On November 8, of 1989, Nissan introduced a luxury performance line of vehicles to North America. The new brand was named Infiniti. The goal was to increase market share in the luxury segment similar to its competitors Lexus, which birthed out of Toyota; and Acura, derived from Honda. It’s no secret that Infiniti has built its reputation on providing an impressive luxury product at an amazing value. Take for example the sexy, 2011 G Convertible.

Available at two trim levels starting at $45,750, the basics include a three-piece retractable hardtop that drops in like a clamshell for a more sleek exterior look; an adaptive temperature control system that constantly adjust to keep you consistently in comfort whether you speed up or slow down in the hot or cold while the top is dropped; an open air sound system by Bose that takes into consideration the position of the top (up or down), speed and ambient noise, all for a supreme sound experience from all 13-speakers including speakers in the headrests.

It’s class leading 325 horsepower V6 engine was designed to accelerate like a peaking wave, as opposed to a sudden burst of power, which all becomes quite apparent when you’re behind the wheel to notice what feels like limitless power throughout the acceleration process. To harness such power comes a standard seven-speed automatic transmission with options to include Drive Sport mode, a six-speed manual shift option and that seventh gear for lower rpm’s at cruising speeds. Translation: all that power with a fuel efficiency rating of 25-miles per gallon on the highway, 17 in the city.

The G’s interior accoutrements are beyond thoughtful. The minimalist look-even with the plethora of neatly stacked and separated buttons for navigation, radio and temperature is further enhanced by high gloss maple accents (Add $600). A great example of G’s thoughtfulness is the scenario of me wanting to move the passenger seat forward in order to store something on the floor behind the behind the seat. In my efforts to reach for the power seat buttons traditionally located on the far right side of the passenger seat (the outside panel closest to the door) I noticed that starring smack dab at me on the inside panel of the seat a button was conveniently positioned to move the seat forward and back. That meant me keeping my composure, rather than becoming slightly disheveled in the process of reaching. Men and especially women have got to love that!

Also of note is the available hard drive, touch-screen navigation system with a 9.3 GB music box to store your favorite music, which comes in handy when your iPod is at home. This $1,850 package includes a speed limit advisory to help keep the heat off of you, rear camera with a Birds Eye View to see everything around you while in reverse, and more.

On safety, the G Convertible has two roll bars that pop up automatically (when the top is dropped) if the opportunity for rollover is detected. To keep your wheels from slipping if and when a sudden turn is needed (in order to avoid running into a road obstruction), Vehicle Dynamic Control applies brakes to the individual wheels as needed while also adjusting engine power output. If you’re like me, you’ll love the G’s low to the ground feeling for added centering and maneuverability. 

Infiniti’s basic warranty includes 4 year/60,000 mile basic coverage and 6 year/70,000 miles on the powertrain. An optional Elite Extended Protection Plan takes it up to 7 years/100,000 miles.

With it being September, manufacturers are ready to deal on all 2011 models in order to make room for the 2012 lineup. If you’re digging the sound of the G Convertible, now is the time to shoot your best shot at a dealer near you!