Infiniti muscles up its stock G37 Convertible.
With the launch of its new IPL G Convertible, Infiniti is adding some real muscle to its new performance sub-brand.
At 343 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, the 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible gets a noticeable bump up from the more conventional Infiniti G37 cabrio, a well-received improvement from the base car which had plenty of show but needed more go.
First introduced at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and then updated, in concept form, at the recent Pebble Beach Concours, the IPL G shares its 3.7-liter engine with the standard-issue G37 Convertible, but it undergoes some exhaust tuning and engine management changes that add an extra 18 horsepower and 16 lb-ft of torque.
The V-6 engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic that features downshift rev matching, magnesium paddle shifters and adaptive shift control.
The suspension is retuned to deliver more aggressive handling, with uprated steering and brakes also part of the IPL upgrade. Slight body modifications improve aerodynamics, as well. And the IPL G rides on special 19-inch, 7-spoke alloy wheels shot with Bridgestone Potenza tires.
Like the stock G37 Convertible, the IPL G features a 3-piece folding hardtop. Sadly, it offers no more trunk space than the minimalist original. Standard equipment covers a wide gamut, including navigation, Bluetooth, Bose audio and dual-zone auto climate control.
While Infiniti hasn’t yet announced a price the IPL G Convertible should come in at around $50,000.
The cabrio edition expands the IPL line-up which was launched with a beefed-up version of the G Coupe. Infiniti officials suggest we’ll see even more models wearing the IPL badge going forward. The Nissan luxury marque has been pushing its performance DNA as a way to emerge from the second tier of high-line brands and could eventually position IPL as a serious challenger to the likes of the BMW M, Mercedes-Benz AMG and Audi S sub-brands.