Scott Burgess: Auto review

The Infiniti G: Brains and beauty

Infiniti convertible looks good with top up or down and can handle any road

The addition of the hardtop has transformed convertibles from Sunday summer strollers to everyday drivers.

For the most part, they look like regular cars, drive like regular cars and generally feel like them. But then touch a single button and the three-piece roof folds up smartly into the trunk, and all of sudden everything ordinary becomes better. For those who want it all, hardtop convertibles make it possible.

Earlier this year, Infiniti introduced the 2009 G convertible. The word "ordinary" and "regular" never should be used when mentioning this vehicle. Things like "great" and "beautiful" should be said often. Top up, top down, the G convertible is just as nice in January as it is in July.

Infiniti, the luxury brand of Nissan Motor Co., on the whole seems to have found its identity in recent years. Throughout its sporty lineup, there's a flowing feel to the vehicles as they mix sweeping curves with high-tech luxury. The G convertible is merely Infiniti's next step after producing the stellar G37 coupe and sedan. It's as it should be -- a progression of luxury.

Under the long, graceful aluminum hood is Infiniti's 3.7-liter aluminum V-6. The 325-horsepower engine lets the driver toss the car around with glee. The seven-speed automatic transmission pushes through the gears so quickly, you hardly notice when you're in seventh.

If that's too fast, then use the magnesium paddle shifters to wind out each gear and take advantage of the car's full 267 pound-feet of torque. The car can transform from sleepy cruiser to near rocket ship at the click of a paddle. (There's also a manual six-speed transmission for drivers who prefer to drive more and steer less, but the automatic seems to fit this car's style more. Not every car needs to be a beast at a traffic light.)

A quiet ride

There's a sophisticated feel to the G convertible that defies description. The car's performance is much more mature than its age. (The first G37 arrived in 2002.) On the road, it feels a little heavy and planted. It weighs just a hair over 4,000 pounds, but the pounds are nicely spread around -- with a 52 percent to 48 percent front-to-rear weight ratio. The independent suspension holds the car to the road and lets a driver push through corners faster and faster. Push this car too hard and you'll swallow your gum. The back end will push back and slide a little, but the vehicle's dynamic control and traction control will help straighten out your line.

The rack-and-pinion steering with speed-sensitive power is nicely tuned to provide firm feedback and nice return to center, but also makes parking easy. The long wheelbase glides over bumps and concrete seams with never a hassle. Most of all, when the top is up, the G convertible is extremely quiet.

Long gone are the days when a convertible top flapped in the wind, providing the feeling that the top was down. I tested the G convertible during warmer months, but it would easily hold up to a Michigan winter. The only limitation would be the rear-wheel drive, which provides fun on snow and ice, but not necessarily safety.

Muffling outside noise is one of the hallmarks of luxury. People need quiet and time to think -- and the G convertible provides both. If everyone would drive around in a quiet car, and just sit and think for a few minutes every day, the world would be a better place. Infiniti is doing its part.

Sensing danger

The G convertible also takes over some mindless driving habits, freeing the driver to concentrate on more important things. The optional intelligent cruise control with preview braking will adjust the car's speed to the traffic in front while also looking out for dangerous situations. If it senses one, it pre-charges the brakes -- meaning as soon as you tap the pedal, the ventilated discs and calipers will spring into action.

Really, the G convertible performs much better than people might suspect, but that's only because it's so beautiful.

The front end stretches the car's body, and the L-shaped headlamps look like they stretch nearly all the way back to the driver. The Xenon headlamps are on par with those on the very best luxury cars, transforming glass and light into jewelry.

The well-proportioned body cuts the overhangs in the front and rear, providing it with a 112-inch wheelbase and taut stance. The wheels are stuffed into the curvy fenders, which are delicately flared. The wedge-like profile makes the G convertible look as if it's a cat ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey.

Then, take the top down and listen to every one say, "G, that looks nice."

Its beltline now takes on a much sharper look, and a parallel line below it cuts from the front fender all the way to the taillight.

Many convertibles have a tendency to bulk up on the backside, as they have to create space for the roof. This Infinity, however, remains slender from front to rear.

Front seats are heated

The interior combines performance and luxury. The leather seats are well-bolstered and very comfortable. Heating is standard on the front seats; ventilated seats are available as an option. Convertible-lovers know the benefit of both features. The optional 13-Bose-speaker stereo system sounds great with the top up or down, and most of the features seem oriented toward the driver. There is Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation, as well as voice recognition for operating the stereo, climate and optional navigation systems.

The controls on top of the dash for the navigation system take some time to learn to operate. And while the overall look of the dash and instruments feels elegant, Infiniti uses a little too much silver plastic around the center console and dash. It detracts from the car's beauty instead of enhancing it.

There also is an easy-to-use button to move the seats forward for easy access to the cramped second row. While the sedan can carry five people, the convertible is designed for only four. Then again, when was the last time you loaded up four adults into your current ride?

In the past, it took sunny days for convertible owners to grin. With the Infiniti G convertible, it doesn't matter what season it is. This car is ready for all of them.

sburgess@detnews.com (313) 223-3217