G37s vs. G37x

The Infiniti G37 replaced the G37 in 2009 with few interior and exterior changes, but a larger and more powerful engine with a 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V-6. A 298-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 powered the G35. G37 trim levels were the base, Journey and X models. A seven-speed automatic transmission was standard on the new G37 models, but a six-speed manual was available if customers ordered the Sport 6MT version – hence the “s” in G37s. Options featured the Premium Package, Sport Packages, Nav Package and Tech Package.

The G37s is a rear-wheel drive sports car compared to the all-wheel drive G37x. Buyers can order the Sport 6MT package on the Journey model. The 2012 models feature a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that includes a short-throw shifter. It sits on 19-by-8.5-inch front wheels and 19-by-9-inch rear wheels, which are V-spoke aluminum-alloy. The chassis includes sport brakes and sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and double-piston shocks. The nose has a sport front fascia and the roof is a power-tinted glass moonroof. Infiniti’s navigation system with seven-inch touch-screen display with 3D graphics comes with the package, along with a Bose 11-speaker audio system. At the rear is a sonar system to avoid collisions while backing the car.

The G37x comes equipped with an ATTESA E-TS Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with electronic torque system matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The system features two extra gears to allow the engine to rev at low speeds and monitors wheelspin, vehicle speed and throttle position. This helps divert as much as 50 percent of the vehicle’s power to the front wheels to enhance traction to create more responsiveness to the driver’s touch. The all-wheel drive system also helps the G37x reach zero to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. Like the G37s, the G37x carries the standard equipment available on the G37 Journey. Equipment includes heated front seats, dual-power exterior mirrors, dual-zone air conditioning, rearview monitor, and USB connection for iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

The 3.7-liter V-6 engine powers the G37s and G37x models. For 2012 models, Infiniti tweaked the output rating to 330 horsepower and 270 foot-pounds of torque. Both models match fuel efficiency, earning 18 mph in city driving and 26 on the highway. The primary difference between the G37s and the G37x is that G37x is a capable winter sports car with its “snow mode” feature with the all-wheel drive system. Yet the G37x is also 150 pounds heavier than the 4,099-pound G37s, making the all-wheel drive model less agile and light to the touch on the steering wheel on tight curves than the G37s. The G37s performs marginally better than the G37x in straight-line speed contests by reaching zero to 60 in 5 seconds. For 2012 models, the G37s costs $43,800 and the G37x costs $40,700.