Infiniti G37 Coupe Review and Test Drive

In the $40,000+ price range, it’s hard to make a bad choice when buying a new vehicle. If you’re looking for a sporty and luxurious coupe with usable rear seats you really can’t go wrong. Even if you pick on styling alone, you won’t make a bad decision. The G37 Coupe from Infiniti has great curves that make a convincing case.

Exterior

Spending time with this car in black and studying the styling, I came across a realization. Make some minor changes such as eliminating the chrome, round the tail lights and add some yellow prancing horse badges and it could easily pass for a grand tourer from Ferrari. That is how well the lines on this car look in person. The same could be said in the 4th (and last) generation Toyota Supra from 1993 to 1998.

Details like the headlights, hood line and front fenders are exquisite. Fit and finish are exemplary with excellent fitment of the body panels. Even the standard 18” rims look proportionate in this day of 19s and 20s on many models.

Interior

The keyless entry and push button start combined with exterior push button locking is very convenient. It takes a while to remember to stop reaching for the key to start it. Its proximity technology is so accurate it can detect what side of the car the key holder is standing by only allowing that door to unlock. The exterior push button trunk feature is nice as well.

The other favorite part is the rear back-up camera. A proximity sensor usually makes for a messy back bumper. The camera makes life so easy, not just due to the rear visibility but also keeping a lookout for shorter obstacles like curbs, rocks, shrubs, etc. Using graphics to trace the path of the vehicle makes for great visualization of the intended path. As mentioned in the Audi A5 review, the fisheye lens means a broad view in case of cross traffic in a parking lot.

The memory driver’s seat is very comfortable and the ergonomics are excellent. It’s a little bit of a reach for the seatbelt but that is common in coupes. The dashboard display is beautiful at night with great colors. It does take some time to learn the intricacies of the integrated navigation and audio systems but that is expected. The selector dial on the dash is a little bit of a reach instead of where the arm falls naturally in the center console area like Audis and BMWs. If the passenger reaches for it, an accidental press of the hazard button has happened several times.

The wood dash option looks great but is dark. The brushed aluminum has a sporty element with a nice contrast. For 2010, the aluminum has a slightly different finish and there iPod hook-up is more integrated instead of an adaptor cable needed. Also the heated seats have switches instead of dials. The owner reports moving things to the passenger seat (like a purse…) may turn a dial accidentally, hence the change to switches.

Despite telescoping and tilt steering (which moves the driver’s dashboard display), it could offer slightly more downward adjustment.

Thinking about the MSRP of the mid-40s and what could be changed in terms of upgrades are few. More power via a V-8 is one way provided the weight gain and front-to-rear balance isn’t altered too much. If the seatbelts were structurally integrated into the seats, that would solve the need to reach or twist to grab the seat belt. How much of a weight gain it would take would be interesting to know, along with crash testing, etc.

Driving Experience

Driving the car is so effortless. The 7-speed automatic means the car always seems to be in the right gear with no dead spots or lag. It’s very smooth with no hint of the commonly reported vibration or harshness of the 370Z especially with the manual transmission. This particular model is not the “Sport” model. The Sport model brings paddle shifters, a limited slip differential, larger brakes and a stiffer suspension. For daily driving this isn’t necessary because the ride is so good.

The brakes take a light touch, almost too light. It takes some getting used to. The engine response is a little jumpy or touchy as if the tune for the fuel delivery is a little sudden. Revised engine mapping or throttle programming with the drive-by-wire system would easily solve this. I can’t imagine it’s simply a function of the 3.7 liter engine being tuned to 330hp.

Acceleration is more than adequate but barely qualifies for a helmet at the drag strip. Enough for traffic and decent mileage but it’s not a racer. It’s so nice that you don’t care whether or not you get beat by the kid next to you in a Mustang or Camaro. Because it just doesn’t matter when you’re rolling in a sweet combination of art and jewelry.

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Toyota Owed an Apology by Consumer Reports

And from the mainstream media as well. Enough is enough, now they are being picked on. Toyota has faulty accelerator pedals and floor mats that are being recalled, that has been established and explained in my article here. What must first be clarified is that the problems caused unintended continued acceleration, not unintended acceleration. The pedals did not apply themselves. Now Consumer Reports gives a "Don't Buy: Safety Risk" because the stability control on two different 2010 Lexus GX 460 SUVs didn't activate at an acceptable level during intended induced oversteer (fishtailing). But no rollover!

