New Car: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

Following in the footsteps of nearly every other luxury automaker, Infiniti is introducing a sub-brand of sportier, factory-tuned vehicles. Its version of BMW’s M or Mercedes-Benz’s AMG is called Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL. The first vehicle to get the IPL treatment will be the G coupe, but Infiniti promises that eventually IPL will spread to a number of cars in the lineup. Likely IPL candidates are the M and G sedans, and maybe even the FX. We’d call chances slim that there will ever be an IPL version of the QX56 full-size SUV.

To merit the IPL badge, the G gets a number of modifications. Under the hood of the IPL G Coupe is a 348-hp version of Infiniti’s high-revving 3.7-liter V-6. Regular G37 coupes get by with 330. In terms of output, the IPL engine is nearly identical to the 350-hp V-6 from Nissan’s NISMO 370Z—both engines make an identical 276 pound-feet of torque at 5200 rpm. A true dual exhaust is fitted (each cylinder bank gets its own exhaust path) that Infiniti claims reduces back pressure some 30 percent over the normal Y-pipe configuration. As in the regular G coupe, buyers can choose a six-speed manual—with a short-throw shifter in the IPL—or a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters mounted to the steering column.

Chassis tweaks involve 20-percent stiffer springs in front, 10-percent firmer springs in back, new shocks, and a sportier steering rack. A mechanical-type limited-slip differential is also included in the deal, as are what Infiniti calls “sport brakes” consisting of four-piston calipers in the front and two-piston binders in back. The brakes appear to be identical to those of the current G37 Sport.

Letting the world know that this is no ordinary G Coupe is an aggressive new body kit, a unique rear spoiler, IPL badges, and fourteen-spoke 19-inch wheels painted dark grey. Two exterior colors will be offered, Graphite Shadow and Malbec Black, which will pair with either a grey or red interior accented by aluminum trim and pedals. Red stitching on the steering wheel and grey leather seats gives a sporty and unique feel to the interior.

Other standard interior equipment includes a Bose stereo, satellite navigation, rear-view camera, and a sunroof. No pricing information has been released for the IPL G Coupe, but we’ve got a pretty good idea what it will cost. The closest G to the IPL in today’s lineup is the G37 Sport, which comes similarly equipped to the new IPL G Coupe and starts at $41,275 with a manual transmission. The IPL has more standard features and the more powerful engine, which leads us to believe that it will wear a price tag just north of $46,000 when it goes on sale in December.

Thanks to: Car and Driver