I've seen the new Infiniti G Convertible and looks like a nice alternative to upgrade my 2003 SC.
I really love the SC looks, but as almost everybody agrees, the car needs a new model and that doesn't seem to be in Lexus' plans.
What's your opinion on the Infiniti ?

http://www.infiniti.com/gconvertible...le_Micro.Image

 

Its new but a downgrade actually. It clearly has SC cues. I do like the G37 convertible better than the IS convertible though.
A new SC is planned, just have to wait a couple more years.

Overall they are doing a good job with the G37 line (A "G" is a Benz G-wagon )

 

+1 sc > g

 

fanboyism aside, do you really need another hardtop vert? if so, do you need 4 seats? if not, i'd rather go for an SLK350 6-sp. the g37 is nice, but the vert will probably be just as much of a pig as the SC.

 

a friend has a G37 hardtop and i'm not a big fan. it's a little faster and has better toys like push button start. but the interior isn't anywhere near as nice. and it doesn't feel as solid. i also think the SC looks nicer, even if the design is much older. then again, the G37 isn't radically different than the G35. it's akin to the '06 SC update. so calling it a new body style is relative.

 

You see that as an UPgrade???

 

Agreed 100%. The G37 is a good car, and I do like the G37 vert more then the IS-C.

With that being said, the G37 is a downgrade from a SC430, they are in entirely different class, the interior is not even a comparison, and the SC430 is much higher quality overall.

I guess it depends on what you want, the G37 offer more fun, it is much more responsive and more exciting to drive, and the obvious latest electronics and features. But the SC430 offer wayyyyyyyyy more luxury and class.

In my opinion, all Infiniti products are lower grade then all Lexus products. As much as I don't like the look of the IS-C, I would still get it over a G37C.

The only Nissan I would own is the GTR, just because Toyota don't make the same type of car.

 

Nice but not for me. I don't think it is an upgrade. My upgrade will be a used Gallardo or a new SL. (in a few years)

 

close (trying), but no cigar (not better).

 

It looks nice, but I would not want to give up my V8 engine. They did not say anything about a back seat or provide any data on leg room. I wonder if they will cost half the price of the SC430?

 

If it's the same as the hardtop, it has a reasonable back seat and a little more leg room up front. you're not giving up anything losing your V8. The G37 is a little faster than the SC. But overall, it's not as nice of car in my opinion. Or at least not as luxurious. I haven't seen a MSRP on it yet, but I'd expect it to be around $50K.

 

Price point wise a downgrade. On performance, navigation and updated electronics, handling, braking, etc the G37 is an upgrade.
The SC is also built very well with great fit finish and materials. Definite luxury.
All depends on what you want out of a car.

 

Yep. I wanted luxury, great fit finish and materials, sporty looks, decent performance and a hardtop convertible. I don't see a 4-door sedan delivering much of that.

 

Speed and feel is 2 different thing

The luxury feeling is provide by low end torque, you want the car to go strongly, smoothly in the low rpm without the high rpm noise, which only a V8 can produce. No V6 in this world provide that feeling. While the V6 in the G37 makes a little more high rpm HP, it makes way less torque down low. The SC430 makes 320 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm, which is probably 100 more lb-ft more then the G37 motor at that rpm. The G37 only makes 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm. It is the area under the curve that count, not the peak # or straight line speed

The Nissan GTR's motor makes about 500 hp and is a night and day difference in speed compare to the SC430. Guess which one feels more luxurious if you close your eyes?

 

This is how I see the level of both cars:

G37 convertible is in the same class as:

SLK350, 335i, A4, IS350C. All got V6 power, smaller with lower grade material. Entry level luxury car.

SC430 is in the same class as:

SL500, 645i, S5. All V8 power, full size with high grade material. Top of the line luxury car.

The reason the G37 coupe deceive people as more then it is, is due to the bigger then average size, and it's engine is also bigger then average with extra power. Which I think Nissan did a very good job on it. It fooled me for a while too. But after you look into it, drive it and get a good feel of the car over all, it is lower end entry level luxury, and the price reflect that, Infiniti don't have any intention to price it high to pretent it is a highend car. The G37 does have very good value though.

If I can't afford a SC430, I would be driving a G37 convertible