Amid Infiniti’s restructure of vehicle names, they continue on with the G37 Coupe’s current design now receiving its new Q60 moniker. Remaining virtually unchanged from the previous model year, what is now named the Q60 carries on its stylish luxury sports coupe looks and IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) trim offering. Having spent a week with the Q60 IPL Coupe it starts to signify the potential that can be extracted from such a vehicle and anticipation for what is to come from the brand as the Q60 IPL has one last hurrah before its redesign alongside of the highly praised Q50 sedan (replacing the G37 sedan).
The 2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Coupe is an admirable vehicle with the simplistic plug and play aptitude that many consumers have grown to adore in many Japanese luxury vehicles. The Q60 in the IPL trim adds a nice dash of performance to the G37 coupe equation that has long been a workhorse for the Infiniti brand and musters on with one of the best V6 engine’s in the business. The 3.7-liter V6 engine retains the IPL’s higher output of 348 horsepower at 7,400 rpm and 276 ft-lbs. of torque at 5,200 rpm. Having my Q60 IPL Coupe test vehicle’s V6 engine mated to a 6-speed transmission, something rare amongst the Q60’s close Japanese competition, is a welcomed option for enthusiasts in a time where manual transmissions are a rarity that requires consumers to dig deep to find that coveted 3-pedal configuration.
The 2014 Infiniti Q60 IPL Coupe takes some performance traits from its Nissan 370Z NISMO cousin in that it ups the horsepower and torque figure by 18-hp and 6-ft-lbs. respectfully and gets sport suspension unique to the Q60 IPL. Having a successful run with the G37 badge for many years, the Q60 IPL may be a familiar bridge to tide us over until the next generation of Infiniti’s highly sought after luxury sports coupe. This familiar bridge still does not disappoint providing it can scoot to 60 mpg in just 5.5 seconds, hold lateral G-forces at 0.87g, and brake from 60 mph in just 110 feet.
In my many previous reviews and test drives of the G37 and IPL-trimmed Coupe equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, it begs to reiterate how well the platform underpinning the Q60 has aged and won over many consumers and enthusiasts alike. In my drive to a few neighboring cities from Jacksonville, FL going down Interstate 95, it reminds me of how the Q60 IPL Coupe is among a rare offering that mostly appeases to enthusiasts pursuing a nice dose of luxury. In noticing this trait, mainly due to the 6-speed manual transmission, larger brakes over the standard trim with 4-piston front brake calipers and 2-piston rear, sporty 19-inch graphite-finished wheels with staggered 225/45R29 front and 245/40R19 rear tires, IPL high-flow exhaust with massively-sized chrome tips, red leather seating with perforated inserts, and eye-appetizing Melbec Black exterior paint, the Q60 IPL Coupe is mostly one of a kind.
The interior appointments of the 2014 Q60 IPL Coupe are rather familiar but still functional to keep up with what is expected of today’s infotainment system offerings and basic luxury amenities. Nothing really sticks out of place while the fit and finish of the interior bits and highlighted brushed aluminum trim all work well together as they have over the past 7 years for this platform. Not much is there to set the IPL trim apart from the base Q60 other than “IPL” embroidering on the seats and floor mats.
The driving dynamic of the Q60 IPL Coupe, also remaining unchanged from the G37 IPL-badged vehicle from previous years, is a welcoming trait. The Q60 IPL Coupe holds its own very well and is up to demanding drivers that may even put the 370Z-inspiered chassis to work on a local autocross course. Ride comfort is also a delight even with the sport-tuned suspension unique to the IPL trim. Still, there is an undesirable coarseness from the drivetrain when revving the eager VQ-series V6 engine near its redline at nearly 7,400 rpm. This characteristic has somehow found its way from the 370Z into many years of the G37 and now Q60. Although I can live with this small shortcoming, it is more noticeable in the manual transmission variant of the G37/Q60.
Cruising around town fuel consumption becomes a slight disappointment getting an average of around 18 mpg for my city adventures. On the highway I found the Q60 IPL Coupe 6-speed manual to get a best figure of 26.5 mpg. EPA estimates for the Q60 IPL Coupe 6-speed remains in line with the previous year G37 IPL at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The Infiniti Q60 IPL Coupe amid its badge transform replacing the G37 nomenclature, is sure to still turn heads and appease discerning luxury sports coupe consumers. At the same time the Q60 IPL will enthrall enthusiasts seeking a manual transmission in their next luxury sports coupe purchase. As it stands, the IPL Coupe trim includes all optional features made available on the base model and upper trim packages making the choice simplified to the exterior and interior color or a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic. As far as perceived value, the Infiniti Q60 IPL Coupe falls in line with what a loaded up G37 Journey Coupe would weigh in with an as-tested price of $52,305 including a $905 destination charge, which is still considerably less than comparably equipped German competition.
Copyright: 2014 AutomotiveAddicts.com
