While we grant you that “Infiniti Performance Line” is not the most inspired moniker imaginable for the hottest models from the Infiniti family, the initial product, in the form of the Infiniti IPL G Coupe, actually acquits itself rather well on the road. And while the uninspired nature of the naming scheme, probably intended to evoke thoughts of AMG’s remolding of many Mercedes-Benz products, continues on the IPL G’s spec sheet, this car repeats the story we’ve told before about the devil being in the details.
What’s better than a hot version of a car? A hot convertible version of said car. Infiniti seems to understand this, as the brand has just unveiled a convertible version of the IPL G.
The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe showed up at our office on a wet and rainy Monday afternoon. Despite the uninspiring weather and general lack of traction, we grabbed the keys and went out for a quick drive to experience the IPL’s subtle improvements over the Infiniti G Coupe.
Expand or die. Auto manufacturers confront this either/or business reality like few other economic sectors. Most choose the former or expire trying. Ditches along roadside are filled with marques that didn’t grow: AMC, Jensen, DeTomaso, insert your favorite lovable failure here. Jaguar’s X-Type and Volkswagen’s Pheaton illustrate the perils of brands attempting to expand their share by moving down or up from their starting point.
Infiniti is launching a performance version of the G37—the 2011 IPL G Coupe—at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The Infinti Performance Line G Coupe is a 348-horsepower version of the rear-drive car, with a tuned engine, interior and exterior modifications, and a performance suspension.