Matchbox 2010 Infiniti G37 Coupe

Matchbox has been recently bringing back castings that only seen a few variations before being turned away for some wacky vehicle designs.  The Cadillac CTS coupe was one example, and now its the Infiniti G37 Coupe, a casting that was released in 2011 in light blue and that was it, until now as 2016 returned the G37 in silver and it still looks fantastic.

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The Infiniti G-series was a revolution for the high-end Nissan brand to fight off German rivals, especially the famed 3-series line.  The first model the G35 sedan arrived in the US in 2003 based on the Nissan Skyline sedan in Japan.  Following the sedan was the coupe in 2004, basically a 350Z with two more rear seats.  In 2010 after the sedan was redesigned in 2007 the coupe got its attention with sharper styling and a much-improved interior.  Based on a show car in 2005 the styling flowed more gracefully while still retaining the familiar G35 look.  The interior still seats four and now has better quality materials than the hard plastic dash of the previous generation.  The engine was upgraded, like the Z coupe, with the 3.5 now 3.7L DOHC V6 producing 328 hp and 269 Ib-ft of torque through a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.  The G-series line was renamed Q40/60 in 2015 with the new coupe finally appearing in 2017.  While new, the Q-series lacks the fun performance factor of the previous-generation G35's.

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When this casting came out in 2011 it was nicely done, but with the Hot Wheels version appearing months earlier it seems a bit late to the party.  Now in 2016 it has no competition to play with (its been a few years since the Hot Wheels version was last used) it looks even better than in 2011.  The front has detailed L-shaped headlights with chrome Infiniti grille and badge, while the lower bumper has rounded grille and side scoops.  The side beltline lacks any coke-bottle curves yet still looks great, while the rear has detailed LED round taillights with Infiniti badge, G37 S badge, rear trunklid spoiler that is smoothly integrated, dual exhaust, and either Infiniti or G37 rear plates.  Also note the gray paint is so thin that it looks gorgeous and shows off more style in the bodylines, especially the visible mesh grille design in the lower bumper.

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The base shows off the exhaust and rear suspension layout in typical format.  Inside there's a sunroof to show off the four-seat interior (though the rear seat is best left for small kids or luggage in addition to the small trunk) with three-spoke steering wheel, dual pod gauges, center controls with analog clock and navigation screen, smooth dash surface, and center console with shifter.  Even the rearview mirror on the windshield is visible.  It's a fantastic car that, like the CTS coupe, still looks good today, and the new gray color looks great on this casting.  Let's hope Matchbox sees more use out of the G35 coupe casting in the future!

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