CR tries to put this in perspective by stating, "No other SUV in recent years slid out as far as the GX 460". Allow me to put this in real world perspective, "Millions of vehicles on the road don't have stability control at all." Whether this is a sensor calibration or software issue, it doesn't matter. It's good to bring it to Toyota's attention, but it does not merit a "Don't Buy" rating. Not in the slightest. Oh, by the way, Toyota didn't encounter the problem during the vehicle development. And oddly, CR didn't have the problem with the Toyota 4Runner on the same platform.

It's bad enough there are calls to 911 instead of taking proper steps like shifting into neutral while continuously applying the brakes and then turning off the car. Now an organization that has been discredited in the past has done it again. I've written about trucks that have been lifted beyond the stock height that should be lowered, but this is an abomination in the opposite direction.

The bottom line is any vehicle can flip over during a high speed maneuver and striking an object. Apparently CR discovered a Lexus SUV can be drifted. Now that is an SUV that is fun to drive.

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Ultima GTR - Building the Street-Legal Race Car

Part one is building of the Ultima GTR. Part two will be a test ride review.

The Ultima GTR is very special vehicle. Essentially a tube-frame race car that happens to be street legal, it's a kit that must be assembled. However the end result is very impressive. Take a look at their website and see for yourself. In this case, Chris Julian, a brilliant medical device inventor with over 20 patents is making modifications and refinements during the over 3 year build process while running his company, Ridge Medical, Inc. And the good news it's almost done!

The car is available as a kit for $41,000 which includes free shipping via boat from the United Kingdom. A rolling chassis is $89,000 but still needs an engine. In this case, a 505 horsepower Corvette Z-06 motor was found, still in the crate on Ebay. An ideal powerplant due to it's light weight, power and dry sump lubrication system for a low center of gravity. The rebuilt transmission is from a 1980's era Porsche Turbo which will handle the power and package nicely in the rear of the car. At a target weight of 2,200 lbs, it's power to weight ratio is simply incredible when most exotics are over 3,000lbs.

The most noticeable, and beautiful of the custom modifications is the "bundle of snakes" exhaust headers designed by the owner. Check out the video, they make for a nice exotic sound you usually only hear at historic races. This fabrication was one of the biggest challenges. Check out the slidehow of the various enhancements.

There are other quite clever modifications as well. Knowing how lousy the roads are in Northern California, not to mention driveway curbs and the like, ground clearance would be an issue at a stock 3.5". Suspension mounting brackets with remotely activated hydraulic rams extend the ride height 2" to overcome obstacles. Low speed ride height adjustment is rare even among exotics.

A fuel surge tank was added to assure properly fuel pressure during high g-force loads. An integrated datalogger was added with multiple inputs and programmability. Currently set up for fuel and oil pressure, brake temperature, engine bay temperature and air pressure under the car all with alarms in case a pre-determined threshold is reached. Fire suppression is also on this car.

It will have air conditioning, a defroster and numerous revisions to the interior including a status display. The color is a gel coat which is embedded in the fiberglass body itself which makes rock chips less conspicuous. Another step in weight reduction would be a full carbon fiber body but unfortunately is no longer offered.

The Chris's description of the kit car market is "buyer beware" but was very impressed with the build quality of the Ultima. But like any small volume manufacturer or kit car, there will be challenges in building and maintaining. The suspension must be partially disassembled to change the battery. The side pods are not designed to be easily removed despite the tube frame design. Changing the belts near the bulkhead will also pose a challenge. Keep in mind this is meant for track days and weekends, not fifteen thousand miles per year as a daily driver.

Due to the tuning required, it is not equipped with anti-lock brakes nor traction control. Forget airbags. Not dissimilar to a race car. No driver's aids, no electronic interference. More of a pure track weapon than the Dodge Viper ACR. However, less expensive but more pride in terms of labor, assembly and personalization than the new Viper ACR-X, prior generation known as the Competition Coupe.

