Infiniti's G-series has taken on the venerable BMW 3-Series in coupe and sedan form, winning praise and encouragement from the automotive press in recent years.  Now, the car is poised to challenge the 3-Series in the one arena Infiniti has always conceded in the past: the convertible market.

A hardtop G37 convertible was unveiled to the press yesterday afternoon, and early reaction mirrors what auto writers said about Infiniti's coupe and sedan versions of the car.

"While most manufactures struggle to make their convertibles even remotely as attractive as their coupe siblings, this luxury brand has delivered a drop-top that looks every bit as good (or better) than its fixed-roof kin," says Autoblog.  "In person, even with the top up, the convertible is sleek as it lacks the heavy B-pillar of the coupe (giving it an airy appearance). With its three-piece automatic power hardtop retracted, it screams sophistication and luxury as all of the hardware disappears beneath a flush fitting tonneau cover."

AutoWeek says the G37 droptop "cuts a dashing figure."  Its three-piece retractable hardtop "can open or close in about 30 seconds with a switch on the center console." 

The rear-wheel-drive car uses the same 3.7-liter, 325 horsepower V6 that drives the coupe and sedan G cars, mated to a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters, or a six-speed manual gearbox. 

Inside, Car and Driver reports, "occupants will enjoy new convertible-exclusive "silk-finish" aluminum trim, as well as optional multi-adjustable sport seats."  Blonde maple wood accents finish the look.  It also boasts a special Bose-designed "open-air sound system," with 13-speakers (including two in each front headrest," which adjusts volume to compensate for speed, outside noise and the top's positioning.

Popular Mechanics adds, "Prices haven't been released, of course, but we'll hazard a guess that it will be around five grand more than a Coupe, similarly equipped-that puts it handily over 40 grand."

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