We've been whining for years about Infinitis unwillingness to give us a convertible version of its saucy G coupe, especially because Nissan builds an open-top version of the coupe’s platform-mate, the Z. Now we can finally shut up, because the L.A. auto show is hosting the debut of the G37 convertible.

From the A-pillar back, the G37 convertible features unique body panels, including a slick three-piece retractable hardtop that sandwiches under a flush tonneau cover. Inside, besides the extra sunshine, occupants will enjoy new convertible-exclusive "silk-finish" aluminum trim, as well as optional multi-adjustable sport seats and a Bose Open Air audio system with 13 speakers-including a couple in each headrest. Rear passengers, however, may not appreciate the compromised legroom and headroom… then again, they never had much of either in the first place.

As with the coupe, a Sport package is available, standard on cars with a manual transmission and optional with the automatic. It includes 19-inch rolling stock, enhanced brakes, and sport-tuned steering. Magnesium shift paddles are also included on automatic cars.

From the A-pillar forward, everything from the G37 coupe stays put, including the stellar high-output 3.7-liter V-6 that, in this application, produces 327 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual or a new rev-matching seven-speed automatic. Grip levels are expected to stay high thanks to reinforcements added throughout the structure, as well as a wider rear track than the coupe. That said, with weight ballooning to over two tons-roughly 450 pounds more than the G37 coupe-it'll have a hard time keeping up with the frisky hardtop when the going gets twisty.

More important, it'll have a hard time keeping up with its main rival, the BMW 335i cabriolet, which undercuts its mass by roughly 150 pounds whilst offering a much more habitable rear seat, with two more inches of headroom and almost five inches of extra legroom. That said, nobody buys these cars with plans for a permanent rear-seat population, and the G37 is certain to undercut the pricey Bimmer's sticker by a good chunk, though pricing has yet to be released.

We see a sunny comparo-we'll probably also toss in Lexus's similarly fresh IS350 convertible-sometime after the car goes on sale next spring. Let the fun shine.

Source:http://www.caranddriver.com/news/auto_shows/2008_los_angeles_auto_show_l_a_auto_show_auto_shows/production_debuts/2009_infiniti_g37_convertible_official_photos_and_info_auto_shows