniti’s Spirited G37 Sport Coupe

BMW’s compact executive car, the 3 Series, has long been recognized as the benchmark by which all other cars in this segment are measured. With a class-leading 100,000 3 Series sold in the US yearly, BMW has successfully defended its territory from all-comers — until now.

For 2008, Nissan’s Infiniti division made a significant move forward with its G Series, specifically in its all-new G37, an eye-catching 2+2 coupe offering a strong alternative to BMW’s 335i coupe.

Defining features for the G37 include its L-shaped headlamps which augment the signature double-arched Infiniti grille. The sloping roofline takes its styling cues from the Nissan GT-R, the acclaimed sports car which went on sale in the US for the first time this summer. From the rear, the coupe features L-shaped tail lights along with an attractive, fully-integrated spoiler.

Once inside, front seat occupants enjoy comfortable, yet firm sport seating featuring side and center bolstering and adjustable thigh extensions. The sport steering is robust with magnesium transmission paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel for drivers who prefer the five-speed automatic over the six-speed manual transmission. The sport instrumentation cluster and center console puts cabin controls within easy reach.

Interior appointments are elegant, yet sporty, and feature steering wheel stitching and aluminum trim throughout. A rosewood trim upgrade is available for buyers desiring a more opulent cabin experience.

For rear seat occupants, seating is tight due to the G37’s sloping room line. Clearly, the coupe favors two adult occupants with the rear compartment best suited for young passengers or folded down to carry all of your sporting gear.

The Sport package is a popular option featuring the coupe’s manual transmission, 19-inch wheels, limited-slip rear differential, performance tires, sport-tuned brakes and suspension, and premium seating. Infiniti allows drivers to substitute an automatic transmission for the manual when ordering this package.

Performance is the G37’s strong suit, whisking occupants from 0 to 60 in just 5.5 seconds, almost matching what the 330i delivers. This is a notable accomplishment given that we’re comparing the Infiniti’s normally aspirated engine to BMW’s turbocharged motor. The stock steering provides outstanding feedback, though a four-wheel steering system is available for drivers seeking refined control.

Fuel economy is 18 mpg city/24 highway for the standard and Journey models; 17/26 for the top of the line Sport 6MT. The standard model retails for just over $34,000 while the Sport package adds about $2000 to the price; most option packages will push the retail amount into the low 40s range.

Will the G37 Coupe best the BMW 3 Series? In price, it does and in performance and appearance the Infiniti offers the 330i the type of competition that was lacking until now.

See Also — Hyundai Pulls In Tuners For Genesis Coupe

GM Budget Cuts Impact NASCAR

I expected to hear something about this all along, so it came as no surprise to me that bankrupt automaker, General Motors, would be cutting back on its support of NASCAR.  After all, when your losses are in the tens of billions of dollars you have to whack certain pet programs as you plant to do the same to some of your core brands.

Last week, GM brass met with Sprint Cup teams to review their commitment to them. Specifics of what GM had to say were left out, but word soon began circulating that the beleaguered automaker had announced a funding cutback. GM says that they are also planning to reduce funding for the Nationwide Series and Camping World Truck Series, meaning that some teams will have to rethink how they manage their businesses.

Johnny Benson Leaves Truck Series

This year has been a tough one for a lot of NASCAR teams, particularly those participating in the truck series. Sponsors have been pulling back or aren’t available to support the teams as strongly as they had in the past, making it difficult for some teams to field trucks. Red Horse Racing, which had been running a Toyota Tundra with 2008 truck series champion Johnny Benson at the wheel, ended up pulling truck #1 from the series due to lack of funding. A few days after that announcement Benson was seriously injured in a super-modified race held in Grand Rapids and is now recovering.

Chrysler is expected to cut back its support as well, having emerged from bankruptcy protection earlier this month and is now part of the Fiat Group. Ford, which has avoided federal government intervention so far has also cut back on funding, leaving Toyota as the only NASCAR manufacturer who hasn’t announced plans to trim NASCAR funding.

Other Manufacturers To Jump In?

As several manufacturers cut back on support, word has it that NASCAR is courting Nissan and Honda to gauge their interest in the sport. Honda currently supplies Indy Car with all of their engines, while Nissan has cut back on motor sports funding of late. However, given the chance to jump in, might both companies consider doing so? Yes, and perhaps Volkswagen and Hyundai would join them.

See Also — Mark Martin Proves That Age Isn’t A Barrier