The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe Review

The 2011 IPL G Coupe, Infiniti steps up their game to join the other available luxury car manufacturers who offer performance-tuned vehicles. IPL, which stands for Infiniti Performance Line, is the division responsible for turning out massaged and tuned vehicles for those desiring more than just a standard showroom offering.

The G37 coupe with a slightly higher calling. It’s also the tip of the spear for the company’s new Infiniti Performance Line subbrand that is expected to tune the larger M sedan and the FX crossover before long—compelling news given how swell those models already perform. But unlike the approaches of BMW’s M or Mercedes’ AMG, where luxury cars are turned into high-horsepower, demonic road shredders, the IPL represents a much more conservative approach to vehicle enhancement.

This IPL G coupe is based on the mid-grade G37 Journey trim, with the Premium, Sport, and Navigation packages all stirred in. Next comes the IPL-specific kit: a rear spoiler, front and rear fascias, side sills, chrome exhaust tips, and beautiful dark-finished 19-inch wheels shod with staggered-width Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber. Tweaks to the ECU and a new, freer-flowing dual-exhaust system yield another 18 hp for a total of 348 at 7400 rpm, and torque rises by 6 lb-ft to 276 at 5200 rpm. The chassis gets unique spring rates and shock tuning, as well as the sportier steering, huge brake discs, and brake calipers from the G37S. The IPL G will be available only in dark gray metallic or black paint, with the interior color options restricted to all black or black with red seats, door trim, and detail stitching.

The base price for the IPL G coupe is $48,825 for the manual-transmission model and $50,725 with the automatic. The former is $1500 or so more than the manual-only G37S two-door fitted with the optional body kit but is less than comparably equipped 335is or S5 coupes, let alone anything wearing the aforementioned in-house tuner imprints. The IPL G offers no options other than color and transmission choice, which is fine given its high level of standard goodies. Soon, however, you might be able to choose a different body style, as an IPL G convertible was shown in September at the Paris auto show as a “concept,” and an IPL G sedan is a virtual guarantee. Like the coupe, they’ll look great but won’t be able to touch the comparable M3. Too bad, because any of those represents an Infiniti/BMW matchup we’d have loved to see.

The interior of our IPL G Coupe was ablaze in Monaco red leather, which was an exclusive interior when ordering the Malbec black with the seven-speed automatic transmission. The front pair of sports seats offered great bolstering with the driver getting a manually adjustable thigh support cushion for added comfort. The rear seats were also covered in kind, and though cramped between the wheelwells, actually felt pretty good. They were easily accessed by the one-touch controls on both front seats.
The gauge binnacle tilts up and down along with the steering wheel assembly and the steering column mounted paddle shifters. Speaking of the paddles, the company has offered them in this configuration for quite some time. We think it’s an awkward way to go, especially when trying to up or down shift in the middle of a turn. Should you desire to forgo the paddle shift levers entirely, you can still row through the gears using the standard gearshift selector.

The seven-inch color display shows a 3D Birdseye view of the navigation system as well as audio, climate and backup camera information. The controller is the familiar unit we have seen inside Nissan and Infiniti vehicles of the past few years.

Infiniti has definitely upped its game inside, but the G is starting to look a little tired now that this basic look is about to enter its sixth model year.

Infiniti’s IPL performance line finally hits market, with a good starting effort. We know it’s a good handler with a nearly bulletproof engine and manners that can take you from the country club to a track day event without breaking a sweat.