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A balance of power and poise makes this white-on-white convertible a worthy road companion.


Spell It Out
The IPL acronym associated with the 2013 Infiniti G37 Convertible stands for Infiniti Performance Line. And it's the second model in the Japanese automaker's family to sport this badge. The first offering was the G37 IPL Coupe. And while both are equally nice to drive, this model can go topless! Now, where did I put my sunscreen?

Why IPL?
What constitutes an "IPL" designation? Well, a few things, but the key ingredient is performance. Before getting to the good stuff -- i.e., the performance aspect -- there are some differentiating characteristics of this model over its other G siblings.

First, the special emblem on the two-door drop top's effervescent three-coat Aspen Pearl exterior is a dead giveaway. Then there are the exclusive IPL aerodynamics with front fascia and side sills, along with the large diameter dual exhaust pipes with chrome finishers.

Jump inside the stone-coloured cabin and there are a few more hints. For example, the red-stitched steering wheel gives it a sportier feel. Furthermore, the sport front seats are engraved with the IPL logos. Look down and the floor mats also have the same embroidery.

What really caught my eye, though, is the Silk Obi aluminum trim finish. Set against a black backdrop, it really popped. Sometimes, carmakers can overdo the metallic trim to compensate for a lack of interior character. Not in the IPL. The balance of shades and hues not only make it look classy, but make it come alive a little more.

Also helping the vehicle come to life is the addition of a Bose premium stereo system. What makes it special is that it's specifically designed for open-air driving. That said, it still sounds fabulous with the top up, but the AudioPilot 2.0 noise compensation technology and Personal front seat headrest speakers help create optimal sound quality when the wind is travelling through the cabin.

The Silk Obi aluminum trim finish. Set against a black backdrop, it really popped. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Let There Be Light (and hair tousling!)
Allowing the wind to liberally flow through your hair requires only the push and hold of a button conveniently located on the centre console, just behind the gearbox. Then, the three-piece power retractable hardtop will fold elegantly into the trunk and, voila, the world is your oyster. It takes approximately 30 seconds for the opening/closing sequence of the roof.

For the full hair-tousling experience, roll the windows down. This is especially nice on a warm summer evening while driving into the sunset. But ladies (and some guys?!), for the full experience, you might want to tie your hair back and perhaps put on a hat so your hair doesn't disrupt your vision, or get in your eyes.

Performance Time
Through a series of recalibrations, system management modifications and more engineering sorcery, the IPL G Convertible's 3.7L, V6 generates 343 horsepower -- an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models -- and 273 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 6 lb-ft of torque. All of that power is then channelled through an electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission.

But wait, there's more: The transmission is equipped with Downshift Rev Matching and quick-shift Drive Sport (DS) mode with magnesium paddle shifters and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC). Regardless of whether you select the gears through the paddle shifters or just let the engine work its magic, its smooth sailing all the way.

Not to mention with the downshift rev matching, and of course the acceleration, comes the magnificent sound that's generated through the dual exhaust. Top up or down -- mind you, it sounds way better with the top down -- the sound that comes from the rear end is sure to please.

When on the road, the specially tuned suspension matched with 19" IPL aluminum-alloy wheels creates a ride that has potency, but comfort at the same time. At no point did I feel that the IPL was too abrasive. If anything, I would have liked it to be a little stiffer. But that's the inner racer in me talking, so I'll tell her to be quiet!

The IPL G Convertible's 3.7L, V6 generates 343 horsepower -- an increase of 18 horsepower over the non-IPL models. (Photo: Alexandra Straub)

Trunk Talk
A query that almost always arises when talking about convertibles is trunk space. With the roof up, there's 210 litres (7.4 cubic feet) of storage around back. With the top down, it's severely reduced. However, most people who are buying a convertible know that it's a trade-off they have to make. If you want to use what little space is left with the top down, I suggest loading your items in before going topless. The space to get large-ish items in is not very forgiving.

And while on the topic of space, although the IPL Convertible has room for four inside, the rear seats can get a little squishy for those with longer legs. Also, if there are taller individuals sitting up front, legroom is further reduced. But in regards to comfort, no spot is too bad when inside.

This 2013 Infiniti G37 Convertible IPL review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

Jim Downing, the former sports car driver and principal of the HANS device (head and neck support) said that short tracks and drag strips are deficient due to “lack of proper safety equipment.”

Downing, president of HANS Performance Products said, at the IMIS Safety and Technical Conference in Indianapolis that driver fatalities on those tracks have been increasing because those types of tracks lag the safety equipment required at the bigger ovals.

“There was a significant increase in deaths at U.S. race tracks in the ten years after Dale Earnhardt's fatal accident at Daytona - compared to the ten years before his fatal crash,” said Downing. “This is a fact that escapes most people involved in motor racing, because they mistakenly believe all the safety improvements have trickled down to the weekend warriors. That is not the case.”

Martinsville track. (Photo: NASCAR)

Downing based his opinion on a Charlotte Observer study titled “Death at the Track,” in the years 1991 to 2001 the total number of driver deaths from crashes was 144. During the ten-year period after Earnhardt's death, the total rose to 171, an alarming increase of 27 driver fatalities due to racing accidents.

