Well, driving a G already has the douche bag connotation -- especially the coupe in Southern California.

 

[QUOTE=popcornten;2830139] When I see an S I make sure to look in and see if it's an enthusiast or I'll drive up and get close to them. When I see a regular Journey (which is most of what I see) I don't often race up to see who it is because a lot of the time it is that middle-aged woman or some business man - not an enthusiast.


I'm a middle aged (49) businessman who drives an X (no S). I consider myself an enthusiast even though I don't have an S on my trunk. I drive the G (my third) because it's the best car I've found for the money that combines performance, looks and durability.

 

I wanted the "S" b/c I was trading in an M3 and wanted the add'l side support and thigh extenders offered in the "S" seats (standard in the M). The steering wheel paddle shifters are nice as well since using them helps compensate for the 7AT acceleration lag...plus I find the paddles more intuitive to use than the shift gate manual mode b/c pushing down towards you, IMHO, should upshift rather than downshift. I prefer the look of the non "S" grille though. Let's not fool anyone, the "S" is just a "Show" package and doesn't (for who knows what reason) include a stiffer suspension and larger brakes. We all have the "G35/G37" badge on the lids and that's the only thing that matters!

 

Sport package does include a stiffer suspension and larger brakes.

 

And limited slip rear differential, and sport seats, and more aggressive 19'' wheels. I guess that I may be one of those snobby people out there, but I still feel inferior to the "real S" guys that have manual transmissions

 

the AWD "S" does not have the stiffer suspension, larger breaks, nor is it avail in a 6 speed...sorry, should've specified AWD.

 

Does it have the sport seats?

 

Never mind...just read that it does.

 

The sedan has 18" wheels not 19". With regard to the transmission, why do you feel inferior to those of us who have 6MTs. Just enjoy your G37!

 

I enjoy my G every day, but I feel like it is meant to be a manual. I push my car pretty hard and I feel that the car is really spirited, but would be even more fun if it were a manual. I guess that a lot of people would say get over it, but for some reason I cant. I guess that I'm gonna have to get a new one next year...and this time it's gonna have a six speed

 

I always thought the non-S models were bought by the dealerships as loaner cars while you are having your ride serviced.

 

Since I just picked up my non-sports Journey on Saturday, I haven't had a chance to get any S-nobbery but even my boss who drives an M5 is impressed with how well it looks stock. For a daily driver on highways and roads here in Houston, I didn't feel the need to spend extra on sport package (same for Nav/Tech), especially given sport seats (I'm 6'3").

Just wish the car came with better OEM tires (tried to get 18" tire & wheel package, but couldn't find it). It's cool to see so many people roll on 19s and 20s, but for practicality, I will probably upgrade to non-staggered 18" UHP all-season set-up at a later date, so they can be rotated and all that.

P.S. Funny aside, G37 costs about the same as a 3-series BMW in Europe - 60K+ in USD according to my family over there.

 

Probably due to tariffs to protect the European manufacturer.

 

The "S" stands for
Sick=Front Bumper
Sick=Seats
Sick=Brake Calipers
Sick=19" wheels