The Ultima represents something that no longer exists from a volume manufacturer: A lightweight street car. A tube frame chassis is also virtually non-existent, now carbon fiber at a much higher cost. Electronic nannies are taking over, stability control required in 2012. This is a race car, lightweight, powerful, and just happens to be street legal. It's the ultimate track day car.

Special Mentions:

Incredibly resourceful and clever, Chris sites his father and late uncle as influences starting with their drag racing history from the 50's and 60's.

The final frame welding and finishing before powder coat was done by Thomas Chilcote Fabrication- Tommy Jr. and the late Tom Sr. Beautiful work but unfortunately the company no longer exists.

Check out the interior photos of the quality leather work done by Bascom Upholstery with special mention to John and Randy.

Lawrence Farmer was also cited as a great inspiration and reported to be one of the best race fabricators in the business and knows pretty much every historic racer/owner in the business. Additionally he's built at least a half dozen GTR's including his "Miller Racing" Ultima. Lawrence can be contacted by anyone interested in building an Ultima at (408) 483-9085

Piston Heads UK automotive forum

Building and Fabrication:

"Solid Works" is the CADD software used to model the interior, suspension, headers, and many of the 100+ custom components on the car.

"Dimension" is the manufacturer of the fused deposition modeling system (FDM) that was used to mock up many of the interior pieces

A demo copy of software from "Advantage CFD" was used to study the ground effects.

HAAS CNC is the manufacturer of the automated machining center owned by the builder and used for many of the fabricated components.

Stay tuned for Part 2 when the build is complete and the Ultima GTR is on the road.

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When Driving Is Silly Ride a Custom Bicycle From Behind Bars, Inc.

Think about where you go in the car around town for a minute. How close are your destinations? It takes too much time to walk but if you could run far enough it might be okay, right? Consider taking the bicycle. Statistically, over half of us need to more often. So take the bike, enjoy the scenery, save some gas (duh), stop sitting at stoplights and get some exercise.

When you do, consider a bicycle to add function and form. But if you're going to be exposed to the elements and others, make it unique, fun and something to smile about. Dominick Guida of Behind Bars Inc. knows this and acted on his vision. Check out his workmanship and ideas in the slide show. His enthusiasm is contagious and the designs inspired me to write this article along with the initial suggestion from my pretty navigator.

Driving is great. The effortless power, the comfort, adjustable temperature, music, flexibility to go far and fast are all very appealing. But sometimes it's just a waste of gas. All those creature comforts are not always needed, especially on a short trip. Friends houses, post office (backpack), lottery tickets, bank, etc. I would imagine it's not easy to get mugged riding a bike, by the way.

The retro bikes are making a comeback. Weight isn't a consideration for cruising so why not? And when that supply is gone, customize. Make unique and make it yours. Cookie cutter is for the office parking lot. Have a lime green with pink polka dots (okay, maybe not pink) and chrome wheeled ride for going to the store. Bet your dog needs some exercise too. Just be careful out there.

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Ferrari 599 GTO Hits the Mark!

Just over a year ago I wrote how the Ferrari 599XX missed the mark and I challenged Ferrari to make it right. Well they did a great job. The 599XX was excess that was only available to a chosen few, never driven in competition, less than 30 produced, not street legal. It was a Ferrari that couldn't be driven on the street and had no competition pedigree. Seemingly the very antithesis of what Ferrari stands for.

Now the 599 GTO is a street legal work of art from Ferrari. It's European dry weight is reported at 3,296 lbs which doesn't seem so bad for a front engine V-12 supercar on a decent sized platform. US safety spec seats tend to weigh more than European seats but many owners may swap them out anyway. Also keep in mind most enthusiasts weigh their car with minimal gas in the tank. The Ferrari, with a 27.7 gallon tank (compare to 18 gallons or less for most cars) would mean roughly 172lbs of gas depending upon temperature.

The Viper ACR will be dethroned as the King of the 'Ring and Laguna Seca with production car laps records. Even Ferrari says this is their fastest road car ever. It produces 670hp from the 6.0L (5999cc or 366.08 cubic inch) V-12, a super fast shifting 6-speed paddle shift transmission capable of shifts in .06 of a second, carbon-ceramic brakes and magnetorheological shocks like the Corvette ZR1.

