Test Drove a Convertible- Impressions

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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 11:27 AM
  #1  
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Test Drove a Convertible- Impressions

I test drove a black/ stone non-sport 7AT yesterday. Like the coupe, this car looks much better in person than in the pictures- especially with the top down. The black color is the way to go as it hides the seams between the panels. I got a chance to drive one just for kicks. It's not bad- just not my taste though. The rear end is wider than the coupe which gives it a more agressive look than many convertibles in this class. The exhaust note was muted a little compared to the coupe. With a tanabe muffler replacement (if possible)- that would perfect the sound IMO. I was thinking that if they would have kept the exhaust note the same it would have been awesome hearing that with the top down. You can feel the extra weight compared to the coupe a little but it still doesn't feel sloppy or unsporty. The convertible (especially in non sport) is primarily a boulevard cruiser and not do much a GT car however. But when I got back in my car I was zipping around spiritedly because compared to the conv it felt more nimble. This could also be because of the sport steering and suspension however.

The wind noise is very subdued- even at 80 MPH with the top down you could still have a conversation and hear the radio quite well.

The interior materials looked and felt just a little more appealing than the coupe. The washi was swirled a bit differently and looked like a brighter finish. The cool seats worked perfectly. The leather felt a little more supple.

From the outside I was envisioning the car lowered with the headlights and grill in dark chrome, a sport roll bar and some bigger tires/ wheels. It has some potential. I don't think that it is as bad as many think. You have to remove yourself from comparing it to the coupe and look at it just for what it is.
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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 11:30 AM
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Nice write up. Ho many mens phone numbers did you get while driving it?
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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 12:59 PM
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DUDE! I said I'll call you later on... just be patient
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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 01:39 PM
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definitely a cruising car. i don't ilke how they made the seat belt holders but other than that what are you going to do. the fans for the cooled/heated seats are plain noisy
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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 02:35 PM
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The Amerigon Climate Controlled Seats (CCS) is the only way to go. The fan technology is way outdated.
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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 04:12 PM
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I can almost imagine a G convert with a rollcate....
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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 04:45 PM
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I wish my G had cool seats
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Old Jun 25, 2009 | 06:57 PM
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I still love the red seats
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Old Jun 26, 2009 | 02:06 AM
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Originally Posted by CHI-TOWN G37
The Amerigon Climate Controlled Seats (CCS) is the only way to go. The fan technology is way outdated.
What do you mean? The G37C, FX, M, and Q all use Amerigon CCS.
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Old Jun 26, 2009 | 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by KAHBOOM
I test drove a black/ stone non-sport 7AT yesterday. Like the coupe, this car looks much better in person than in the pictures- especially with the top down. The black color is the way to go as it hides the seams between the panels. I got a chance to drive one just for kicks. It's not bad- just not my taste though. The rear end is wider than the coupe which gives it a more agressive look than many convertibles in this class. The exhaust note was muted a little compared to the coupe. With a tanabe muffler replacement (if possible)- that would perfect the sound IMO. I was thinking that if they would have kept the exhaust note the same it would have been awesome hearing that with the top down. You can feel the extra weight compared to the coupe a little but it still doesn't feel sloppy or unsporty. The convertible (especially in non sport) is primarily a boulevard cruiser and not do much a GT car however. But when I got back in my car I was zipping around spiritedly because compared to the conv it felt more nimble. This could also be because of the sport steering and suspension however.

The wind noise is very subdued- even at 80 MPH with the top down you could still have a conversation and hear the radio quite well.

The interior materials looked and felt just a little more appealing than the coupe. The washi was swirled a bit differently and looked like a brighter finish. The cool seats worked perfectly. The leather felt a little more supple.

From the outside I was envisioning the car lowered with the headlights and grill in dark chrome, a sport roll bar and some bigger tires/ wheels. It has some potential. I don't think that it is as bad as many think. You have to remove yourself from comparing it to the coupe and look at it just for what it is.

That does not sound bad at all.
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Old Jun 26, 2009 | 04:08 PM
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thanks for the info.
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 12:59 AM
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nice read... thanks for posting.
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Old Jun 27, 2009 | 07:54 PM
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I was at my dealership at 7:30 for service (before floor opening time) and had access to the vehicles on display. I was able to see the convertible upclose. It was the Athens Blue 6MT Sport. I thought when I saw it in person, I would think it was going to be awkward looking. Man was I wrong. I don't like converts, but I must say the G convert does not look bad at all (especially with the top down). The rear looks like the sedan's rear. And the Athens Blue is amazing. Back seats are pretty much useless. Trunk holds 3 small books with the top down. But overall, the car looks very nice upclose and personal. Did I mention that Athens Blue is smoking hot?
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Old Jun 28, 2009 | 01:25 PM
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Originally Posted by davv1215
I was at my dealership at 7:30 for service (before floor opening time) and had access to the vehicles on display. I was able to see the convertible upclose. It was the Athens Blue 6MT Sport. I thought when I saw it in person, I would think it was going to be awkward looking. Man was I wrong. I don't like converts, but I must say the G convert does not look bad at all (especially with the top down). The rear looks like the sedan's rear. And the Athens Blue is amazing. Back seats are pretty much useless. Trunk holds 3 small books with the top down. But overall, the car looks very nice upclose and personal. Did I mention that Athens Blue is smoking hot?
That sounds awesome! I wish you had pics. Cool!
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Old Jun 28, 2009 | 08:38 PM
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Thanks to everyone's debate on the g vert over the days and months past. Good reading! Was gonna trade in my 08 slate blue MT6. Had a deposit down on a G vert sport black/black w/ all packages, black grill, etc. Found out spoiler was delayed and of the the 43 MT6 verts in or soon to be in USA none will have spoiler (later end of summer). The thought of having that antenna sticking out from the trunk drove me crazy. Bottom line, love my G37 sport, lines are fantastic and paid under 40k (great deal). I can accept new G looks less sporty but vert would set me back 52k. It does look better in person than via pics but just can't justify that much cash, specially since I live in Boston. I read the comments 'bout only old farts or women driving this car. A bit harsh but then realized that I am an old fart so maybe its for me... But only reason to get this now is some yuppie-have-to-have-first-one to impress. I'll wait until spoiler comes out in August or Sept and hopefully keep to my wits and hold on to the the true sports car - G37 MT6. But that open air experience is a thrill. I know Kidcane will keep reminding me that I have a pair between my legs and a real man drives the coupe sport.
I think the g vert is the best hard top on the market. Don't agree with some of the harsh comments but it can't top the sports coupe for a total driving experience. Add about $10k to the mix and the argument is no contest.
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