Impressions of a 2013 infiniti g-37

[cburrell]

I had to have our 5 get some minor front fender repair work done to it, so I got the chance to drive a 2013 Infiniti G-37 for the week. Of course I am not going to try and compare the premium materials that even a base model G-37 uses compared to my 2012 Mazda 3, that would be apples and oranges, but so would be the price different between an Mazda 3 and a G-37 which starts at 38,000$. The G-37 has been regarded for sometime as one of the best driver car's and true sports sedans in the entry level luxury market, and it definitely hold up to it's billing. It was a blast to thrash around. What rear wheel drive car, with 330 HP on tap isn't fun to fling around? Everything about the car exudes sportiness, I could definitely see how it's chassis, suspension, and engine share the same platform with the 370Z. When I had to turn the car in and went back to driving the 5 and the 3. The only thing that I really missed about the G-37 was all it's power, and the interior was nice, but to me an interior doesn't make or break a car. How it drives and performs makes or breaks a car. Case in point: most Lexus', they have premium interiors and appointments, but they are sub par in the performance department. The point is that as I drove the 5 home and took the 3 to work the next day, I was reminded why I love Mazda's and why I drive them, because both my 5 and 3 had more input from the steering wheel than the G-37, and the 3's suspension especially was as sporty and tight as the G-37. Also, I know why MotorTrend said that besides the Porsches they test drove, Mazda's new Skyactiv Transmissions are some of the best shifting and feeling transmissions in the business. I can honestly say, the 3's skyactiv transmission is a lot more refined than the 7 speed auto in the G-37. Honestly, I consider it a testament to what Mazda does so right. They nail the driving experience everytime. No, my Mazda 3 isn't a G-37 by any stretch of the imagination, but for a economy car that cost 15 to 18 thousand less than a G-37, it's handling, and overall driving experience comes pretty close. Now, if Mazda could just bring back a RWD car with around 300 HP, that would be awesome!