Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe

[NewsFeeder]

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Up until recently, Infiniti wasn't entirely sure what it's brand was all about. But since it's latest reboot, Infiniti has staked a claim as an unabashedly Japanese performance luxury automaker - in essence, the anti-Lexus.

Today, it's taking another step in that direction with the introduction of the Infiniti Performance Line and unveiling the first vehicle to wear the new badge: the IPL G Coupe. And anyone expecting an answer to BMW's M division or Mercedes' AMG line might be slightly disappointed.

Like most in-house component offerings, Infiniti is putting an emphasis on style, performance and OEM-level fit and finish, beginning with new front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler and 19-inch seven-spoke graphite wheels. Matching the Graphite Shadow or Malbec Black exteriors are a new set of sport seats with thicker bolsters, manual thigh extenders (ala BMW), torso and thigh support adjustment, along with de rigueur contrasting red stitching.

Far more important is what's been done under the hood and at each wheel well. A new high-flow exhaust partners with a recalibrated ECU to raise output to 348 horsepower (at 7,400 rpm) and 276 pound-feet of torque (at 5,200 rpm), an increased of 18 hp and six pound feet over the standard G37. Channeling that additional grunt to the ground is a close ratio six-speed manual with a short-throw shifter (a seven-speed auto is available with paddles), a viscous-type limited slip differential and Bridgestone Potenza RE50A summer rubber sized 225/45 in front and 245/40 in the rear. A retuned suspension is also included, increasing spring rates by 20% in the front and 10% out back, along with slightly upgraded brakes.

Infiniti hasn't released an MSRP for the IPL G Coupe yet, but considering the performance components and litany of standard features, we're hoping the price premium isn't excessively high for what's essentially a glorified sport package. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe (G37)

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Infiniti Performance Line debuts with 348-hp IPL G Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Drew Dowdell]

348? That's all?

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Infiniti IPL G Coupe: 348 HP Japanese Luxotourer

The much-rumored Infiniti Performance Line launched today with the Infiniti IPL G Coupe, a slightly more aggressive version of the standard G37S with a tweaked 348 hp V6 and "lets go racing" look. But will it please the Infiniti enthusiast?

Our dreams of a twin-turbocharged AMG-slaying Infiniti were for naught, as Infiniti seems interested in upping its fun quotiant by just a few degrees. It'll feel faster, thanks to a new dual exhaust replacing the old Y-pipe and a tweaked engine management system designed to let the horsepower top out at 7,400 rpm. As for being any faster, the moderate power boost (16 hp and 6 lb-ft) isn't going to send anyone to the 'Ring breaking records, but this doesn't seem to be the goal.

Anyone who complains about this not being an M3 is missing the point almost as much as someone saying it is. With a close-ratio 6-speed manual with a short-throw shifter and a "sport-tuned suspension" this may finally unshackle what is a competent but restrained luxury coupe. The G37S coupe is a fine car, but it's lacked an aggressive character you can find in its competitors.

Performance specs to come, but the real challenge will be if it feels right.

link:

http://jalopnik.com/5611458/infiniti-ipl-g-coupe-348-hp-japanese-luxotourer

[Z-06]

Wonder how much extra dough people will shell out for the huge 18hp bump in ponies and massive 6 lb-ft rise in torque.

Infiniti may be sued for IPL name:

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Nissan's Infiniti launches IPL performance division

01:00 PM

CAPTIONBy Mike Ditz

Nissan's Infiniti announces that it is launching a performance line putting it in the same league with of Mercedes-Benz' AMG; BMW M and Lexus F.

It's kicking it off the Infiniti Performance Line with its first production vehicle, the 348-horsepower 2011 Infiniti Performance Line , or IPL, G Coupe, based on a G37. Infiniti released a few photos, but we'll get to see the real thing as the car debuts at the 60th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It comes to showrooms in December.

The Infiniti Performance Line, or IPL, will focus not just on engine power and acceleration, but also on redefining total vehicle performance. IPL promises unique driving attributes with exclusive designs, different from other Infiniti models in each selected Infiniti line.

"IPL was conceived to create a new premium performance envelope, going beyond equipment upgrades to accelerate the very soul of Infiniti's Inspired Performance," said Infiniti Vice President Ben Poore.

Adding a performance division is a great way to burnish a luxury brand, and the cars come with higher pricetags that can help add profits. But it can take a lot of extra effort.

The 2011 IPL G Coupe is a rear-wheel drive model with its own front and rear bumper/fascia design with integrated fog lights and black finishers, sculpted side sills, rear spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. It has 19-inch IPL split 7-spoke graphite-finish wheels and low-profile W-rated Bridgestone Potenza RE50A performance tires. It comes in two colors: graphite silver or black. Inside, there is a choice of a black or red interior. As you can see from the photo, that red interior is quite eye catching. And the engine?:

The IPL G Coupe's advanced 3.7-liter V-6 engine management system has been recalibrated through air-fuel mixture and ignition timing optimization, raising the maximum horsepower output point to 7,400 rpm (from 7,000 rpm). To obtain a natural acceleration feel, the torque curve from low revs to the maximum torque point (5,200 rpm) was tuned for linearity. As a result of both the exhaust system and engine management changes, the IPL G Coupe generates 348 horsepower – an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL model.

Standard interior features include Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose, Infiniti Hard Drive Navigation System, 9.3GB Music Box Hard Drive and Infiniti Voice Recognition for audio navigation.

No price yet.

link:

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/08/nissans-infiniti-launches-ipl-performance-division-/1