Part of the problem, Downing opined, was due to the fact that these type of local tracks are not televised so that news of injuries or fatalities don't make it into the mainstream media. 

The safety needs to improve on short ovals and on drag strips where weekend warriors are participating and where the most deaths are occurring, said Downing. Of the 171 deaths during the years 2001 to 2011, 126 occurred on these types of tracks. SAFER barriers may not be feasible, said Downing, but his presentation documented that 34 of the deaths involved the type of head and neck injuries prevented by Head and Neck Restraints. 

“When weekend warriors die on short tracks or drag strips, it doesn't get the kind of media coverage that takes place in major series,” said Downing. “But we've identified the same type of head and neck injuries that killed drivers on superspeedways are also killing them at lower speeds on short ovals. On drag strips, drivers are hitting the walls head on. A Head and Neck Restraint can prevent these unnecessary racing deaths.”

Another problem is that the smaller sanctioning bodies may not require HANS devices due to their cost.

Our society revolves around good looks. No matter how much we try to deny it, beautiful people (and by association, things) do well. If you're attractive, you're better received, people are more open towards you and you generally go farther -- provided you're not a complete bitch.


See, looking good is only half the battle. You've got to have the personality to match the goods or people will start to get annoyed, gently start to ignore you and suddenly you're sad and lonely with 15 cats (but a perfectly symmetrical face). And here's where the car review starts: The 2013 Nissan 370Z is a looker, if ever there was one, but my God does it ever have an attitude problem.

Looking the part
For 2013, the Nissan 370Z got a bit of a facelift. It wasn't much, just enough to clean up the lines, adding LED "fangs" to the outer edges of the front bumper to make the car look a wee bit more aggressive (but just as attractive). If nothing else, this car is ideal for ogling.

Some cars are overtly sexy, and the Nissan 370Z is one such vehicle. Sensual lines, curvacious in all the right spots and with a rear end that rivals one of the Kardashians, this Nissan is the GT-R's hot younger sister that everyone wants to hit on -- until she opens her mouth.

But before you let her talk, get to know the inner her. The 2013 Nissan 370Z's interior was also updated (slightly). New dark-trim finish and an available Bose stereo system (with a few extra speakers) make sitting in the Nissan 370Z as pleasing as standing outside looking at it. My particular tester was a blonde through and through, with a creamy beige interior beneath her pearly white exterior. The effect was feminine and rather classy.

New dark-trim finish make sitting in the Nissan 370Z as pleasing as standing outside looking at it. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Then there's the personality
Leave the Nissan 370Z parked to be admired and it's truly a great car. However, for just over $40,000 (base MSRP) you're going to want to do more than look at it, and that's a shame.

Here's the thing: For me, the Nissan 370Z has no personality, and that's where the attitude problem comes into play. Sure it's got a hot set of legs (19" alloys with red caliper brakes thanks to a Sport Package to be precise), but the conversation is just so dull and boring there's no way the relationship could last.

Equipped with the same 3.7L V6 found in Infiniti's G37, the 370Z is good for 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. Those aren't small numbers, not by any means. In fact, they're quite decent for a sporty coupe such as the 370Z, and yet they do nothing for me. There's no rush of emotion upon downshifting and depressing the throttle, no pulse of adrenaline when the ignition button is engaged and the first gear selected.

The Nissan 370Z is currently the only car in North America to offer a synchronized downshift rev match with a manual transmission. Basically that translates into: It's the only car in NA that will make you a lazy manual driver. The car does all the work for you, automatically bumping up your revs when you want to downshift so you can make the perfect gear transition. Sounds cool for first-timers, perhaps, but as someone who likes to drive and someone who likes to boast a rather good downshift ability, it's a bit gimmicky.

Equipped with the same 3.7L V6 found in Infiniti's G37, the 370Z is good for 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Carrying the conversation is tiresome
Driving the 370Z does nothing for me, either. The transmission is responsive enough and the gears are easy to click through, but there's no excitement in it. You can hear mechanical components working (if you turn down the Bose stereo) which can be cool and "raw" but gets old rather quickly. And as for an exhaust note, well it's there, but not to the level you want in a sporty coupe. Give me a 350Z or G35 wail over the 370Z grumble any day.

Steering responsiveness in the Nissan 370Z also feels a bit disconnected for me. This is supposed to be a sporty car, but I just didn't get that sense. Sure the suspension -- handled by a double wishbone setup in the front and multilink in the rear -- is good, helping the car hug corners rather well and pull spirited maneouvres, but it's nothing to get too excited about. It just is.

The suspension -- handled by a double wishbone setup in the front and multilink in the rear -- is good, helping the car hug corners rather well and pull spirited maneouvres. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

Would you bring her home to meet the parents?
Probably not. The 2013 Nissan 370Z isn't very practical either. Sure, a two-seater isn't supposed to be practical (that's the allure of a two-seater when you're a bachelor or looking for a weekend cruiser), but there are other just-as-impractical cars I'd rather spend 40 grand on (like a Mazda MX-5 or the Subaru BRZ, both of which would cost me less). And that's the thing; there are other options. And if you do your homework, you are very likely going to choose those other options over the 370Z.

