Track Tested: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe

The 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe is the first vehicle to sport Infiniti's new Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) series of modifications. More in the spirit of F-Sport, S line and A-Spec rather than AMG or M (unless you count AMG's body/wheel kits and BMW's M Sport offerings), the IPL lineup involves subtle tuning and augmented appearance packages rather than full-on significant new model-name-requiring changes.

For example, the 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe is fitted with the same 3.7-liter V6 found in the Infiniti G37 but makes 347 horsepower thanks to a tweaked engine management system and a high-flow dual-exhaust system.

Other modifications include a new front and rear bumper/front fascia design with integrated foglights, new side sills, a rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips and 19-inch IPL split seven-spoke graphite-finish wheels.

So, how does the new IPL G Coupe and its 18-horsepower and 6 pound-feet upgrade do in our testing? Follow the jump to find out...

Vehicle: 2011 Infiniti IPL G Coupe
Odometer: 3,489
Date: 1/5/2011
Driver: Chris Walton
Price: $48,825 (base)

Specifications:
Drive Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed manual
Engine Type: DOHC, port-injected 3.7-liter V6
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 3,696cc (226 cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 7,500

Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 348 @ 7,400
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 276 @ 5,200
Brake Type (front): 14-inch rotors with four-piston fixed calipers
Brake Type (rear): 13.8-inch rotors with 2-piston fixed calipers
Steering System: Power rack-and-pinion steering
Suspension Type (front): Independent double wishbones, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent multilink, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Tire Size (front): 225/45 R19 92W
Tire Size (rear): 245/40 R19 94W
Tire Brand: Bridgestone
Tire Model: Potenza RE050A
Tire Type: Summer Performance
Wheel size: 19-by-8.5 inches front, 19-by-9 inches rear
Wheel material (front/rear): Aluminum alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,696

Test Results:

Acceleration
0-30 (sec): 2.4 (2.9 TC On)
0-45 (sec): 4.0 (4.7 TC On)
0-60 (sec): 5.8 (6.5 TC On)
0-75 (sec): 8.3 (9.2 TC On)
1/4-Mile (sec @ mph): 14.0 @ 102.1 (14.6 @ 100.8 TC On)
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 5.5 (6.3 TC On)

Braking
30-0 (ft): 28
60-0 (ft): 114

Handling
Slalom (mph): 67.5 (66.2 TC On)
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): 0.87 (0.86 TC On)

Sound
Db @ Idle: 46.0
Db @ Full Throttle: 80.2
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 68.2

Comments
Acceleration: Aside from the trac-on run, which is very punishing, this car is very consistent despite launch technique. Not a fan of the engine drone and gear whine, but it is a fairly torquey V6. I don't recall a clutch-pedal damper (on return) like this one has.

Braking: Also, very consistent stopping distances over five runs. Little dive, but noisy ABS and vibrating bushings.

Handling: Skid pad: Subtle but steady understeer on the limit of grip that can't be driven through. Steering feels heavy for heavy sake. With ESC on, it doesn't intrude very much at all -- some understeer. Slalom: Not a fan of the unnecessarily gooey steering feel and artificial weight that makes the car feel reluctant and heavy. Turn-in is crisp and the car takes a set quickly. Good in transition, and throttle response does help rotate the car. With ESC on, the brakes dab just a little to snub understeer and take away the ability to rotate the car.