The Heritage of the G-Series: How It Led to the G37 Infiniti
There is a moment of realization when you slide into the driver’s seat of a well-kept G37—the leather is soft, the gauges glow a warm violet, and that 3.7-liter VQ engine hums with a promise of 7,500 RPM—and you understand that you are sitting in the culmination of over two decades of Japanese engineering obsession.
If you own a G37, or if you are thinking about buying one, you are not just buying a used luxury sports car. You are buying into a legacy. The G37 didn’t appear out of nowhere. It is the grand finale of a four-generation story that started in 1990 with a humble front-wheel-drive sedan called the G20. It is the result of Infiniti learning, pivoting, and eventually perfecting the formula for a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan that could take on the Germans at their own game.
Let’s take a drive through history and trace the path from the G20 to the legendary G37.
TL;DR
The Infiniti G-series evolved over four generations from a front-wheel-drive compact sedan (G20) into the rear-wheel-drive performance icon known as the G37 . The turning point came in 2002 with the G35, which adopted the Nissan FM platform and the legendary VQ engine, sharing DNA with the 350Z . The G37 refined this formula with a larger 3.7-liter V6 producing 328 horsepower, VVEL variable valve technology, and available 7-speed automatic transmissions . The G-series lineage ultimately led to the modern Infiniti Q50 and Q60, but the G37 remains the high-water mark of the pre-turbo era .
Key Takeaways
- Humble Beginnings: The G-series started in 1990 as the front-wheel-drive G20, a rebadged Nissan Primera aimed at entry-level luxury buyers .
- The Game Changer: The 2002 G35 switched to rear-wheel drive, adopted the FM platform shared with the 350Z, and introduced the VQ engine that would become an icon .
- The VQ Legend: The VQ35 and later VQ37 engines won multiple spots on the WardsAuto 10 Best Engines list, thanks to their smoothness, power, and high-revving nature .
- G37 Refinements: The fourth generation brought a larger 3.7-liter engine with VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), available 7-speed automatics, and a new convertible model .
- The Legacy Lives On: The G-series was renamed Q40/Q60 in 2014, but its DNA lives on in the Q50 and Q60, which still use evolutions of the FM platform .
The First Generation (P10): The G20 Arrives
The year was 1990. Infiniti had just launched in the United States a year earlier with the Q45 flagship and the M30 coupe. They needed something smaller, something more accessible. That car was the G20 .
Born from the Primera
The first-generation G20 (chassis code P10) was essentially a rebadged and luxurified version of the Nissan Primera, a car designed primarily for the European market . It was unveiled to dealers at the 1989 New York Auto Show, with production starting in July 1990 .
This was a front-wheel-drive compact sedan powered by the legendary SR20DE 2.0-liter inline-four engine. It produced 140 horsepower and could rev to a happy 7,500 RPM . While those numbers seem modest today, the G20 was praised for its handling, thanks to Nissan’s multi-link front suspension—a first for a front-wheel-drive car .
What Made It Special
The G20 was not about brute power. It was about refinement. Standard equipment included:
- 5-speed manual transmission (one of the best in the business)
- Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
- A Bose premium audio system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
In 1994, Infiniti introduced the G20t Touring package, which added a limited-slip differential, sport bucket seats, fog lights, and a rear spoiler . This was the first hint of the sporty DNA that would define later generations.
The first-generation G20 ran through 1996, then took a two-year hiatus .
The SR20DE engine in the G20 was shared with the Nissan Sentra SE-R and NX2000, making it a favorite among tuners even today.
The Second Generation (P11): Refining the Formula
In 1998, the G20 returned for its second generation (chassis code P11) . It was still front-wheel-drive, still based on the Primera, and still powered by the SR20DE. But it was more refined, more luxurious, and slightly more powerful.
European Flair
Infiniti’s marketing for the second-generation G20 emphasized its European heritage with the tagline: “Born in Japan. Educated in Europe. Now Available in America.” This was a smart move, positioning the G20 against the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
The P11 featured updated styling, improved interior materials, and the same focus on handling that made the first generation a favorite among driving enthusiasts. The Touring package returned, offering sport seats and a limited-slip differential .
