There she sat, a vision in run-fast red. Even my wife -- who is not a car person -- said, “Whoa, is THAT the car?”  That’s the car – the Infiniti G37. Talk about combining “speed” and “style”: Here is a car that is perfect for what this e-mag is all about. The G-whiz 37 has plenty of both!

With a wind-cheating shape and lots of power, this baby really flies! (Photo Courtesy of Infiniti)

Take, for example, the interior: A fair number of auto writers complained that the G35 was on the cheap-o side, a little too plain Jane for the price tag. Infiniti has met that challenge with improved materials for the new car, an overall shape-up in the cabin and a fit-and-finish that keep up with the Joneses, no sweat.

The G35 coupe got our vote for Best Looking Car on the Road when it was introduced. The new version is even sleeker, with its curvy L-shaped headlight enclosures, smooth hood and forward-leaning stance. It’s slightly larger (less than an inch longer, 0.2-inch wider and lower by a tenth of an inch) than its predecessor, but the 112.2 inch wheelbase was retained.

The G37 has a brand-new, improved interior.

In short, the G37 turns in good times, but it’s not going to shame Vipers or Vettes. But then, it costs substantially less.How much? Our test car, the “Journey” version, carries a base price of $35,000. Numerous options brought the total up to $44,665. The “plain” coupe can be had for $34,250, while the Sport 6 MT will set you back $35,550 before options. These are not bad prices when compared with the G37’s main competitor, the BMW 335i, at thousands more.

The 3.7-liter V-6 produces 330 horsepower.

In the Navigation package, there is a rearview monitor. A word about that: Infiniti and Nissan have the best one on the market. A camera provides the rear view, but the clever folks have given the driver a set of colored markers (green, yellow, red) to show how much farther he/she can safely back up before encountering a lawyer. This is useful stuff.

But let’s get this puppy on the road. The intelligent key/push start button sets off a lovely rumble, letting you know right away this is going to be serious fun. The transmission is wonderfully cooperative. It will shift itself; you can play with the paddle shifters; or stir the gear lever by hand. A firm push on the accelerator produces an immediate surge and -- if you hold it down too long --  you’ll be joined by a member of law enforcement for a stern conversation and, perhaps, some paperwork. But the snarl of the V-6 in the higher revs (redline is at 7,600 rpm) is mighty tempting.

The Infiniti G37 Coupe has a wind-cheating shape and loads of power to move it ahead.

Things We Like About The G37

-- What a fine, clean exterior design

-- And they shaped up the interior, too

– check the stitching on the leather seats

-- The rearview monitor

-- Those monster brakes

Things We Don't Like About The G37

Expect to see this angle as G37s whip ahead!

– and is it THAT much of a task to insert a key in the ignition and turn it?

As you can see, we didn’t find many nits to pick in the G37. You get outstanding styling, an interior that no longer trails behind, plenty of power beneath the hood and handling to keep things under control.  And the price is right.  Hey, BMW, that object in your rearview mirror is closer than it appears. Nissan has closed the gap.