New 2013 Infiniti IPL G Convertible

The Infiniti Performance Line was launched late last year with but a single model, a sharpened and slightly more powerful version of the G37 coupe called the IPL G coupe. In August, Infiniti showed us what an IPL G convertible would look like and announced—to no one’s surprise—that the convertible also would make it to dealers. Now Infiniti has debuted the production IPL G for extroverts at the 2011 Los Angeles auto show.

Subtle Refinements, Inside and Out

Like the IPL G coupe, the 2013 IPL G convertible adds a pinch of this and a dash of that to deliver what Infiniti calls “total vehicle performance” when compared with the standard G37 convertible. (This implies, of course, that the regular G models deliver incomplete vehicle performance.) As with its fixed-roof counterpart, the IPL G convertible gets a new nose, rocker-panel extensions, obscenely fat exhaust tips, and gorgeous, lacy 19-inch wheels. It is available in only two hues: Malbec Black (a deep wine color) and Moonlight White.

The interior is likewise limited to two colors—Stone and Monaco Red—and features red-stitched leather upholstery, “Silk Obi” aluminum trim, aluminum-capped pedals, and IPL-embroidered seatbacks and front floor mats.

Mechanical Enhancements Shared with the IPL G Coupe

IPL’s efforts to recalibrate the G’s VQ-series 3.7-liter V-6 and fitment of a true dual exhaust system yield the same boost in output as found with the IPL G coupe, adding 18 hp and 6 lb-ft of torque. In the convertible, this brings total output to 343 hp (at a lofty 7400 rpm) and 273 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, the coupe’s six-speed manual and its short-throw shifter are not available in the convertible; the only transmission offered is Infiniti’s seven-speed automatic, which comes with magnesium shift paddles affixed to the steering column.

The IPL G convertible rides on a retuned suspension featuring unique shocks and front and rear springs that are stiffer by 14 and 4 percent, respectively. Spring rates increase by 6 percent in front and a considerable 125 percent in back. The brakes aren’t particularly dainty: 14-inch front rotors are clamped by four-piston calipers, while the rear rotors measure 13.8 inches and are grabbed by two-piston calipers. Infiniti also claims to have sportified the steering as well.

To what extent the sum of the IPL’s enhancements will serve to sharpen the heavy hardtop convertible’s overall performance remains to be seen. (The standard G37 convertible is more than 450 pounds heavier than the G37 coupe, and the G37 droptop placed third out of four in a 2010 comparo.) However, based on what we have experienced with the IPL coupe—which is no M3-killer but satisfies nonetheless—we expect the changes to help considerably. As for future IPL offerings? Infiniti has intimated that that IPL M and IPL FX models eventually will be added, but a timetable has not been provided.

If the IPL G coupe’s pricing strategy is anything to go by, expect the IPL treatment to add about $500 to the sticker of the current G37S convertible. That would put it around $57K, give or take a few Franklins. That’s a lot of coin for a G-based car, but at least everything comes standard, which means that, other than interior and exterior color choices, the only decision the IPL G convertible customer has to make is when to put the top down.