Nissan officials unveiled a new version of their G car at the New York auto show, showing a sleek model with larger, more powerful V6 and a new name.

Due in dealerships in August, the 2008 G37 Coupe will replace the 2007 G35 Coupe, which has a starting retail price of $33,450. The new coupe follows the second-generation version of the G sedan, which debuted as a 2007 model with new, sleeker styling than its predecessor and 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6.

But the rear-wheel-drive coupe gets a new version of its V6 engine in addition to its new look. The 3.7-liter V6 is based on Nissan’s award-winning 3.5-liter V6 but has a larger displacement and adds VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift).

The result is an engine that will generate 330 horsepower, up from the maximum 293 horses in the current two-door G car. Nissan officials say the new engine, with 270 lb-ft of torque, also should be cleaner — with a 40 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions — and provide a 10 percent fuel economy improvement over the old powerplant. Premium is the recommended fuel for the G37 Coupe.

As before, the coupe will be available with 5-speed automatic transmission and 6-speed manual. Three trim levels with be offered, but final pricing won’t be announced until closer to the car’s introduction.

Note that the G37 doesn’t only get new sheet metal. It rides on larger wheels than its predecessor. For the first time, the G37 comes with 18- and 19-inch wheels from the factory in Japan. In contrast, the 2007 G35 Coupe is offered with 17- and 18-inchers.

Infiniti EX Sport Utility Concept

Infiniti also showed a new, slightly smaller crossover sport-utility vehicle concept called the EX Concept. It’s a thinly disguised version of a 2008 Infiniti EX crossover that the luxury brand will add to its lineup late in calendar 2007.

Jan Thompson, vice president for marketing at the automaker, said the EX will slot under the current Infiniti FX SUV, which has a starting retail price of $39,300 with V6 and nearly $50,000 with V8.

The 5-passenger EX will be powered by a V6, offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive versions and is expected to compete with the BMW X3 and Lexus RX 350.

Mark Igo, Infiniti general manager, called the EX a “right-sized SUV” for design-conscious buyers. Among the eye-catching features on the EX is a nearly V-shaped glass roof insert that uses liquid crystals that change from translucent to transparent.

When it arrives in showrooms, the EX also will be the first vehicle in the U.S. with an advanced lane departure system that not only warns a driver audibly when the vehicle begins to stray out of its lane. It also works to gently bring the vehicle back into its lane by using sensors at certain wheels to activate the brakes.

Bob Yakushi, director of safety and environment at Infiniti’s parent company, Nissan, said the system doesn’t take over for a driver, but tries to bring a possible lane problem to a driver’s attention. The system monitors the steering wheel angle, so it knows when a driver intentionally is changing lanes or making turns.

The EX Concept also features another technology — Around View Monitor. Using strategically placed cameras around the vehicle, this system can display for a driver a view that appears to be from on high, above the vehicle, showing the ground close to the vehicle. It’s designed to help reduce blind spots when parking the vehicle.

Final pricing for the 2008 EX will be announced closer to introduction.