The End of an Era
The second-generation G20 sold through the 2002 model year. But by then, Infiniti had something much bigger planned . Sales numbers tell the story: in 2002, Infiniti sold just 5,760 G20s—and then introduced the G35, which sold 34,776 units in the same year . The front-wheel-drive era was over.
The Third Generation (V35): The G35 Revolution
If the first two Gs were the opening act, the third generation was the headliner. In 2002, Infiniti unveiled the G35, and everything changed .
Welcome to the FM Platform
The G35 was based on Nissan’s new FM (Front Midship) platform, shared with the 350Z . This was a rear-wheel-drive architecture that placed the engine behind the front axle centerline, achieving near-perfect 52:48 weight distribution .
The switch to rear-wheel drive was monumental. Suddenly, the G35 was a legitimate competitor to the BMW 3 Series, not just a nice alternative.
The VQ Engine Arrives
Under the hood lived the VQ35DE, a 3.5-liter V6 that would become one of the most awarded engines in automotive history. It was smooth, powerful, and eager to rev. Early models produced 260 horsepower in the sedan and 280 in the coupe .
The VQ engine family would go on to win 14 consecutive WardsAuto 10 Best Engine awards . It was that good.
Coupe and AWD
For the first time, the G-series offered a coupe body style alongside the sedan . The G35 Coupe was lower, wider, and more aggressive, with styling that still turns heads today.
In 2003, Infiniti added the G35x, an all-wheel-drive version using Nissan’s ATTESA E-TS system . This system could send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels when needed, but defaulted to near-rear-wheel drive for normal driving .
The G35 was named to Motor Trend’s “Top 10” list in 2003 and won multiple Total Quality Awards .
The Fourth Generation (V36): The G37 Arrives
The fourth generation launched in 2006 with the G35 sedan, followed by the G37 coupe in 2007 . This generation refined everything and introduced the engine that gives the G37 its name.
The VQ37VHR Engine
The VQ37VHR (the VHR stands for “Very High Revolution”) displaced 3.7 liters and introduced VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) . This technology allowed the engine to adjust valve lift continuously, improving both power and efficiency.
Output climbed to 328 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 269 lb-ft of torque . The engine loved to rev, pulling hard all the way to its 7,500 RPM redline. It was a masterpiece.
Transmission Choices
The G37 offered two transmissions:
- A 6-speed manual (available on Sport models) with a carbon-fiber driveshaft for reduced weight
- A 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters and rev-matching downshifts
The 7-speed was a significant upgrade, offering quicker shifts and better fuel economy than the old 5-speed.
New Body Styles
The fourth generation expanded the lineup :
- G37 Sedan: The practical choice, available in rear or all-wheel drive
- G37 Coupe: The style leader, with a lower roofline and wider stance
- G37 Convertible: A new addition for 2009, featuring a power-folding hardtop that retracted in 25 seconds
The convertible was heavy (about 170 kg more than the coupe) and slower, but it offered open-air luxury that appealed to a new audience .
Interior Refinement
Inside, the G37 featured violet-tinted instrument lighting, available navigation with a 7-inch touchscreen, and a 10-speaker Bose audio system . The Sport package added magnesium paddle shifters, sport seats with adjustable bolsters, and aluminum pedals .
The G37’s interior was described as fitting “between the traditional Teutonic precise austerity and the usual Japanese American-influenced opulence” .
The G37 Driving Experience
What makes the G37 special even today? It is the combination of engine, chassis, and feel.
The Engine Character
The VQ37VHR is not a turbocharged torque monster. It is a naturally aspirated engine that builds power smoothly and linearly. You have to rev it to get the best out of it. That 7,500 RPM redline is addictive, and the sound—a refined growl that turns into a snarl—is intoxicating.
Handling and Chassis
The FM platform, with its front-midship engine placement, gives the G37 excellent balance. The double-wishbone front suspension and multilink rear keep the tires planted . Sport models added a viscous limited-slip differential and larger brakes with 4-piston front calipers .
The available 4WAS (Four-Wheel Active Steering) system adjusted both front and rear steering angles for improved stability and agility, though it was not universally loved by purists .
