The 2010 Infiniti G37 offers some subtle changes for big differences, with new design inside and out, the inclusion of Infiniti’s Connectiviti infotainment system, and three new colors - Graphite Shadow, Smokey Quartz and Vibrant Red. The G37 comes in four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and power-retractable hardtop convertible flavors, available with two suspensions, two transmissions, and in rear-wheel-drive (RWD), all-wheel-drive (AWD) and even all-wheel-steer (AWS) configurations. The front fascia has seen attention with new bumper design, light clusters, and grille, as well as relocated foglights. Bi-xenon adaptive headlights have also been added. Inside, changes are mostly to colors and trim, but a redesigned center console is reminiscent of its EX and FX brethren.

Available in four trims, the RWD G37 Base, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT, and AWD G37x, all are powered by Nissan’s 3.7-liter VQ-series V6, an engine that has made Ward’s Top-10 list over a dozen times. It utilizes the Variable Valve Event and Lift system (VVEL), Nissan’s version of variable valve timing. Incidentally, this system uses fewer moving parts than those offered by competitors like BMW, which allows for higher rpms, manifesting in a 7,000-rpm peak output of 330 hp. All trims excepting the G37S Sport 6MT come with a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the Sport trim gets a six-speed manual. Testers have been impressed with the smoothness and precise action of the automatic, especially with the big fun-factor upgrade of paddle shifters, but the manual has been chided for sloppy clutch action and an inconsistent shifter.

A sport suspension is standard for the G37S and optional for the Journey and x trim levels, although many have critiqued it for creating a ride that's simply too harsh for comfort. Even the standard suspension seems to fall short of its competitors, namely those from northern European countries that are known for roads with no speed limits. The sport suspension also adds uprated brakes and the aforementioned paddle shifters that have seen so much praise. In fact, the consensus among reviewers has been that the best value is in one of the RWD trims with the seven-speed automatic and the paddle shifters, offering power, comfort, and fun that will outweigh, if not out-handle, its rivals.

Options like adaptive cruise control, rear-obstacle detection systems, pre-crash assist, and a voice-activated nav system plant the G37 firmly in the luxury category, not to mention a Bose sound system with a 9.3GB hard drive. While it may not meet all the performance standards that competitors like BMW and Mercedes have set, the G37 comes close, and does so at a much more attractive price. Regardless of the skid pad, that makes the G37 a winner.