Neil (Bobgoat) and I have been talking over PM...
Seems like my experience at my Infiniti dealer was not isolated.. these G37 coupes are in high demand, they're not budging from MSRP.
Yikes.
You may want to check out the Pontiac G8 GT...$30K fully loaded with 361 hp, 385 torque, rear limited-slip differential, rear wheel drive, 6-speed auto. See:
http://www.edmunds.com/il/pontiac/g8/index.html. Yes, i know that it's a domestic car, but it also means that you can get a good deal on it. And it has 4-doors which is a major plus if you guys get married! With these performance figures, it should be able to hand the G37's ass on a platter...at least in the straight line.
Or if you GF wants something cool, then consider the new Mitsu EVO X...300HP, superduper AWD system (handling & safety), and badass sequential superfast transmission (thus, ANYONE can drive it!). It will run circles around any car not named Porsche Carrrera S4...all for only $35K. And it has 4-doors.
Can i give a my viewpoint on this topic?? Sports car grow old very quickly. Within 6 months to 1 year, there will be something else that is quicker, better, and cheaper. I used to have a BMW M3 and got tired of it because everywhere i looked, there was something better. If your GF wants something that is different and won't grow old quick, then i would consider a few vehicles:
1. 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara or Rubicon (don't knock it until you get in and drive one...it is a lot more civilized than in the past, good resale value, and just plain fun for a young person/couple.)
2. Toyota FJ Cruiser...same as above, but with Toyota quality.
3. Mazda Miata...it's a classic and there is just not many worthy competition out there...Pontiac and Saturn are too crude.
4. Toyota Prius...for you greenies and traffic hogs...again, it's so damn unique that it stands by itself (in a good way).
5. Mercedes E320 CDI...expensive ($55K), but it's like getting a nice V6 performance (0-60 6.8 sec) with a 4-cyl fuel economy (23 city/34 highway)...it's a fancy diesel so the engine should last a long time. Mercedes has cornered the market in highend diesel engines. It's just a unique car that is unmatched with it's strong performance and excellent highway fuel economy. Unlike a hybrid, you don't get any compromise in the trunk and durability is not an issue.
6. Mitsu EVO X...see above.
Just a few suggestions...of course, i am living vicariously thru you guys...i love cars!
