A few days ago some spyshots of a mysteriously handsome Infiniti Coupe appeared on car forums around the web, and maybe that forced the company to reveal the car in full. So here it is, a high performance version of the G37 Coupe, which is called the IPL G Coupe. I know that sound more like an alternative fuel rather than a car, but it’s the the car that “Infiniti Performance Line” debuts with. They are going to be the Japanese brand’s AMG or M-division.
On the surface, the G Coupe by IPL seems promising. It features an aggressive design with a dramatic front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. We are particularly fond of those 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels wrapped in low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires.
They will only offer two exterior colors for this car, Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black.
The same applies for the interior, where you can choose between Graphite and Monaco Red (red interior only available with the Malbec Black exterior and 7-speed automatic transmission). All IPL G Coupe interiors include red-stitched leather-appointed front sport seats with manual thigh extension and driver’s power torso and thigh support adjustment, red-stitched steering wheel, Silk Obi aluminum trim, and aluminum pedals and footrest.
Standard equipments of this sport/luxury coupe includes Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose® premium audio system, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive, Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation, memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors, RearView Monitor, Rear Sonar and moonroof.
But the most important factor with every high performance model is indeed the power. Here Infiniti, instead of providing a big V8 like its rivals BMW M3 and Audi RS5, has gone for a tweaked version of the standard car’s VQ37HR 3.7-liter V6 which delivers 348 horsepower – only 18 more than the non-IPL models – and 276 lb-ft of torque – only 6 more. So we check that, it’s not a rival for M3 or RS5!
The IPL G Coupe will be however more affordable than the Germans, and all in all, it seems to be great fun. The car also offers a sport-tuned steering gear and large 4-wheel sport brakes with aluminum-alloy opposed calipers (4-piston front/2-piston rear) and Viscous Limited-Slip Differential.
“IPL was conceived to create a new premium performance envelope, going beyond equipment upgrades to accelerate the very soul of Infiniti’s Inspired Performance,” said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore. “IPL brings all the elements together, styling harmonized with performance, exhaust note with acceleration feel, ride comfort and confident handling. It’s the perfect formula for unmatched driving exhilaration.”
IPL models will be identified by a special engine cover and trunklid badging. The IPL emblem is designed to reinforce the strong message and spirit of IPL. The letter “I” features a red insert representing sporty spirit, while the Infiniti-violet “shadow” behind the letter appears like an Infiniti flag to indicate the brand’s Inspired Performance promise.
IPL G Coupe Specs:
IPL-tuned 3.7-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ37HR V6
348 horsepower @ 7,400 rpm
276 lb-ft torque @ 5,200 rpm
IPL-tuned high-flow dual exhaust
Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission with short-throw shifter or 7-speed automatic transmission with solid magnesium paddle shifters
IPL-tuned performance suspension with independent front double wishbone / independent rear multi-link, front and rear stabilizer bars
19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels (19×8.5″ front / 19×9″ rear)
P225/45R19 front / P245/40R19 rear W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer tires
14.7:1 sport-tuned steering gear
4-wheel ventilated disc sport brakes with aluminum-alloy 4-piston opposed front brake calipers / 2-piston opposed rear calipers
Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VSLD)
IPL aerodynamics with front and rear fascias, side sills and rear spoiler
Unique IPL emblem
IPL engine cover
Red-stitched sport front seats and steering wheel
Aluminum pedals and footrest
Interior colors: Monaco Red Leather and Graphite Leather
Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose® premium audio system
Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System with XM NavTraffic® with Real-Time Traffic Information, XM NavWeather™ with Real-Time Weather and 3-day forecast (XM® subscription required, sold separately), Zagat® Restaurant Guide and 9.3GB Music Box® Hard Drive
RearView Monitor
Rear Sonar System
Moonroof
Exterior colors: Malbec Black and Graphite Shadow