Infiniti launches the least impressive tuning division ever: IPL.

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BMW launched its sport arm with a successful motorsports compaign. Mercedes integrated theirs from a popular, highly successful external tuning company. Ford launched theirs with a steady stream of increasingly insane performance cars over the course of a decade. Lexus launched its sports line with the fire breathing IS-F a couple of years ago. The car was, while not M3 good, a remarkable turnaround for the company whose biggest seller is a Camry with extra leather.

How has Infiniti responded? The performance equivalent of a CAT, a ROM chip and sport shocks.

Motor Trend
Over the last decade, Infiniti has legitimized itself as a player in the entry-level luxury performance market with the G35 and now, the G37. Looking to infuse more variety and excitement into the already well-received G lineup, Nissan's premium division is introducing the Infiniti Performance Line and 2011 Infiniti Performance Line G Coupe at this year's Pebble Beach Concours.

Since you're reading this on the Web, you're likely keen to the latest automotive products available. Straight off the bat, let's jump into the powertrain department. This new G Coupe does not disappoint those expecting better (re: bigger) numbers from the first offering out of the IPL. The familiar VQ engine hasn't gone anywhere, and Infiniti was kind to massage extra performance out of the normally aspirated 3.7-liter V-6. Tweaks arrive in the guise of a re-tuned air-fuel mixture; revised ignition timing; and a new, true dual exhaust system from headers to mufflers. Power output comes to 348 horsepower and 276 pound-feet of torque, a bump of 18 horsepower and six pound-feet of torque from the base G Coupe. And if you enjoy the exhaust note of the current G37, brace yourself for the IPL version. Peak horsepower comes at 7400 rpm, 400 revolutions higher than the non-IPL engine. A linear torque curve, maxed out at 5200 rpm, was yet another goal for the performance team, so expect to hear the exhaust sing.
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Linky.


I've seen sticker packages for Ford Mustangs that had more comprehensive tuning done than this. Still, if they price it right it may be successful. Probably should have just offered it as a trim level for the G37, though, because this isn't really a foundation for a future expansion of a performance line.
 
It really doesn't seem all that impressive when comparing to what Infiniti's competition has brought to the table with their tuning divisions. But I guess it's only up from here, so maybe in a few years I'll take the IPL more seriously.
 
It reminds me of the old L-series (or whatever they called it) Lexus' before they got around to making the F-series products. My guess is that IPL will just end up being tossed onto any random car at the dealer, just to scrounge up a few bucks for good ol' Nissan. Good for them?
 
That's a lot of power for an atmo 3.7L V6, so it's still a pretty decent car.
 
It's really not... :p

Mustang actually makes more power for its displacement, just the Nissan motor holds its torque to a higher RPM.
 
Rotary Junkie
It's really not... :p

Mustang actually makes more power for its displacement
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Uh, G37 = 3.7L - 348hp = 94hp per liter

Mustang V6 = 3.7L - 305hp = 84hp per liter


All of which is a moot point considering my Civic...

Civic Si = 2.0L - 197hp = 99hp per liter
 
What happened to these guys?

logo_nismo_h40.gif


Hello, tuning division, right here...Oh, right, sounds too ricey and not "professional" enough...even though it stands for the same thing as BMW's...

Nismo = Nissan Motorsports
M = (BMW) Motorsport
 
Um, if I had to pick a nice performance car for the money, I would go for a premium edition 370Z. I really can't get the point of this IPL division, :confused: If they were intending to turn the G's into serious luxury performers, they must use a proper V8 or a Turbocharged V6, other than this a 370Z will always be a faster (and honestly prettier) car.
 
I would hope not. The 370z looks better than the 350z but is till far from pretty. Our opinions are not the same as his though and neither are right or wrong so let's just leave it at that.
 
Isn't this more like an Infiniti equivalent of the M-Sport packages? Or the new 335is? That's how I've taken it anyways, not as a full bore M3/C63/IS-F competitor.

Mind you, Infiniti does need something that actually goes toe-to-toe with those to be taken seriously. The problem is, a gussied-up G37 putting out M3 humbling performance already exists... ;)
 
astrosdude91
Prettier than a G37? Are you sure?
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Yeah, I do like the angular roof and the boomerang-like headlights, the G37 on the other hand looks like a angry fish, cool, but not as the Z. Also, just let me make clear I'm not taking comfort, luxury and status into account, but styling-wise, the Z is ahead.
 
Meh, no forced induction or bored out heavily modified V6 makes this pointless. And 18bhp more? I can use race gas and get that. :rolleyes:

Eric.
Uh, G37 = 3.7L - 348hp = 94hp per liter

Mustang V6 = 3.7L - 305hp = 84hp per liter


All of which is a moot point considering my Civic...

Civic Si = 2.0L - 197hp = 99hp per liter
Click to expand...

My SVT is ~87hp per liter, but this is a pointless stat really. Where the power comes in, gearing and weight play a larger role. Your Si may have more bhp but my SVT Focus being almost 120lbs lighter (than the coupe) will keep up with you and has slightly more torque. The saloon Si will get edged out by a nose, I know because I've beaten one and they are heavier than the coupes. :D

What does this all mean? The '11 Mustang V6 (3,401) while less power weighs a considerably less amount than the G37 (3,709lbs). So that 43bhp difference is swallowed up and spit out by the Mustang. Oh, and the Mustang V6 has 4 more torque than this "IPL" G37. Mustang V6 = 1, G37 IPL = 0

And I love Nissan/Infiniti too.
 

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