0-60 Times
The G37 was quick for its era:
- G37 Sedan with 7-speed auto: 5.5 seconds
- G37 Coupe with 6-speed manual: 5.4 seconds
- G37 Convertible: 6.4 seconds (blame the weight)
These numbers still feel respectable today.
G-Series Evolution at a Glance
To understand the full journey, here is how the G-series evolved across four generations.
| Generation | Years | Chassis Code | Layout | Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1991-1996 | P10 | Front-wheel drive | 2.0L SR20DE I4 | 140 hp |
| Second | 1999-2002 | P11 | Front-wheel drive | 2.0L SR20DE I4 | 145 hp |
| Third | 2003-2006 | V35 | Rear/AWD (FM platform) | 3.5L VQ35DE V6 | 260-280 hp |
| Fourth | 2007-2015 | V36 | Rear/AWD (FM platform) | 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 | 328-330 hp |
The Legacy: From G37 to Q50 and Q60
In 2014, Infiniti changed its naming convention. All sedans would be “Q” models, and all SUVs would be “QX” . The G37 sedan became the Q40 for one final year (2015), while the coupe and convertible became the first-generation Q60 .
The modern Q50 and Q60 still use an evolution of the FM platform, and the spirit of the G37 lives on in their chassis dynamics. But the naturally aspirated VQ engine is gone, replaced by turbocharged VR engines .
The G37 represents the end of an era—the last of the high-revving, naturally aspirated Japanese sports sedans.
FAQ: Your G-Series Heritage Questions Answered
What does G stand for in Infiniti G-series?
The “G” originally stood for “Gran Turismo” or “Grand Touring,” reflecting the car’s blend of performance and luxury. Infiniti never officially defined it, but the intent was clear: a sporty, refined sedan for the modern driver.
Is the G37 related to the Nissan 370Z?
Yes. Both cars share the FM platform and the VQ37VHR engine . The 370Z is a pure two-seat sports car, while the G37 is a luxury coupe/sedan, but underneath, they are close cousins.
Why is the VQ engine so highly regarded?
The VQ series won 14 consecutive WardsAuto 10 Best Engine awards . It was praised for its smoothness, linear power delivery, high-revving nature, and reliability. It is one of the most successful engine families in history.
When did the G-series switch to rear-wheel drive?
With the introduction of the G35 in 2002 (as a 2003 model). This was a pivotal moment that transformed the G-series from a front-drive compact into a legitimate BMW competitor .
What is VVEL and why does it matter?
VVEL stands for Variable Valve Event and Lift. It allows the engine to continuously adjust how far and how long the intake valves open . This improves power, efficiency, and throttle response. The VQ37VHR was the first Infiniti engine to use it.
Was there a G37 wagon?
No. Infiniti never officially sold a G37 wagon in the United States. However, the Nissan Stagea, a wagon version of the Skyline (the G37’s Japanese cousin), exists and is a coveted import.
How long was the G-series produced?
The G-series was produced from 1990 through 2015 (with a two-year hiatus in 1997-1998). That is 25 years across four generations .
What replaced the G37?
The G37 sedan was replaced by the Q50 in 2014. The G37 coupe and convertible evolved into the Q60, which continued through 2022 .
The Final Verdict: A Legacy Worth Celebrating
The Infiniti G-series is more than just a line of cars. It is a story of evolution, ambition, and eventual mastery. It started as a front-wheel-drive compact with a four-cylinder engine and ended as a rear-wheel-drive V6-powered sports sedan that could genuinely challenge the Germans.
The G37 stands as the culmination of that journey. It took everything Infiniti learned—the FM platform from the G35, the VVEL technology, the refinement, the coupe and convertible body styles—and perfected it. It is a car that rewards driving enthusiasts with a high-revving engine, balanced chassis, and timeless looks.
If you own a G37, you own a piece of Infiniti history. If you are thinking of buying one, do it before the secret gets out. They are not making naturally aspirated V6 sports sedans anymore.
What’s your favorite hidden feature inside your Infiniti? Share your thoughts in the comments below. (Or tell us: have you owned a G20, G35, or G37? Which generation was your favorite?)
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