A few comparisons are inevitable, others are misguided. Some say it looks too much like a Corvette. That is like saying airplanes look alike, or race cars for that matter. Corvette owners should be happy they own the best bang for the buck in the automotive universe. And there are functional elements with serious exotic styling like the rear diffuser. The ZR1 has little window in the hood for a view of...another cover.

While somewhat of a late arrival in the model line-up, and my challenge to put it on the Nurburgring still stands, I think we all know the outcome. The horsepower race may be over but Ferrari keeps improving the breed.

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2010 Ford Mustang GT500 - Brief Impression

Recently I had the opportunity to have a couple of rides in a 2010 Ford GT500. What I learned during that brief time was pleasantly surprising. I used to be "down" on the car due to the weight. And actually still am. It's woefully overweight at 3917lbs as tested by Car & Driver, not to mention a bit front heavy in terms of weight distribution. But Ford continues to revise the solid rear axle and has anyone ever said a low 12-second car isn't fun to drive if it's generally refined? The other reason I frowned on it was when it had excessive badging making it a Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra SVT GT00.

The owner stated it's quite difficult to launch despite the solid rear axle (SRA) and weight. Managing a clutch and accelerator isn't easy with a car of this power on unprepped surfaces. Even Car & Driver managed a lousy 12.9 second ET despite a 113mph trap speed. I would suspect excessive wheelspin that shortened the distance of the track. The car should be in the mid-teens.

Besides a tasteful dark blue color, my next favorable impression was the exhaust note at start-up. "How is that street legal from a production car?" was my first thought. It has a nice bark and a great burble. When inside, it isn't intrusive at all.

The door shuts with a very satisfying and surprisiningly refined "thunk" with close tolerances. It was at this point I started to re-think the car. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to put 200 fun miles on a Hertz Shelby GT Mustang convertible. The sub-standard interior wasn't exactly impressive and a 4-speed automatic was archaic.

Now the improvementst of the 2010 is apparent and a nicer interior with steering wheel controls. The screen for the satellite radio doesn't have the sharpest resolution, but I didn't see the navigation portion. The hoodline is still excessively high so placing the car in the corner is more of a guess than a proper sports car. It doesn't have all the creature comforts and might be one of the lowest content cars for the money. But that isn't what it's about. It's about nostalgia, power, heritage and acceleration.

Also easily upgradable in terms of additional horsepower due to the supercharger, it is the muscle car alterative to the Corvette. In other words, a bigger, heavier cruiser that does well on the dragstrip but is second place on the road circuit.

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All Wheel Drive Toyota Supra?

Hey Car Guy,

Can you tell me if the Supra came in an all wheel drive configuration?

Thanks,

JH, Seattle, WA

Thank you for writing, JH. The Toyota Supra was never offered by Toyota in an AWD configuration although a search online reveals some aftermarket attempts. The Supra was sold in the United States from 1979 to 1998 with the 4th generation (MKIV) from '93 to '98 having the most notoriety. However there was an AWD Toyota Celica sold in 1988 to 1993 which spanned two different generations. It featured a 190hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and saw success in World Rally Championship racing before Mitsubishi and Subaru were competitors.

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California Mille 2010 in Downtown San Francisco

Last weekend marked the beginning of the 20th Anniversary of the California Mille. A 1,000 mile driving and social event for pre-1958 cars throughout Northern California. In the tradition of the Mille Miglia in Italy, it is more than just classics being driven around with a $5,800 entry fee. For the public, it is essentially a free Concours D'elegance at the Fairmont Hotel at Nob Hill in San Francisco.

Participant cars are parked in front of the hotel and other gorgeous classics on the street. The variety and caliber of the cars is extraordinary. As a matter of fact, cars from the Palo Alto Concours were present as well.

The beauty of event is these cars are not sitting in a garage undriven and unappreciated except by a few. They are gorgeous, mostly in excellent condition being driven hundreds of miles a day. Many of them do not have air conditioning, radios or other modern comforts. Somewhat like all the benefits and detriments of motorcycling come to think of it. In some cases, about the same amount of storage space.

The event is primarily for the owners to enjoy their cars, venues and driving experience. And for the public, who would normally pay $25 to $150 to see such classics gathered in one place minus the trailer queens and storage princesses, it is a special treat.

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