2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

With all of the new-car announcements coming out of Pebble Beach, you'd think they were planning some kind of auto show this weekend. Seriously, isn't the concours supposed to be about rare cars of the past? Attempting to fit in, Infiniti is showing yet another variation on an old theme at the golf course by the sea.

The G37 convertible is the umpteenth example of Nissan and Infiniti's ability to make anything from their FM platform - from coupes to sedans and SUVs. It's not even the first droptop to use the platform, the Nissan 350Z won that prize long ago, nor is it Infiniti's first convertible offering. (Remember the M30 from the early 90s?) A three-piece retractable hardtop takes the place of the G37's fixed roof, and we're told the new lid helps maintain a coupe-like profile. New sheetmetal from the A-pillar back integrates the coupe nose with the new tail.

We expect a feature list similar to that of the G37 coupe, including four-wheel steering, the snazzy corporate head unit with great iPod integration, and the same well-laid-out interior found in the coupe. Power will come from a version of Infiniti's 3.7-liter VQ-series V-6 engine putting out over 320 hp, with either a six-speed manual or Infiniti's new seven-speed automatic handling gear changes.

The G37 convertible will head to the 2008 Los Angeles show in the fall for its official debut. It should hit dealers sometime in 2009, giving Infiniti sellers one more model to match with BMW's 3-series.