Hello,

My 05 350Z is about to hit a whopping 36,000 miles, and I have been building/researching/drooling over a new 2011 AWD coupe. The Infiniti site has the Sport package as an option for the AWD model. I mosied over to the local dealership (Bennett Infiniti, Allentown PA) to peruse the lot. They had an IPL... NICE. They did not have any of the AWD with the sport package, and the salesman who greated me said he wasn't aware that combination was possible. After showing him the web site, he talked to his manager and they won't be getting this combo until late Spring or early Summer.

That's actually fine, I'm putting $$$ aside and will be selling my Z. Looking at putting at least $25k total down, plus some left over for an intake and exhaust. My Z has a bunch of mods, including a UTEC tuner. Can I use that UTEC on the G? I could replace it with a flashed ECU (Z has Motordyne upper and lower plenum, so tuning is needed).

Any input on the model I'm looking at? My Z is a 6MT, and I love it (well, after the clutch/flywheel swap)... it winters with Blizzaks on the stock wheel and does fine in the snow. However, I'm finding myself wanting that all wheel grip, but not thrilled about an automatic. Plus, on the off chance I meet Jeremy Clarkson, I want to offer him a drive with my "flappy paddled gear box"... which he seems to hate.

Looking at the following options: Black, Sport Package (requires Premium Package), illuminated sill plates, trunk organizer, some other small stuff. MSRP of $45,755.
I really liked the feel of the cockpit. It would offer the simile that it is like the Z was captain of the high school football team and then went to 4 years of Ivy League college on an academic scholarship.

Opinions/advice?

 

You made the right choice. The G37 is a pretty awesome car. It's much better and faster than a 350Z(0.5 sec faster in 0-60).

Just a note though, the G37 is not a pure sports car like the Z. It's more of a Luxury Touring car. It won't be as nimble as a 370Z. But if comfort+sport is what you're looking for, than you're at the right place.

As for advise, the only way you can get Manual on the G37 is to get the G37S model. You can't have manual and AWD at the same time. Even with the sports package on the AWD model the car is still automatic. So if you want manual, than G37S is the one to get.

Good Luck !

 

The part about the salesman not knowing if the AWD w/sport combination was possible is pathetic. The lack of product knowledge of salesman never ceases to amaze me. It's embarrassing when the customer knows more about the product than the salesman. This shouldn't happen at any dealer, let alone Infiniti. This is sales malpractice in my book.

At any rate, great choice on the AWD Coupe with the Sport Package. I wish this combination was offered in 2009 when I got my AWD Coupe.

 

I got one that just came off the truck yesterday...

the black sport AWD looks sharp! you'll feel the extra weight of the G coupe coming from the Z but the snowy weather is a treat to be able to drive the coupe still.

 

i went from a 350 to my g37x coupe about 2 years ago. i also wish they would have had the sport model option back then. i love my car, but really miss the manual transmission.

you will be giving up the light weight feel/responsiveness somewhat, but gain a back seat and a nicer ride.

i've dumped some money into my car now, but if everything was equal i'd prob get a 370z. the awd is nice for ohio winters, but i really only NEED it a few times a year and im sure snow tires and a little extra caution would get me through the particularly bad days.

it's a wash really...a mater of opinion. i love both cars

 

To be fair, he was very knowledgeable about what was in stock, and spent a lot of time showing me other vehicles, including the new M56 with the silver polished wood trim... nice. Anyway, nothing to do but wait... I'm thinking that when I actually get confirmation they are coming in, i'll order an intake and exhaustand have it installed by the dealer before I take delivery.

 

i would order lowering springs first before mod parts.

show your salesman this... i got a few of blacks in stock

 

I'm not so sure about lowering. Eastern PA roads are pretty much crap... or "assphault", and I was think maybe some sway bars, but I'd like to see how it handles, first. More power is never a bad thing, but if I do change the suspension, it will be a coil-over kit, most likely.

 

I agree completely. There is no excuse. It's not like Infiniti has a massive lineup of cars they sell.

 

he was probably just selling what he has in stock which is smart. no one wants to wait 3 months to order a car unless it's necessary