1/64 Diecast Fun: [Japanese Moderns] Nissan's luxuous brother : Infiniti

This article will focus on the "japano-american" brand Infiniti, created in 1989. First years were quite hard for the brand, it was constantly behind Acura and Lexus in terms of sales. Models weren't so much attractive, but things turned around in the beginning of 2000's. With the introduction of models such as the QX4 or the I35, the brand gained a reputation of fiability. The model that put Infiniti on the top of sales was clearly the G35 (copy of the japanese Skyline) introduced in 2003. This article will mainly focus on this model. Actually, Infiniti's lineup is made of lot of variations of the G37 (sedan, coupe and convertible), the M, Ex and FX crossovers and the huge QX56.

G37 Coupe

Unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show, the Infiniti G37 Coupe is the first coupe of the brand. It was given a brand new V6 of 330 hp paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The Infiniti G37 Coupe is clearly a "gran turismo" coupe, less sportier than its cousin the Nissan 370Z. The focus is more on being luxuous while offering a decent level of performance. Since 2009, it is offered as a convertible, and since 2011, in "IPL" version (Infiniti Performance Line) with an improved V6 engine offering 348 hp. This model quickly became one of the reference of the category, but is challenged by the Hyundai Genesis, that is offering a similar performance for a much lower price.

The G37 Coupe has been reproduced two times in diecast, and is actually the only real Infiniti made in 1/64 (to my humble knowledge). The first one has been done by Hot Wheels, introduced in 2010 in the regular casting line. Since then, it has been produced 4 times, and i own the first one, in a blueish silver. It is clearly a slightly tuned version, with a midly aggressive body-kit and a great spoiler. Strangely, the steering wheel is placed on the right, but the Infiniti is an american car... Tampos are great, especially on the rear of the car. Side mirrors are clearly missing again though. For a Hot Wheels, wheels are quite good for the car, and they give a nice sporty look. Clearly one of the good first editions in 2010.

Evaluation : Hot Wheels Infiniti G37 Coupe

Accuracy (looking like the real car?) : 7/10
Details (mirrors, wheels, other stuff) : 7/10
Color : 7/10
Quality of the fabrication : 8/10
Personal factor (is it a must for my collection?): 6/10
Total : 35/50

Mattel's orange brand, Matchbox, also introduced the G37 in the 2011 regular casting line. Strangely, it was first offered with a similar color as the Hot Wheels one. It is a more regular version though, with normal bumpers and normal exhausts. It looks more luxuous, with nice attention accorded to the sunroof. Tampos are so well done, and it even features side mirrors. Sadly, it was a big peg warmer, because it is quite unattractive for kids. Even more, with new 2012 Matchbox's orientation, the future of the casting is quite uncertain. Personally, it is clearly one of the best new 2011 Matchbox, and deserves a place in any collection!

Evaluation : Matchbox Infiniti G37 Coupe

Accuracy (looking like the real car?) : 9/10
Details (mirrors, wheels, other stuff) : 9/10
Color : 7/10
Quality of the fabrication : 9/10
Personal factor (is it a must for my collection?): 8/10
Total : 42/50

Which one do you prefer?

Nissan's few relatives

G37 Sedan

I call them relatives because those are models that are offered under the brand Infiniti in US, but under Nissan label in Japan. We'll first start with the G37 Sedan, that is the american version of the Skyline sedan. The G37 sedan was unveiled in 2009 and replaced the G35. A smaller version named the G25 was also introduced in 2011, with an engine of 218 hp only. This Skyline appeared in Japan on 2008, and is known as the V36 generation. The 370GT sedan is the japanese version of the G37. It is offered with the same engine as the Coupe. This sedan is well reproduced by Tomica, the japanese diecast maker. As any Tomica casting, it is very high quality with interesting features such as opening doors and a working suspension. The black color suits it very well, looking like a "Mafia" car. I would say that mirrors could been a nice add, and that front headlights would have been better with a few more details. Still a pretty nice casting there!

Evaluation : Tomica Nissan Skyline

Accuracy (looking like the real car?) : 9/10
Details (mirrors, wheels, other stuff) : 7/10
Color : 8/10
Quality of the fabrication : 8/10
Personal factor (is it a must for my collection?): 8/10
Total : 40/50

Infiniti EX37

Based on the Infiniti EX, that is a premium-type crossover, the Nissan Skyline Crossover is another interesting one. It is identified as the 370GT in japan. The EX37 was first introduced in 2008 in the USA, with a 320 hp V6, similar to the Skyline's one. It is also known to the first production vehicle featuring an "Around View Monitor", that is used to show the entire vehicle to the driver while driving backwards or parking. Even more, the crossover features a special "Scratch Shield" paint, that self-repairs fine scratches! It is quite magical. Again, Tomica reproduced the car in its regular lineup. It features an opening rear hatch and working suspension, as well as detailed lights and front calander. The paint is quite classical, but fits the car well. Side mirrors *again* would have been needed, but it's a pretty nice car.