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Edmunds.com recently got their hands on the all new 2008 Infinity G37 Coupe that is set to debut on August 21 of this year. The G37 Coupe, the successor to the G35 Coupe, is Infinity's response to the BMW 335i that seems to be selling like hotcakes. The 3-series BMW has been a top seller for a number of years, and Infinity has set their sites on knocking them off the pedestal.
The biggest selling point of the BMW 335i is its turbocharged engine. While the Infinity G35 had plenty of power, they know that horsepower sells cars, and they knew that they would have to turn up the wick on the G37 if they wanted to compete with BMW. It was once said that horsepower sells cars, and torque makes it happen. Infinity is going to test this, because with 330 horsepower, the G37 Coupe has 30 more horsepower than the BMW 335i, but the G37 has 30 lb-ft less torque. Infinity found this extra power by raising the displacement from 3.5 liters, to 3.7 liters, and by also raising the compression ratio to 11.0:1 from the G35's 10.6:1. Drivers have the option of a paddle shifted 5 speed automatic transmission, or a smooth shifting 6 speed manual transmission.
Infinity has also worked on the suspension and handling characteristics of the G37 by providing it with a 36 percent more rigid frame. The buyer will also have the option for the Sport package that features 14 inch brake rotors and 4 piston calipers. These new brakes provide a 100 degree drop in brake temperatures over the G35's Sport Brake package that featured huge Brembo brakes. Four Wheel Active Steering will be available on the Premium package G37 coupes to help the Coupe through the turns.
The exterior styling has changed on the G37 as well. There are still similar cues, but there are certain obvious changes that buyers will notice. A new front grill and headlight setup is styled after some of the other Infinity fleet. The rear also features an integrated deck-lid spoiler that gives a nice sporty, yet subtle look to the coupe. The height and wheelbase have not changed much. Huge 19 inch wheels adorn the wheel-wells wrapped in sticky rubber.
Edmunds doesn't think the G37 will beat the BMW's acceleration times, due to its lower torque rating and heavier weight, but over 60 mph, the G37 is sure to catch up and overtake the 335i due to its extra 30 horsepower. However, the test drivers say that the G37's new chassis and suspension will leave the BMW eating dust in the corners. It should be interesting to see what impact the Infinity G37 coupe has on the BMW 335i sales. Stay tuned to RPM Planets for more great news on this and other exciting luxury coupes, including the upcoming Nissan Skyline GTR.
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Planet Asia 