This 2013 Nissan 370Z review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

DHL has confirmed that it will be back as full-primary sponsor on IZOD IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay's Chevrolet Dallara for the upcoming 2013 Indycar season.

Indianapolis-based squad Andretti Autosport and DHL recently announced the new agreement which takes the successful partnership into its third consecutive season.

The iconic DHL branding, which has been a part of Hunter-Reay's car for the past two seasons, will be unveiled by Hunter-Reay as well as the 2013 liveries of teammates Marco Andretti and James Hinchcliffe.

Hunter-Reay and team owner Michael Andretti have decided that the champion's car will have No.1 on it while Marco Andretti will be changing his from No. 26 to No. 25. James Hinchcliffe will remain with No.27.

Fuzzy's Triple Crown

Meanwhile, officials of the IndyCar have announced that Fuzzy's Ultra Premium Vodka will be the major sponsor for the 2013 “Triple Crown“, featuring the Indianapolis 500, Pocono IndyCar 400 and the MAVTV 500.


Fuzzy's Triple Crown and the three-race oval track set will award a $1 million payout to any driver who can win all three events. A driver who wins two of the three races will be awarded a $250,000 bonus.

American Honda, facing a challenging but growing light-vehicle market in the United States, is placing its $700 million creative and media accounts for the Honda and Acura brands under review.

November 2012 Auto Sales

Enjoying the post-storm surge.

When Superstorm Sandy pummeled the East Coast at the end of October, its breadth and destructiveness were enough to drag down new-car sales for the month. But already in November, carmakers were seeing Sandy's opposite effect: a surge in new vehicle sales as buyers pocket their insurance checks and headed out to dealerships to replace their storm-ruined cars. (It's estimated that as many as 250,000 cars were destroyed.) That tailwind added to the trend of increasing volume driven by an aging national fleet, low interest rates, and improved credit availability. Overall, sales jumped 15% compared to last year, and the annualized clip topped 15 million units, the fastest pace so far in 2012.

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Photo Gallery: November 2012 Auto Sales - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: November 2012 Auto Sales - Automobile Magazine

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Also in this episode: Lexus is bringing the new IS sport sedan to the

Episode six of Nissan GT Academy premieres Thursday night on Spike TV at 11:30 p.m.

Zora-Arkus Duntov, the first chief engineer for the

Sure, everyone has heard of Nash Motors, but how many of you have lusted after an old Rambler? Nash's reputation for building eminently sensible vehicles means that their products are often overlooked by the modern-day enthusiast.

2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible

The coolest thing about the Jaguar XKR-S convertible is its incredible exhaust note.

The color scheme on this XKR S is spot-on: British racing green with a black convertible top and shiny black wheels over saddle brown leather seats with charcoal trim. It's modern yet traditional -- an aesthetic that Jaguar manages to create in every one of its vehicles. And as good as it looks, it sounds even better. The engine produces pure music and the exhaust bark is totally addictive. After I heard it the first time pulling away from a stop, I began timing the lights to experience it as many times as possible. Stop, accelerate, bark, repeat.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Convertible - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine

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2012 Volkswagen Passat TDI - Our First Brush With Winter

As winter sets in, our TDI takes a Thanksgiving road trip.

We closed our last update wondering how our Four Seasons Volkswagen Passat TDI would fare in colder months. We're still a few weeks away from the official start to Winter, but November's oscillating temperatures did provide a few occasions to see how the Passat performs once the mercury falls.

Photo Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI - Four Seasons Update - November 2012 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Passat SE TDI - Four Seasons Update - November 2012 - Automobile Magazine

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Michigan, home to carmakers and the UAW, may ban mandatory union-dues payments if Republicans who run the Legislature pass such a law, making it the 24th right-to-work state.

The power junkies over at Hennessey have uploaded a YouTube video of the company's Venom GT hypercar. The Lotus-based GT sprints from 0-to-228 mph in 19.

BMW is celebrating its domination of the 2012 DTM series with a special edition

Apparently Ford wanted to give a few of its offerings a mile-high workout. That would explain why Autoweek reader Brendan Bartolo was able to catch a fleet of four vehicles parked, hoods open, in a Denver hotel parking lot.

Measures announced by the UK government in today's 'Autumn Statement' related to tax relief on investment by companies and credit initiatives, will benefit small and medium sized firms in the UK automotive supply chain, according to consultants KPMG.

BMW, in a major marketing shift, is renaming the next-generation 3-series coupe and convertible the 4 series to create more exclusivity and command higher prices on some of its sportiest, high-volume models.

News 13 Dec, 2012

The all-new BMW 2 Series Convertible has been spotted testing ahead of its debut late next year

News 5 Dec, 2012

Ford has revealed prices for the new Kuga, and it's around £1,000 cheaper than the outgoing model